State of Maryland

A Toxicologist Post Mortem is the full performance level of work conducting tests to identify toxic substances in biological specimens to assist Medical Examiners in the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner in determining the cause of death. An Assistant Toxicologist, Board Certified may testify in court on any of the work done in the toxicology laboratory at the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner. Employees in this class do not supervise.

Employees receive general supervision from the Chief Toxicologist Post Mortem. Employees in this classification may be required to work evenings and on the weekends. The work is performed in a laboratory setting at the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner. Employees are required to observe infection control precautions in order to prevent contamination and the spread of disease.

Analyzes specimens for alkaline extractable drugs by gas chromatography and confirms positive findings by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry in accordance with the Toxicology Laboratory's Standard Operating Procedures Manual;

Analyzes specimens for acid/neutral drugs by gas chromatography or color test and confirms positive findings by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry or high performance liquid chromatography in accordance with the Laboratory's Standard Operating Procedures Manual;

Analyzes specimens for morphine by radioimmunoassay and confirms positive findings by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry in accordance with the Laboratory's Standard Operating Procedures Manual;

Analyzes specimens for alcohol by gas chromatography and by enzymatic reaction in accordance with the Toxicology Laboratory's Standard Operating Procedures Manual;

Performs specialty testing on case or research specimens under the direction of the Chief Toxicologist;

Testifies in court on any of the work done in the laboratory;

Maintains overall cleanliness of the laboratory area;

Performs other related duties.

Specific educational and experience requirements are set by the agency based on the essential job functions assigned to the position. Employees in this classification are hired by the State Postmortem Examiners Commission in accordance with Section 5-305 of the Health General Article of the Annotated Code of Maryland.

An employee in this classification must be certified as a Forensic Toxicology Specialist by the American Board of Forensic Toxicology. The board may be contacted at P.O. Box 669, Colorado Springs, CO 80901-0669.

A Class Description provides information about the Nature of Work, Examples of Work and General Requirements for a classification in the Management Service or a classification in the Skilled or Professional Service in which all positions have been designated Special Appointments. Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities; Minimum Education and Experience Requirements; Special Requirements; and recruitment and testing procedures are set by the using agency.

Class descriptions broadly define groups of positions used by various State departments and agencies. Position descriptions maintained by the using department or agency specifically address the essential job functions of each position.