Chief Scientist - Forensic Toxicology

Full-time, hybrid position located at 4431 South 2700 West, Taylorsville, Utah, 84129. Background check required.

About The Role

The Chief Forensic Toxicologist provides direction, leadership, and scientific oversight for the Forensic Toxicology Program at the Utah Public Health Laboratory within the Department of Health and Human Services. This role reports to the Laboratory Director and serves as the subject-matter expert for drug metabolism and detection in body fluids, ensuring the program delivers accurate, legally defensible scientific data.

The incumbent supervises program staff, assesses program needs and objectives, establishes goals and priorities, analyzes operational costs and effectiveness, and coordinates assignments, workloads, and performance evaluations. This position may represent the laboratory on interagency committees, task forces, and advisory groups, and engage with law enforcement, legal professionals, the Office of the Medical Examiner, local health departments, and the community. Expert testimony in trials and depositions may be required.

Responsibilities

• Manage and provide direction, leadership, and scientific oversight for the Forensic Toxicology Program.
• Set goals, establish priorities, manage resources, and review project progress and results.
• Provide laboratory consultation in specialized areas of knowledge.
• Develop, coordinate, and implement plans and policies aligned with the laboratory’s mission and strategic objectives.
• Analyze, summarize, and review data; report findings, interpret results, and make recommendations.
• Develop strong internal and external partnerships, serving as a laboratory liaison or subject-matter expert on interagency committees and task forces.
• Monitor program budget, including revenues, expenditures, and projections; prepare and defend budget recommendations.
• Write, review, and negotiate grants, contracts, and agreements.
• Provide expert testimony in court cases and hearings.
• Ensure compliance with federal and state laws, regulations, agency rules, standards, and guidelines.
• Interact with attorneys regarding toxicological findings.
• Supervise personnel, including hiring, workload delegation, training, performance evaluation, and disciplinary actions.

Requirements

• Master’s Degree in Forensic Toxicology or Chemistry (PhD preferred with an emphasis on forensic toxicology).
• Proficiency in advanced and technical scientific instrumentation such as GC/MS, LC/MS/MS, and ELISA.
• Knowledge of accreditation standards of the American Board of Forensic Toxicologists.
• Experience working in or supervising a forensic toxicology laboratory.
• Understanding of laboratory objectives, organization, structure, and mission.
• Ability to manage and lead teams of scientific and public health experts.
• Strong communication skills, both verbal and written, for diverse audiences.
• Ability to recognize trends and issues in public health affecting laboratory services.
• Experience in budget management, performance management, and resource prioritization.
• Ability to read, interpret, and apply laws, regulations, policies, and procedures.
• Experience supervising staff, including hiring, training, evaluations, and disciplinary actions.

Pay

$43.36 - $72.62 hourly.

Benefits

• Work/life balance and supportive work environment.
• Job stability within a well-established organization.
• Opportunities for career growth and leadership development.
• Meaningful work contributing to community and public health.