Drug Chemistry Forensic Chemist Houston, TX

Drug Chemistry Forensic Chemist 1 job at Harris County, TX. Houston, TX.

Salary: Depends on Qualifications
Location: Houston, TX
Job Type: Regular Full-time
Job Number: 15857
Department: Institute of Forensic Sciences
Division: Drug Chemistry
Opening Date: 11/20/2025
Closing Date: 2/22/2026 11:59 PM Central

The Mission of the Harris County Institute of Forensic Sciences is to provide medical examiner and crime laboratory services of the highest quality in an unbiased manner with uncompromised integrity.

• To provide consistent, quality death investigation and laboratory analysis for the benefit of the entire community.
• To create a technological strong point for legal agencies to facilitate justice in criminal and civil proceedings.
• To establish an academic environment for training in the field of Forensic Science.

Brief Drug Chemistry Forensic Chemist 1 Overview: The Drug Chemistry Forensic Chemist 1 is an entry‑level position that receives, inventories, processes, and analyzes forensic drug evidence to identify controlled and non‑controlled substances, while maintaining accreditation standards, and is expected to provide expert testimony in court.

• Evidence Analysis and Testimony:
  • Receives, inventories, and processes forensic evidence to identify controlled and non‑controlled substances
  • Prepares written reports that support the analytical findings
  • Testifies in court explaining analytical procedures performed
• Instrument Maintenance, Troubleshooting, and Operation:
  • Performs and documents routine maintenance, troubleshooting, and minor repair of associated instrumentation
  • Operates GC‑FID, GC‑MS, UV‑Vis, FTIR, DART‑TOF, and GC‑IRD instrumentation
• Laboratory Support:
  • Prepares laboratory reagents and controls and maintains supplies in accordance with laboratory procedures
  • Performs routine laboratory upkeep duties such as cleaning glassware, discarding biohazard trash, organizing laboratory work and storage areas, and maintaining laboratory cleanliness
• Develops and validates new test methods and instrumentation
• Performs root cause analysis and documentation of corrective and preventative actions
• Provides training to staff according to established protocols

Education:

• Bachelor's Degree in Forensic Science, Chemistry, or a related natural science
• Must meet the Specific Coursework Requirements for Seized Drugs Analyst outlined in the Texas Administrative Code, Title 37, Part 15, Chapter 651, Subchapter C, Rule 651.207

Certifications / Licenses Requirements:

• American Board of Criminalistics (ABC) certification in Drug Analysis required within 1 year of eligibility to sit for the exam
• Licensure by the Texas Forensic Science Commission required within 1 year of employment
• Maintain a valid Texas Driver's License and maintain ability to safely operate a motor vehicle

Experience:

• One (1) year experience in a forensic laboratory or equivalent

Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities:

• Familiarity with accreditation standards and requirements for forensic laboratories
• Strong written and oral communication skills with effective organization and time management skills
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision, prioritizing and handling multiple tasks simultaneously
• Basic computer skills, including Microsoft Office

Additional Requirements:

• Must pass criminal background check and drug/alcohol screening (prior to and randomly during employment)
• As a public servant, this employee is expected to adequately prepare for court testimony in accordance with Department policies and procedures. Subpoenas and court orders related to cases worked by the employee shall be followed, even post‑employment. The duty to adequately communicate with attorneys and prepare for testimony, which includes a review of the applicable case records, is still expected post‑employment

Education:

• Master's Degree or PhD in Forensic Science, Chemistry or a related natural science

Experience:

• Membership in a professional forensic organization such as American Academy of Forensic Sciences (AAFS) or Southwestern Association of Forensic Scientists (SWAFS)

Work Location: Harris County Institute…