Toxicology Drug Screening Section Forensic Scientist; DOH​/SLD

Posting Details

This posting will be used for ongoing recruitment and may close at any time. Applicant lists may be screened more than once.

$26.57 - $39.86 hourly ($55,273 - $82,909 annually). This position is a Pay Band C7.

This position will perform forensic analysis of biological samples in criminal and death investigations within an American Board of Forensic Toxicology (ANAB) certified laboratory. Forensic Science staff analyze physical evidence related to criminal investigations. They perform tests on body fluids to determine their significance to the investigation and testify as expert witnesses regarding evidence and results. They serve as specialists in an area of expertise in forensic toxicology.

This position will perform testing for the presence of alcohol, drugs, and carbon monoxide in samples collected by law enforcement agencies throughout the state, including the New Mexico Office of the Medical Investigator. Incumbent will prepare legally defensible reports from Liquid Chromatography Mass Spectrometry (LC‑MS), Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA), Gas Chromatography with Flame Ionization Detector (GC‑FID), and computer reports, and provide factual and/or expert testimony in a court of law when needed.

Employees in the Forensic Laboratory may be involved in situations requiring courtroom protocol; employ knowledge regarding rules of evidence; and provide instruction in preservation and storage of physical evidence.

To contribute to the overall safety of the citizens throughout the state of New Mexico.

• Experience with Liquid Chromatography Mass Spectrometry
• Experience with Gas Chromatography with Flame Ionization Detector
• Experience handling biological samples and/or drugs of abuse

For DNA Analysts:
Bachelor’s Degree in Biology, Chemistry, Forensic Science, Biochemistry, Genetics or Molecular Biology, and completion of nine (9) credit hours of coursework in biochemistry, genetics, or population genetics. For Chemists:
Bachelor’s Degree in Chemistry or Biology or Forensic Science with at least twenty (20) credit hours of chemistry coursework. For Latent Print and Firearm Forensic Scientists:
Bachelor’s degree in any discipline, or an Associate’s degree plus two (2) years of additional laboratory experience, or four (4) years of additional laboratory experience can substitute for a Bachelor’s degree.

This position is designated a safety‑sensitive role. Employment is subject to pre‑employment and random testing in accordance with federal and state law. Must possess and maintain a valid New Mexico Driver’s License and a current Defensive Driving Course certificate. In‑state and out‑of‑state travel may be required. Successful completion of HIPAA training is required.

Work is performed in a fully functional laboratory with biological, chemical, physical, and radiological hazards. The incumbent will use safety equipment and follow all safety precautions. Work involves extended standing, repetitive trunk/arm/hand/neck movements with computer usage or assay/methodologies, high‑voltage instrumentation, high‑pressure gas cylinders, and the ability to lift/push up to 50 lbs.

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Agency Contact Information:
Sheila Martinez, Human Resource, (505) 383‑9021, Email. For information on Statutory Requirements for this position, click the Classification Description link on the job advertisement.

This position is not covered by a collective bargaining agreement.