TOXICOLOGY CERTIFYING SCIENTIST

Shift:Monday-Friday - Day Shift (8 hour shifts)

Department: AP Green Laboratory
Compensation:

* Base Pay Range: $59,321.60 - $96,761.60 per year, based on experience

ABOUT THE JOB

MU Health Care is looking for a meticulous, forward-thinking Certifying Scientist in Toxicology who thrives in a fast-paced, high-impact environment. The ideal candidate is not only detail-oriented and technically skilled, but also deeply passionate about accuracy, integrity, and continuous improvement. We're seeking a team player who brings curiosity, leadership, and a commitment to excellence to every aspect of their work-from validating test results to mentoring staff. If you're driven to uphold the highest scientific and ethical standards while helping to shape the future of toxicology testing, you'll find a meaningful and rewarding career here. At MU Health Care, your expertise will make a real difference in clinical and forensic outcomes, and your voice will help lead the way in innovation and quality.

ABOUT MU HEALTH CARE

At MU Health Care, we have an inspired, hard-working and collaborative environment driven by our mission to save and improve lives. We believe anything is possible and rally around solutions. We celebrate innovation and offer opportunities to be a part of something bigger - to have a voice and role in the work that is serving our community and changing the field of medicine.

Our academic health system - the only in mid-Missouri - is home to multiple hospitals, including the region's only Level 1 Trauma Center and region's only Children's Hospital as well as over 90 specialty clinics. Here, you can define your career among our many clinical and nonclinical positions - with growth, opportunity and support every step of the way.

Learn more about MU Health Care.

Learn more about living in mid-Missouri.

EMPLOYEE BENEFITS

* Health, vision and dental insurance coverage starting day one

* Generous paid leave and paid time off, including nine holidays

* Multiple retirement options, including 100% matching up to 8%and full vesting in three years

* Tuition assistance for employees (75%) and immediate family members (50%)

* Discounts on cell phone plans, rental cars, gyms, hotels and more

* See a comprehensive list of benefitshere.

DETAILED JOB DESCRIPTION

Review and verify test results of all initial screening and confirmation data for clinical and forensic drug testing, ensuring they meet quality standards and validate the accuracy of results.

Responsible for the formulation and implementation of methods and policies regarding clinical and forensic laboratory services in compliance with applicable certification programs.

Responsible for performing highly specialized or complex procedures in the laboratory.

Assist in supervising the day-to-day operations of the laboratory, including instruction of technical support personnel performing a variety of standard and specialized toxicology tests. Assist in the instruction and advising of staff on changes in policies, procedures, and/or working standards. Train, evaluate, and counsel staff in the laboratory. Instruct and supervise students rotating through the laboratory.

Develop and implement new/revised screening and confirmation assays for the detection of drugs in biological fluids.

Review and verify Chain of Custody documents received from outside organizations and those produced during the analytical process to assess the legal defensibility of the specimen received for drug testing.

Troubleshoot and maintain hardware and software associated with mass spectrometry instrumentation including performing required assay validation procedures in compliance with accrediting agencies.

Collaborate with the laboratory supervisor and/or the Quality Assurance Program manager to implement and monitor, as well as monitor for trends and provide remedial actions.

May design and develop scientific and technical education materials on drug testing and present them to staff as in-service training as required by the NLCP and other accrediting agencies.

Troubleshoot and maintain routine laboratory instrumentation and equipment.

Comply with all appropriate regulatory and accreditation requirements applicable to the laboratory.

Perform related work as assigned by laboratory administration/section director.

May complete unit/department-specific duties and expectations as outlined in department documents.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

Bachelor's degree in chemical or biological sciences, medical technology, or an equivalent combination of education and experience from which comparable knowledge, skills, and abilities can be acquired.

Two (2) years of experience on analysis of biological specimens for drugs of abuse.

Experience in reviewing and reporting clinical test results by GC/LC - MS, maintenance of chain of custody, and remedial action responses.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

Eligible to meet the educational and experience requirements set forth for HHS-certified laboratories in the Mandatory Guidelines for Federal Workplace Drug Testing Programs for the position classifications of "certifying scientist'.

Specialized knowledge and experience with mass spectrometry instrumentation (hardware and software) associated with the forensic analysis of drugs in biological fluids.

Experience in conducting research on the toxicology of drugs of abuse and their analysis in biological fluids.

Experience in analytical forensic toxicology and forensic applications of analytical toxicology; e.g., publications, court testimony, research concerning analytical toxicology of drugs of abuse, or other factors that qualify an individual as an expert witness in forensic toxicology.

Certification by the American Board of Clinical Chemistry in Toxicology or the American Board of Forensic Toxicology.

Additional license/certification requirements as determined by the hiring department.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met with or without reasonable accommodation. The performance of these physical demands is an essential function of the job. The employee may be required ambulate, remain in a stationary position and position self to reach and/or move objects above the shoulders and below the knees. The employee may be required to move objects up to 10 lbs.

The University of Missouri is an Equal Opportunity Employer.