Toxicologist 1

Harris County; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

The Harris County Institute of Forensic Sciences in Houston, TX seeks an early-career Toxicologist 1 to operate analytical instrumentation, assess data, report findings, and provide expert testimony in court.

You will perform casework analyses (ELISA, GC/MS, LC/MS/MS), review data for accuracy, prepare reagents, and assist with evidence management while upholding accreditation standards and integrity.

Qualifications

• Bachelor degree in chemistry, biology, toxicology or a closely related field and meet coursework requirements.

Responsibilities

• Perform toxicological analyses (ELISA, CO-oximetry, chemistries, ethanol and volatile quantitation) using GC/FID, GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, LC/MS/MS and LC/TOF MS.
• Critically evaluate instrumental data and report results with analytical support.
• Review batch and case data for compliance with procedures and accreditation standards.
• Testify to analytical procedures and, when applicable, the effects of alcohol on human performance.

Skills

Analytical instrumentation

Data interpretation

Court testimony

Technical writing

Laboratory safety

Education

Bachelor degree in chemistry, biology, toxicology or related field

Master or Doctoral degree in forensic science, chemistry, biology or toxicology

Tools

MassHunter

JusticeTrax LIMS

Job description

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.

Vision

• To provide consistent, quality death investigation and laboratory analysis for the benefit of the entire community.

• To create a technological strongpoint 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 Toxicologist 1 Overview

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.

Duties & Responsibilities

• 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

Equal Opportunity Employer

Harris County is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

https://hrrm.harriscountytx.gov/Pages/EqualEmploymentOpportunityPlan.aspx

If you need special services or accommodations, please call [phone] or email [e-mail].

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.

Upload copies of transcripts

Education

• 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

• 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 vehicle

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Knowledge of the theoretical principles and applications of instrumentation (immunoassay, UV-visible spectrophotometry, headspace GC/FID, GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, LC/MS/MS and/or LC/TOF MS) and methodologies used to analyze toxicological samples

• Basic computer skills including Microsoft Office

• Strong written and oral communication skills; and ability to multi-task and adjust priorities as needed

NOTE

Qualifying education, experience, knowledge and skills must be documented on your job application. You may attach a resume to the application as supporting documentation but ONLY information stated on the application will be used for consideration. “See Resume” will not be accepted for qualifications.

Education/Experience

• A master’s or doctoral degree in forensic science, chemistry, biology, toxicology or a closely related field

• Completed a documented training program in Forensic Toxicology

• Two (2) years of experience in a clinical or forensic toxicology laboratory

• Experience with MassHunter data processing software and JusticeTrax LIMS

• Proficient in Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint

Licensure

• Certified by the American Board of Forensic Toxicology (ABFT)

• Licensed by the Texas Forensic Science Commission

Position Type and Typical Hours of Work

• Regular | Full-Time
• 40 hours per week, Monday-Friday
• Weekends and evening shifts may be necessary
• Must be available to work during severe weather events or other emergencies if necessary

Location, Work Environment & Physical Demands

• Office / laboratory setting
• May come in contact with blood and/or blood borne pathogens and will require training in Universal Precautions
• Possible exposure to dangerous chemicals
• Medium work. Requires physical strength to lift and handle large and heavy items of physical evidence, chemical supplies, and laboratory equipment weighing up to forty (40) pounds in the routine performance of duties
• Harris County Institute of Forensic Sciences 1861 Old Spanish Trail Houston, TX 77054