Forensic Scientist, Toxicology

Apply By: Tuesday, August 4, 2026 11:59 pm EDT

$1,655.00 - $2,134.54 Per week
* Indicates the salary listed as per the OPSEU Collective Agreement.

Would you like to be part of a team involved in conducting highly specialized forensic examinations and analyses? Ontario's Centre of Forensic Sciences is one of the most extensive forensic science facilities in North America, with a main laboratory located at the state-of-the-art Forensic Services and Coroners Complex. We are responsible for conducting scientific investigations in cases involving injury or death in unusual circumstances and in crimes against persons or property.

NOTE:
There is a current need to fill 1 permanent vacancy. The results of this competition may be used to form an eligibility list of qualified candidates to potentially fill future permanent and temporary vacancies.

• Acquire expertise in the analysis of biological samples for drugs using instrumentation including Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC/MS), Liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry/mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS), and Quadrupole Time-of-Flight Mass Spectrometry (QTOF-MS)
• Write interpretative reports summarizing complex analytical findings in forensic cases
• Present forensic evidence in court as an expert witness
• Participate in research and development projects and client education
• Mentor and educate junior staff
• Travel for court and client training throughout the Province of Ontario

• You hold an Honours Bachelor of Science degree in majors such as pharmacology, toxicology, chemistry, biochemistry, biology or equivalent.

• You have proven theoretical and practical knowledge of pharmacology, toxicology, biochemistry, biology and analytical chemistry.
• You have demonstrated experience within a scientific laboratory setting including using analytical and general laboratory instrumentation for drug analysis.
• You have knowledge of universal precautions as well as health and safety practices with respect to the handling of post‑mortem and ante‑mortem body tissues and fluids.
• You have quality assurance knowledge to ensure the quality of products and that conclusions are scientifically sound as well as ensure compliance with established laboratory accreditation standards.
• You are proficient with computer software programs for word processing, databases, and laboratory information management.

• You can present complex scientific information to both lay and professional audiences in a concise, understandable, and scientifically accurate manner.
• You are able to work effectively with the forensic community including pathologists, coroners, police, and other stakeholders.
• You can collaborate effectively within a diverse workplace.

• You can produce high quality work in a timely manner in a challenging high throughput work environment.
• You are able to determine priorities when faced with multiple competing responsibilities and accomplish tasks within established time frames.

• You are able to critically review scientific literature to assess scientific validity.
• You have demonstrated problem‑solving skills and judgment in order to prepare scientific research papers for presentation and publication.
• You have experience conducting research projects.

• As part of the application process, please prepare a synopsis of the paper titled:
• J Anal Toxicol. 2021 Sep 28;46(7):719–725. doi: 10.1093/jat/bkab
  106
  Etizolam Blood Concentrations in 191 Forensic Cases in Ontario, Canada (2019–2020)
  Christena Watts and Teri L Martin
• You can access this FREE document by following this link: (Use the "Apply for this Job" box below)./
• Your synopsis must be 150 words or less and written at a level understandable by a person with no scientific background. Include your synopsis with your application and submit as one document (i.e., along with your cover letter and resume). Only applications with a completed synopsis assignment will be considered into the screening process.

If you are excited about this…