NC Department of Health and Human Services
Forensic Chemist - Toxicology
NC Department of Health and Human Services, Raleigh, North Carolina, United States
About Us
The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) is one of the largest, most complex agencies in the state, and has approximately 17,000 employees. It is responsible for ensuring the health, safety, and well‑being of all North Carolinians, providing human service needs for special populations including individuals who are deaf, blind, developmentally disabled, and mentally ill, and helping poor North Carolinians achieve economic independence.
Agency Department of Health and Human Services
Division Public Health
Job Classification Title Chemist I (NS)
Position Number 65038926
Grade NC14
Description of Work The Forensic Chemist – Toxicology performs complex analytical testing to identify volatiles and drugs in biological specimens for post‑mortem forensic investigations. This position supports the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner by generating accurate toxicology data used to determine cause and manner of death in unattended, accidental, suicidal, or homicidal cases. Work involves operating advanced instrumentation, including mass spectrometry systems, and applying validated methods for drug isolation and quantitation. The role requires independent analysis, data review, and certification of results to ensure compliance with forensic standards. Duties are performed in a highly technical laboratory environment under established protocols.
Key Duties
Conduct routine and non‑routine toxicology analyses on biological specimens using advanced instrumentation such as GC‑MS and LC‑MS/MS
Perform sample preparation techniques including protein precipitation, liquid‑liquid extraction, solid‑phase extraction, and supported liquid extraction
Operate and maintain complex analytical equipment to ensure accuracy and reliability of test results
Review, interpret, and certify analytical data for volatiles and quantitative drug analysis batches
Document all testing procedures and results in accordance with forensic laboratory standards and accreditation requirements
Self‑assign cases from pending analysis lists and prioritize workflow to meet established turnaround times
Collaborate with forensic pathologists by providing toxicology findings that support autopsy conclusions
Troubleshoot instrumentation and analytical issues to maintain continuous laboratory operations
Ensure compliance with safety protocols and quality assurance measures in all laboratory activities
Participate in method development and validation projects to improve analytical capabilities and efficiency
Knowledge, Skills & Abilities / Management Preferences Salary Grade Range: $50,633.00 - $88,607.00
Recruitment Range: $49,158.00 - $50,416.00
Candidates now meet the minimum qualifications of a position if they meet the minimum education and experience listed in the vacancy announcement.
Expert‑level experience operating and troubleshooting advanced analytical instrumentation, including GC‑MS and LC‑MS/MS systems, for forensic toxicology testing
Demonstrated proficiency in applying validated sample preparation techniques such as protein precipitation, liquid‑liquid extraction, solid‑phase extraction, and supported liquid extraction for complex biological matrices
Documented skill in reviewing, interpreting, and certifying toxicology data sets, including quantitative batch analysis for volatiles and drugs, ensuring accuracy and compliance with forensic standards
Proven ability to manage high‑volume case workflows independently, including prioritizing analyses and meeting established turnaround times in an accredited laboratory environment
Experienced preparing detailed technical documentation and reports that clearly communicate analytical findings to forensic pathologists and other stakeholders
Compensation and Benefits The State of North Carolina offers comprehensive benefits, including health insurance options, standard and supplemental retirement plans, the NCFlex program, paid vacation, sick and community service leave, and paid parental leave for eligible employees.
Minimum Education and Experience Bachelor’s degree in chemistry from an appropriately accredited institution and two years of progressive chemistry laboratory experience.
OR an equivalent combination of education and directly related experience.
EEO Statement The State of North Carolina is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer and is dedicated to providing employees with a work environment free from all forms of unlawful employment discrimination, harassment, or retaliation. The state provides reasonable accommodation to employees and applicants with disabilities, pregnancy related conditions, and for religious beliefs, observances, and practices.
Contact Information For questions about this posting, contact Talent Acquisition at
talentacquisition@dhhs.nc.gov . Resumes will not be accepted in lieu of completing this application.
Recruiter Yvette Jones – Email:
talentacquisition@dhhs.nc.gov
#J-18808-Ljbffr
Agency Department of Health and Human Services
Division Public Health
Job Classification Title Chemist I (NS)
Position Number 65038926
Grade NC14
Description of Work The Forensic Chemist – Toxicology performs complex analytical testing to identify volatiles and drugs in biological specimens for post‑mortem forensic investigations. This position supports the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner by generating accurate toxicology data used to determine cause and manner of death in unattended, accidental, suicidal, or homicidal cases. Work involves operating advanced instrumentation, including mass spectrometry systems, and applying validated methods for drug isolation and quantitation. The role requires independent analysis, data review, and certification of results to ensure compliance with forensic standards. Duties are performed in a highly technical laboratory environment under established protocols.
Key Duties
Conduct routine and non‑routine toxicology analyses on biological specimens using advanced instrumentation such as GC‑MS and LC‑MS/MS
Perform sample preparation techniques including protein precipitation, liquid‑liquid extraction, solid‑phase extraction, and supported liquid extraction
Operate and maintain complex analytical equipment to ensure accuracy and reliability of test results
Review, interpret, and certify analytical data for volatiles and quantitative drug analysis batches
Document all testing procedures and results in accordance with forensic laboratory standards and accreditation requirements
Self‑assign cases from pending analysis lists and prioritize workflow to meet established turnaround times
Collaborate with forensic pathologists by providing toxicology findings that support autopsy conclusions
Troubleshoot instrumentation and analytical issues to maintain continuous laboratory operations
Ensure compliance with safety protocols and quality assurance measures in all laboratory activities
Participate in method development and validation projects to improve analytical capabilities and efficiency
Knowledge, Skills & Abilities / Management Preferences Salary Grade Range: $50,633.00 - $88,607.00
Recruitment Range: $49,158.00 - $50,416.00
Candidates now meet the minimum qualifications of a position if they meet the minimum education and experience listed in the vacancy announcement.
Expert‑level experience operating and troubleshooting advanced analytical instrumentation, including GC‑MS and LC‑MS/MS systems, for forensic toxicology testing
Demonstrated proficiency in applying validated sample preparation techniques such as protein precipitation, liquid‑liquid extraction, solid‑phase extraction, and supported liquid extraction for complex biological matrices
Documented skill in reviewing, interpreting, and certifying toxicology data sets, including quantitative batch analysis for volatiles and drugs, ensuring accuracy and compliance with forensic standards
Proven ability to manage high‑volume case workflows independently, including prioritizing analyses and meeting established turnaround times in an accredited laboratory environment
Experienced preparing detailed technical documentation and reports that clearly communicate analytical findings to forensic pathologists and other stakeholders
Compensation and Benefits The State of North Carolina offers comprehensive benefits, including health insurance options, standard and supplemental retirement plans, the NCFlex program, paid vacation, sick and community service leave, and paid parental leave for eligible employees.
Minimum Education and Experience Bachelor’s degree in chemistry from an appropriately accredited institution and two years of progressive chemistry laboratory experience.
OR an equivalent combination of education and directly related experience.
EEO Statement The State of North Carolina is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer and is dedicated to providing employees with a work environment free from all forms of unlawful employment discrimination, harassment, or retaliation. The state provides reasonable accommodation to employees and applicants with disabilities, pregnancy related conditions, and for religious beliefs, observances, and practices.
Contact Information For questions about this posting, contact Talent Acquisition at
talentacquisition@dhhs.nc.gov . Resumes will not be accepted in lieu of completing this application.
Recruiter Yvette Jones – Email:
talentacquisition@dhhs.nc.gov
#J-18808-Ljbffr