Toxicologist

Mission

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.

The Toxicologist 1 is an early-career forensic toxicologist. This position is expected to operate analytical instrumentation, critically assess analytical data, report test findings, and render expert opinions and testimony in court primarily concerning tests performed by the laboratory.

• Casework analysis and reporting:
  Performs toxicological analyses including ELISA, CO-oximetry, chemistries, ethanol and volatile quantitation with headspace GC/FID, and drug testing with GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, LC/MS/MS and/or LC/TOF MS instrumentation; critically evaluates instrumental data; reports results supported by analytical findings

• Technical review of casework:
  Performs technical review of batch and case data to ensure compliance with laboratory procedures and accreditation standards

• Laboratory support:
  Performs sample preparation techniques; receives, inventories and stores evidence; prepares test reagents and maintains supplies; performs laboratory upkeep duties

• Result interpretation and testimony:
  Evaluates toxicology test results within case context. Testifies to analytical procedures performed; may testify to the effects of alcohol on human performance and behavior

Harris County is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

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This position is subject to a criminal history check. Only relevant convictions will be considered and, even when considered, may not automatically disqualify the candidate.

Employment may be contingent on passing a drug screen and meeting other standards.

Due to a high volume of applications positions may close prior to the advertised closing date or at the discretion of the Hiring Department.

• Bachelor of Science degree in chemistry, biology, toxicology or a closely related field from an accredited university and meet the Toxicology Analyst (General, Non-interpretive or Interpretive) coursework requirements outlined in the Texas Administrative Code, Title 37, Part 15, Chapter 651, Subchapter C, Rule §651.207

• A minimum of 16 credit hours (or equivalent) of college-level chemistry coursework beyond general chemistry that includes organic chemistry

• Two three-semester credit hour (or equivalent) courses in college-level analytical chemistry (Analytical Chemistry, Chemical Informatics, Instrumental Analysis, Mass Spectrometry, Quantitative Analysis, Separation Science, Spectroscopic Analysis, or similarly named course) or interpretive science (Biochemistry, Drug Metabolism, Forensic Toxicology, Medicinal Chemistry, Pharmacology, Physiology, or Toxicology or similarly named course)

• Three-semester credit hours (or equivalent) college level statistics

• Licensure by the Texas Forensic Science Commission within one year of hire; maintained for the duration of employment

• Certification by the American Board of Forensic Toxicology (ABFT) within three years from date of hire or eligibility, whichever is later, to be maintained for the duration of employment.

• Maintain a valid Driver's License and ability to safely operate a motor…