Job Description
The Office of Chief Medical Examiner investigates cases of persons who die within New York City from criminal violence, by accident, by suicide, suddenly when in apparent health, when unattended by a physician, in a correctional facility or in any suspicious or unusual manner or where an application is made pursuant to law for a permit to cremate a body of a person.
The core values of CARES guide our work for communities and inform our behavior toward each other and all those we serve.
- Commitment: Dedicated to the mission at all times
- Accountability: Responsible to each other and the community
- Resilience: Adapt in the face of adversity
- Excellence: Achieve and maintain the highest quality
- Service: Innovate to meet evolving needs
Under the broad direction of the Director of the Forensic Toxicology Laboratory the selected candidate will be responsible for performing professional and complex work in analyzing biological tissues and fluids as related to medico-legal investigations. Duties will include but are not limited to:
- Manages a group of analysts involved in performing toxicological analyses of biological specimens and evidentiary materials in connection to medico-legal investigations of deaths in New York City.
- Schedules and conducts training of analysts in new methods and techniques regarding development, implementation and validation of laboratory methods and procedures for improving forensic toxicology analyses.
- Conducts advance research regarding new methods, procedures and techniques of laboratory analysis and scientific medico-legal investigation.
- Identifies and justifies the selection of new laboratory instrumentation, supplies, policies, standards and new laboratory procedures and techniques.
- Oversees the operation and maintenance, including troubleshooting of all laboratory instrumentation.
- Reviews subordinate analytical results and reports; implements and maintains the quality control program within the laboratory.
- Acts as a liaison with agency and governmental agencies, investigators and outside representatives regarding laboratory results and reports.
- Serves as an expert and testifies in court in the field of Forensic Toxicology.
- Monitors technical developments and trends in the forensic toxicology field.
- Other duties as assigned.
In addition to the Minimum Qualification Requirement, all candidates must have one of the following:
a) Four years of experience gained as a Criminalist at Assignment Level I-B, II, III, and/or IV; OR
b) Four additional years of experience in criminalistics or forensic science, for a total of four years of such experience; OR
c) A satisfactory combination of education and experience totaling five years of experience, as described above.
SPECIAL NOTE:
- Selected candidates will be required to provide a DNA sample by swabbing.
- This position has been identified as “essential.” During emergency events, “essential” positions may require 24-hour availability.
WORK AUTHORIZATION:
Authorization to work in the Unites States is required for this position. Office of Chief Medical Examiner does not provide sponsorship for international employees for visa applications, extensions, or status changes, including STEM/OPT visas. Applicants are responsible for ensuring that they meet all qualifying requirements for this position at the time of application.
***Please note that only candidates selected for interviews will be contacted for this position. FINAL APPOINTMENTS ARE SUBJECT TO OFFICE OF MANAGEMENT & BUDGET APPROVAL.***
To Apply:
Please submit resume and cover letter to nyc.gov/ocmecareers Job ID#781442
CRIMINALIST ASSISTANT DIRECTOR - 2184C
Minimum Qualifications
1. A baccalaureate degree from an accredited college, with specialization in criminalistics, forensic science, chemistry, biology, physics, molecular genetics, genetics, biochemistry, molecular biology, entomology, anthropology, ecology or a closely related scientific or engineering field.
Preferred Skills
1. Experience in an accredited forensic toxicology laboratory. 2. Certification by the American Board of Forensic Toxicology. 3. Baccalaureate/Master of Science degree from an accredited college with specialization in toxicology, analytical chemistry, or pharmacology.
Public Service Loan Forgiveness
As a prospective employee of the City of New York, you may be eligible for federal loan forgiveness programs and state repayment assistance programs. For more information, please visit the U.S. Department of Education’s website at https://studentaid.gov/pslf/.
Residency Requirement
New York City Residency is not required for this position
Additional Information
The City of New York is an inclusive equal opportunity employer committed to recruiting and retaining a diverse workforce and providing a work environment that is free from discrimination and harassment based upon any legally protected status or protected characteristic, including but not limited to an individual's sex, race, color, ethnicity, national origin, age, religion, disability, sexual orientation, veteran status, gender identity, or pregnancy.
Job ID
781442
Posted until
2026-07-17
Title code
2184C
Civil service title
CRIMINALIST ASSISTANT DIRECTOR
Title classification
Non-Competitive-5
Business title
Assistant Director of Forensic Toxicology
- Manager
Job level
M1
Number of positions
1
Work location
520 1St Ave., N.Y.
- Health