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Forensic Scientist - Toxicology I

Forensic Scientist - Toxicology I

  • JR10008881
  • On Site
  • Madison, Wisconsin
  • Health and Wellness Services
  • Opening at: Feb 25 2026 - 11:00pm CST
  • Closing at: Mar 14 2026 - 11:00pm CDT
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Current Employees: If you are currently employed at any of the Universities of Wisconsin, log in to Workday to apply through the internal application process.

Job Category:

Academic Staff

Employment Type:

Regular

Job Profile:

Forensic Scientist - Tox I

Job Summary:

This is a Forensic Scientist position within the Wisconsin State Laboratory of Hygiene (WSLH), performing duties under the general supervision of the Forensic Toxicology Section Director. This position is focused on forensic toxicology testing in Operating While Intoxicated (OWI) Casework for alcohol and drugs, including analytical, quality assurance, and support activities associated with the WSLH role as an American Board of Forensic Toxicology and ANSI National Accreditation Board accredited laboratory. Travel and courtroom testimony regarding alcohol and drugs and the effects on the human body are also major responsibilities.

Key Job Responsibilities:

  • Employs quality control, quality assurance, and other standard laboratory practices - 10%

  • Prepares and verifies test result data according to established policies and procedures - 10%

  • Prepares and/or conducts routine chemical analyses associated with forensic legal investigations, accreditation, or research - 60%

  • Provides clear, objective case interpretation for court testimony to appropriate entities to relay scientific findings regarding the analysis and effects of alcohol and drugs on human performance and in medicolegal death investigations - 10%

  • Utilizes, maintains, and troubleshoots laboratory instrumentation and information management systems to meet unit objectives in alignment with strategic initiatives - 10%

Department:

Environmental Health Division - Forensic Toxicology

Compensation:

Minimum starting salary is $56,500/year.

Employees in this position can expect to receive benefits such as generous vacation, holidays, and paid time off; competitive insurances and
saving accounts; retirement benefits.

Required Qualifications:

Knowledge of the theory of operation of LCMS, GCMS and QToF instrumentation as well as experience with GC Headspace.

Experience in examining and interpreting analytical data from various types of instrumentation including MSD and HRMS.

An individual with an understanding of quality control and quality assurance principles within a forensic toxicology laboratory is preferred. Extraction of biological specimens for the detection of alcohol and other drugs of abuse. Ability to work as part of a team and demonstrate excellent communication and organizational skills.

Preferred Qualifications:

One year of forensic laboratory experience preferred.
 

Candidates with forensic science experience will receive preference.

Knowledge of general, inorganic, organic and analytical chemistry.
Knowledge of the principles of gas and liquid chromatography and their application to analysis of drugs in biological materials.
Knowledge of enzyme immunoassay theory and instrumentation.
Knowledge of pharmacology and toxicology principles.
Knowledge of analysis of biological specimens for drugs and poisons.
Knowledge of quality control and quality assurance principles and their application to screening and quantitation procedures.
Excellent verbal communication skills are essential to meet the responsibilities of this position.
Effective use of quality principles and tools as well as effective team skills will be important. Exceptional customer service skills and interpersonal skills will be required.

This position regularly requires the individual to work with blood and other clinical sample matrices.

Education:

A Bachelor's Degree in Forensic Science, Chemistry, Biology or other appropriate science field is required.

An official (or copy of an official) transcript showing conferred degree will be required prior to an offer of employment. For degrees earned outside of the United States, proof of qualification equivalency by a nationally recognized organization such as the National Association Credential Evaluation Services, Inc. or the Association of International Credential Evaluators, Inc. is required. The candidate is responsible for all expenses related to acquiring and providing poof of qualifications.

How to Apply:

To begin the application process please click on the "Apply Now" button. You will be asked to upload a current resume/CV and cover letter briefly describing your qualifications relevant to the position.

WSLH does not sponsor work visas at the time of hire or anytime during employment for this position.

All persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and complete the required Employment Eligibility Form I-9.


The selected applicant will be required to pass a criminal background check prior to an offer of employment.

WSLH is recruiting for two positions.

Contact Information:

Please contact Kelsey Bailey, kelsey.bailey@slh.wisc.edu or 608-262-5594 with questions.

Institutional Statement on Diversity:

Diversity is a source of strength, creativity, and innovation for UW-Madison. We value the contributions of each person and respect the profound ways their identity, culture, background, experience, status, abilities, and opinion enrich the university community. We commit ourselves to the pursuit of excellence in teaching, research, outreach, and diversity as inextricably linked goals.

The University of Wisconsin-Madison fulfills its public mission by creating a welcoming and inclusive community for people from every background - people who as students, faculty, and staff serve Wisconsin and the world.

The University of Wisconsin-Madison is an Equal Opportunity Employer. 

Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to, including but not limited to, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, age, pregnancy, disability, or status as a protected veteran and other bases as defined by federal regulations and UW System policies. We promote excellence by acknowledging skills and expertise from all backgrounds and encourage all qualified individuals to apply. For more information regarding applicant and employee rights and to view federal and state required postings, visit the Human Resources Workplace Poster website.

To request a disability or pregnancy-related accommodation for any step in the hiring process (e.g., application, interview, pre-employment testing, etc.), please contact the Divisional Disability Representative (DDR) in the division you are applying to. Please make your request as soon as possible to help the university respond most effectively to you.

Employment may require a criminal background check. It may also require your references to answer questions regarding misconduct, including sexual violence and sexual harassment. 
 
The University of Wisconsin System will not reveal the identities of applicants who request confidentiality in writing, except that the identity of the successful candidate will be released. See Wis. Stat. sec. 19.36(7). 
 
The Annual Security and Fire Safety Report contains current campus safety and disciplinary policies, crime statistics for the previous 3 calendar years, and on-campus student housing fire safety policies and fire statistics for the previous 3 calendar years. UW-Madison will provide a paper copy upon request; please contact the University of Wisconsin Police Department.

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