Forensics Blog

Do you have experience supporting laboratory operations? Are you systematic, taking pride in the care and control you bring to your work in a high-volume, accredited laboratory environment? As a Forensic Analyst in the Biology Section, you’ll play a key role receiving, logging and returning evidence submitted to the Centre of Forensic Sciences, as well as supporting other aspects of the laboratory’s operations.

The CFS provides scientific laboratory services in support of the administration of justice and public safety programs from the state of the art Forensic Services and Coroners Complex located in Toronto, where this role is based.

The number of positions to be filled in the Biology section has not been identified at this time. This competition will be used to create an eligibility list of qualified candidates to fill upcoming opportunities within the next eighteen months following the closing date of the job ad posting.

Note:
• This role involves regular exposure to accounts of, and physical evidence from, violent crimes and may not be suitable for all people.

What can I expect to do in this role?

Each year, the Centre of Forensic Sciences accepts for testing over 40,000 pieces of forensic evidence. Within a team environment, you will:
•Be responsible for the receipt of forensic evidence items from investigating agencies across Ontario
•Ensure that every case and item has been submitted in accordance with CFS policies and acceptance guideline
•Cross reference incoming and outgoing evidence against appropriate documentation to ensure all information is complete and accurate and that all necessary documentation has been provided
•Upload all items, cases and relevant information into a Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS)
•Ensure proper packaging of evidence and bar coding of all items or outer packaging
•Initiate the chain of custody for all items and maintain for relevant evidence transfers
•Follow documented evidence handling and processing procedures
•Confer with CFS section managers/staff from the appropriate scientific section regarding specific requirements in non-standard cases such as the processing of priority cases
•Advise investigators, coroners, and other law enforcement officials on the protocols, practices and guidelines for the acceptance, collection, handling, storage, submission, disposal and return of evidentiary items.
•Provide laboratory assistance and support services related to evidentiary items, laboratory consumables, and laboratory equipment
•Provide lab support for all sections including reagent and standard preparation, ordering supplies, maintaining supply of clean glassware, document archiving

How do I qualify?

Technical Knowledge and Experience:

You have:
• Ability to understand and follow policies, practices, and procedures relating to the requirements for ensuring identification, security, integrity and continuity of forensic evidence.
• Demonstrated experience in handling and preserving a wide variety of biological and non-biological material in accordance with all appropriate quality assurance and health and safety practices.
• Knowledge of ISO accreditation standards for laboratories.
• Experience receiving, handling, tracking, shipping, storing and disposing of samples
• Ability to independently make decisions on these processes and work with a wide variety of sample types.
• Ability to understand and operate basic laboratory equipment such as balances, pH meters, pipettes, and ability to correctly calculate mathematical formulae required for reagent preparation
• Attention to detail and critical thinking skills to accurately perform these tasks in a high volume, fast paced environment, and excellent record keeping skills to document all aspects of your work

Organizational and Computer Skills:

• You have analytical and reasoning skills to work independently and determine appropriate handling, storage, and disposal of case items
• You are proficient with laboratory information management systems, email, word processing, databases, and spreadsheet software to prepare letters, reports, charts, and spreadsheets
• You have sufficient computer literacy to learn new task-specific computer applications
• You have experience with office administration such as processing invoices, ordering laboratory and office supplies, updating inventory and asset control lists, and maintaining filing systems
•You can operate office equipment such as photocopier, fax, and scanner
• You have demonstrated organizational skills to determine work priorities, effectively manage time and respond to client and CFS staff needs in an environment of changing pressures
• You have demonstrated ability to assess and input a large volume of data while maintaining accuracy and balancing conflicting deadlines

Interpersonal and Communication (oral and written) Skills:

• You have demonstrated written, oral, and interpersonal communication skills to effectively interact with staff, managers and external clients as well as respond to requests while maintaining confidentiality where appropriate
• You have written communication skills to prepare and proofread correspondence and other documents

Quality Assurance & Health and Safety

• You have knowledge of accreditation standards for laboratories and legislative authorities (such as WHMIS, Occupational Health and Safety Act)
• You can identify precautions to be taken in handling biohazards and toxic substances

OPS Commitment to diversity, inclusion, accessibility, and anti- racism:

We are committed to build a workforce that reflects the communities we serve and to promote a diverse, anti-racist, inclusive, accessible, merit-based, respectful and equitable workplace.
We invite all interested individuals to apply and encourage applications from people with disabilities, Indigenous, Black, and racialized individuals, as well as people from a diversity of ethnic and cultural origins, sexual orientations, gender identities and expressions.
Visit the OPS Anti-Racism Policy and the OPS Diversity and Inclusion Blueprint pages to learn more about the OPS commitment to advance racial equity, accessibility, diversity, and inclusion in the public service.
We offer employment accommodation across the recruitment process and all aspects of employment consistent with the requirements of Ontario’s Human Rights Code. Refer to the application instructions below if you require a disability-related accommodation.

**IMPORTANT APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS**

As part of the application process, please provide a written response to the following question below and upload as one document with your cover letter and resume. Kindly write your full name on the response page. Those that do not provide a written response will NOT move onto the screening stage.

Instructions: In 500 words or less, please answer the following question: Forensic Analysts in the Biology section work together in a small team to manage a high volume of work. Please tell us, through the use of examples, how you have worked effectively with others towards a common goal, and what attributes you’ve drawn on to do so.

Remember: The deadline to apply is Monday, January 31, 2022 11:59 pm EST. Late applications will not be accepted.

We thank you for your interest. Only those selected for further screening or an interview will be contacted.