Forensic Chemistry Training Specialist

Title: Forensic Chemistry Training Specialist
Department: IFS - DFW
Job Type: Regular Full Time
Location: Dallas, TX
Shift: Monday - Friday 7:00 am to 3:30 pm
Company Summary:
NMS Labs has developed an extensive menu of more than 2,500 tests to support clients in forensic, criminalistic, public health and clinical fields. For over 50 years, our clients have relied on NMS Labs for unique testing solutions that demonstrate our company core values of Quality, Integrity, Service, Innovation and Engagement. As we work to increase the company's positive impact on public health and public safety, we are seeking talented professionals to join us for the journey! We invite you to learn more about our company by visiting NMSLabs.com.
Job Summary:
This appointment at NMS Labs reports to the Forensic Continuous Improvement/Technical Manager. The Forensic Chemistry Training Specialist has the responsibility and is held accountable for the development, coordination, and implementation of training for the Drug Chemistry network. This position is responsible for the training of new hires in the Drug Chemistry network as well as providing and supporting training and continuing education for chemistry staff. This individual will work with other Forensic Chemistry Training Specialists (if applicable), Forensic Chemistry Supervisors/Site Supervisors, the Forensic Chemistry Technical Director, Forensic Lab Operations Manager, Forensic Continuous Improvement/Technical Director, and Assistant Lab Director to assure that all training needs are met, and that documentation remains current and compliant with company and regulatory standards. This position also includes the performance of chemical and analytical testing, and the isolation, identification, and quantitation of chemical substances in, but not limited to, forensic casework samples and the administrative and technical review of casework. This person is responsible for specimen processing, test performance, reporting of test results, and the quality assurance and documentation of analytical processes.
Education and Experience:
Required:
• A bachelor's degree plus a minimum of five years of experience or a master's degree plus a minimum of three years of experience or a PhD plus a minimum of one year of experience
o Experience must be related to performing drug chemistry casework.
o Degree must be in a chemical, physical, biological, or forensic science from an accredited university.
o Minimum of 16 semester credit hours in college-level chemistry coursework above General Chemistry
o Coursework and labs in General Chemistry, Organic Chemistry, and Analytical (Instrumental) Chemistry
o Three college-level semester credit hours in Statistics
o Licensed by the Texas Forensic Science Commission within 1 year of hire, as applicable.
• Extensive experience with GC/MS to include use and data interpretation.
Preferred:

• Demonstrated experience as a trainer or functional supervisor in a crime lab or academic setting is strongly preferred.
• Experience performing hemp-marijuana differentiation testing.
• Experience with FTIR
• Experience with quantitative drug analysis

• Major Duties and Responsibilities:

• Develops, coordinates, and implements technical training program(s) for the Drug Chemistry network.
• Conducts training.
• Coordinates training with competent laboratory staff.
• Provides feedback and counseling to trainees on a timely and consistent basis.
• Monitors and evaluates trainees' competency and performance.
• Coordinates oral board and moot court evaluations.
• Manages training documentation.
• Reviews completed training documentation to determine competence and provide authorization for training tasks.
• Identifies new training opportunities in conjunction with other Drug Chemistry Training Specialists, Forensic Chemistry Supervisors/Site Supervisors, the Forensic Chemistry Technical Director, Forensic Lab Operations Manager, Forensic Continuous Improvement/Technical Manager, and Assistant Lab Director.
• Continually improves training and training program(s).
• Monitors, evaluates, and records training activities and program effectiveness.

• Implements and/or coordinates specific training to assist Drug Chemistry staff in maintaining or improving job skills.

• Conducts and participates in training programs/events at off-site locations as needed.
• Travels throughout the Drug Chemistry network as necessary to provide training.
• Identifies and coordinates training from external sources.
• Keeps current with appropriate scientific advances, legislation, and literature as it applies to drug chemistry.
• Performs receiving, log in, data entry, handling/aliquoting, and sampling of forensic samples, as needed.
• Independently performs qualitative analyses of chemical substances utilizing chemical, microscopic, and instrumental methods that may include, but are not limited to, GC/MS, and FTIR.
• Performs administrative and technical case review.
• Maintains the appropriate chain of custody of evidence.
• Performs and maintains appropriate quality assurance and quality control procedures.
• Performs routine maintenance and basic troubleshooting of analytical instrumentation.
• Generates, interprets, reviews, and releases results.
• Prepares documentation for legal proceedings and provides expert testimony when necessary.
• Effectively communicates scientific findings to internal and external clients.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
• Detailed knowledge of analytical procedures including an understanding of terminology, methods, theory, and methods of data interpretation as applied in separation techniques (wet chemistry, gas chromatography) and mass spectrometry.

• Detailed understanding of chemical and instrumental methods, principles, and their significance to forensic applications.
• Detailed understanding of current standard operating procedures, protocols, testing methods, and expectations related to casework analysis and review.
• Working knowledge of current accreditation requirements pertaining to processes and methods.
• Ability to explain and teach complex technical processes and techniques to entry level personnel.
• Ability to work well with others.
• Ability to recognize and adjust training mechanisms for adult learning.
• Remains current in laboratory technology.
• Willingness to learn and maintain a current skill set.
• Ability to quickly learn new skills and techniques.
• Ability to add additional competencies in both analysis and review.
• Ability to read, write, and understand the English language.
• Knowledge of laboratory safety practices.
• Knowledge of regulatory compliance standards.
• Delivers engaging, informative, and well-organized presentations.
• Understands how to communicate difficult/sensitive information tactfully.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to provide regular, timely status updates via email and telephone.
• Strong problem-solving and analytical skills.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook).
• Ability to adapt to changes.
• Demonstrates a high level of integrity, possesses professional demeanor, and maintains confidentiality.
• Strong work ethic.
• Ability to take direction and perform tasks accordingly.
• Proactive and solution oriented.
• Ability to prioritize, designate, and utilize resources.
• Strong organizational and interpersonal skills.

Physical Demands:

• Specific vision abilities (with correction) include color, close, distance, peripheral, depth, and the ability to adjust focus and properly see colors.
• Exposure to intermittent or constant sounds generated by equipment.
• Exposure to fumes, noxious odors, and dust.
• Exposure to biological material and blood-borne pathogens.
• Exposure to toxic or caustic chemicals.
• Proximity to moving parts.
• Lifting objects up to 20 lbs.
• Ability to travel as needed.

Offers of employment are made contingent upon a nationwide background investigation and urine drug screen with results satisfactory to standards of employment at NMS.
We are an equal opportunity employer and will not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of race, creed, sexual orientation, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, marital status, citizenship status, otherwise qualified disability, or protected veteran status (disabled Armed Forces Service medal, recently separated, active duty or campaign badge), domestic violence victim status, arrest record, or predisposing genetic characteristics.