Supervisor - Seized Drugs (Chemist III)

1. Overview

An overview of the work, briefly summarizing the job, the main purpose, the objectives, and the results expected.

This position will supervise the seized drug testing section within the Forensic Chemistry section of the Maine HETL. Primary responsibilities include: overseeing daily operations, assigning & ensuring cases are completed efficiently and on schedule, communicating with customers to prioritize rush cases and assist with scheduling analysts for court dates, become trained and competent in all methods to assist with performing seized drug testing as needed, participate in proficiency testing, technically & administratively review seized drug cases, testify to results of seized drug cases as needed, train new analysts, participate in annual internal audits, ensuring analysts are engaged in continuing education, and leading validations of new instruments and methods.

1. Knowledge, Skills and Certifications

Specific qualifications needed to perform the job including, necessary licenses, knowledge, skills, education, experience, training, and technical skills.

• At least a Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry, Biology, or Forensic Science with at least six years experience in a forensic laboratory performing controlled substance/chemical analysis


• Previous supervisory experience preferred


• At least 24 semester hours of Chemistry, which includes at least 8 semester hours of Analytical Chemistry


• The ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with a diverse group of internal and external partners


• Previous experience examining evidence in a forensic lab for the presence of controlled substances and testifying in a court of law


• Previous experience signing / issuing final case reports


• Experience working in an ISO 17025 Accredited laboratory


• Experience working with Quality Assurance and Control practices and procedures


• Excellent oral, written, and presentation skills


• Experience performing validations


• Experience using advanced analytical instrumentation, including GC/MS, FTIR and LC-MS/MS


• Knowledge of statistics, sampling and uncertainty calculations preferred


• Computer skills, including Microsoft Office, a LIMS system, and instrumentation software

1. Duties and Deliverable (Outline of specific job duties)

Specific duties required of the resource, as well as any expected deliverables, including necessary travel expectations.

This position will supervise analysts performing complex analytical procedures to determine the presence of suspected controlled substances from evidence submitted by law enforcement. The position will be required to provide guidance and training to analysts and supervise daily operations in the lab.

The position will also be trained to perform the analysis and is expected to interpret and evaluate analytical results for reporting purposes, review and evaluate case contents, to ensure work is scientifically valid and meets all laboratory requirements, and prepare written reports and testify as an expert witness in legal proceedings as needed.

Additionally, the position will assist with maintaining, troubleshooting and repairing specialized instrumentation including GC/MS, FTIR, LC, and LC-QTOF. The position will also assist with validations of new methods and instrumentation, ensure QA tasks including weekly and monthly maintenance on instruments are being performed, ensure inventory of chemicals and standards is being performed, participate in internal audits, and assist with document and procedure review, safety risk evaluations, and scheduling instruments for service.

1. Schedule

Summary of work schedule, including normal working hours, on-call expectations, allowed time off (which is non-billable), ability to work remote.

This job is scheduled for 40 hours per week.  Normal working hours are between 8 am and 5 pm, weekdays.  There is currently no, or limited, ability to work remotely.

1. Other Special Requirements (Malpractice Insurance, etc.)

Candidate must be qualified to handle controlled substances under federal regulations 21 CFR § 1301.76.