Associate Chemist

The New Mexico Scientific Laboratories conducts tests for infectious diseases threatening people, livestock and wildlife, as well as for hazardous materials and pollutants in our water, air and milk. The Toxicology Bureau specifically tests for alcohols/volatiles and drugs in DWI/drug-facilitated criminal cases. The Toxicology Bureau also tests for carbon monoxide in some autopsy cases.

Why does the job exist?

This position performs forensic analysis of biological samples in criminal and death investigations within an ANSI (American National Standards Institute) National Accreditation Board (ANAB) certified laboratory. The position performs testing for the presence of drugs and poisons. This position also prepares legally defensible reports from gas chromatography/mass spectrometry and liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry computer reports. This position is also involved in many day-to-day tasks around the Toxicology Bureau to help maintain a smooth workflow.

How does it get done?

• Demonstrated professional experience working in a forensic toxicology laboratory, with a strong background in analytical chemistry principles and practices.
• Hands-on operational experience with analytical instrumentation, including Gas Chromatography (GC), Gas Chromatography/Mass Spectrometry (GC/MS), and Liquid Chromatography/Mass Spectrometry (LC/MS), along with their associated data analysis software.
• Proven track record of conducting routine and complex analytical tests to identify and quantify drugs, poisons, toxins, and their metabolites in biological matrices.
• Skilled in compounding chemical solutions, reagents, and drug reference standards with high precision and accuracy following strict laboratory protocols.

Who are the customers?

The Toxicology Bureau analyzes casework submitted by law enforcement agencies throughout New Mexico and the Office of the Medical Investigator. Our customers are the citizens of the State of New Mexico.

Ideal Candidate

The ideal candidate is a skilled chemist with a hands-on background in a forensic toxicology laboratory setting. They possess demonstrated technical expertise in conducting drug and poison screening/confirmation analyses using advanced instrumentation, specifically Gas Chromatography (GC), Gas Chromatography Mass Spectrometry (GC/MS), and Liquid Chromatography Mass Spectrometry (LC/MS), along with associated data processing software. Additionally, the candidate excels in routine laboratory preparation tasks, including accurately preparing chemical solutions, reagents, and drug standards in accordance with quality assurance standards.

Bachelor's degree in Chemistry or closely related field. Any combination of education from an accredited college or university in a related field and/or direct experience in this occupation totaling four (4) years may substitute for the required education.

Employment Requirements

Applicants must possess and maintain a valid Driver's License and obtain a State of New Mexico Defensive Driving Certificate within sixty (60) days of hire (if not currently certified). This is a designated Safety-Sensitive position; final candidates are subject to a pre-employment drug screening, and employees are subject to ongoing random drug testing.

Working Conditions

Work is performed in a fully functional laboratory with potential exposure to hazardous solvents, acids, bases, and chemical/biological agents. Incumbent may be exposed to mechanical hazards due to extended standing and repetitive trunk, arm, hand & neck movements. These mechanical hazards result from extended computer use and extended performance of assays/methodologies. The position involves using high voltage electronic instrumentation and high-pressure gas cylinders. In addition, the position requires the ability to lift and/or push 50 lbs. Strict adherence to safety policy is mandatory and incumbent should be aware of exposure to odors, background noise, unknown compounds in samples, broken glassware, hot surfaces, and biological pathogens.

Bargaining Unit Position

This position is covered by a collective bargaining agreement and all terms/conditions of that agreement apply and must be adhered to.