Toxicology PostDoc Fellow

Harris County; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 70,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

Harris County Institute of Forensic Sciences is seeking a Toxicology PostDoctoral Fellow to develop and validate analytical procedures for forensic toxicology. The role involves exposure to toxicology testing methods, data interpretation, quality management, and courtroom testimony in an accredited laboratory.

The candidate will contribute to method development using ELISA, GC/MS, LC/MS/MS and LC/TOF MS, participate in training, and support standard operations within a professional forensic

Qualifications

• PhD in Toxicology, Pharmacology, Chemistry or related physical science.
• 20+ semester hours of undergrad/graduate coursework in Biochemistry, Chemistry, and/or Pharmacology.
• Two years of hands-on, research experience in toxicology, pharmacology, chemistry or a related physical science.
• Strong publication record.

Responsibilities

• Develops and validates analytical procedures for toxicology analyses using ELISA, CO-oximetry, chemistries, headspace GC/FID, GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, LC/MS/MS and/or LC/TOF MS.
• Critically evaluates instrumental data and ensures test results meet performance criteria.
• Prepares test reagents and maintains supplies for method development and validation activities; performs lab upkeep.
• Learns operations of an accredited forensic toxicology laboratory, including quality assurance, interpretation, and courtroom testimony.
• Assists with other duties as assigned.

Skills

Instrument knowledge

Communication

Multi-tasking

MS Office

Education

PhD in Toxicology/Pharmacology/Chemistry

20+ sem hours Biochemistry/Chemistry/Pharmacology

Tools

GC/MS

LC/MS/MS

LC-TOF MS

ELISA

CO-oximetry

Job description

About Harris County Institute of Forensic Sciences:

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 Toxicology PostDoc Fellow (PostDoc Fellow 2) Overview

The Toxicology PostDoctoral Fellow (PostDoc Fellow 2) will be trained in the development and validation of analytical procedures to current forensic quality assurance standards, and exposed to toxicology testing methods, result interpretation, quality management systems, and expert witness testimony.

Duties & Responsibilities:

• Method development and validation laboratory duties: Optimizes and validates new or existing toxicological analyses using ELISA, CO-oximetry, chemistries, headspace GC/FID, GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, LC/MS/MS and/or LC/TOF MS instrumentation
• Critically evaluates instrumental data; ensures test results meet minimum performance criteria
• Laboratory support: Prepares test reagents and maintains supplies for method development and validation activities; performs laboratory upkeep duties
• Training: Learns aspects of an accredited forensic toxicology laboratory, including laboratory operations, quality assurance, toxicological interpretation, courtroom testimony
• Other duties as assigned.
  1. This Job Description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this position.
  2. Management may, at its discretion, assign, or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time.

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.

MUST UPLOAD COPIES OF TRANSCRIPTS FROM ALL HIGHER INSTITUTIONS ATTENDED

Education:

• Ph.D. in Toxicology, Pharmacology, Chemistry, or a related physical science
• Successful completion of a minimum of twenty (20) semester (or equivalent) hours of undergraduate or graduate coursework in Biochemistry, Chemistry, and/or Pharmacology

Experience:

• Two (2) years of hands-on, research experience in toxicology, pharmacology, chemistry or a related physical science
• Strong publication record

Licensure:

• Maintain a valid Texas 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
• Strong written and oral communication skills.
• Ability to multi-task and adjust priorities as needed.
• Basic computer skills including Microsoft Office.

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.

Position Type, and Typical Hours of Work:

• Full time | Regular | Exempt
• Weekends and evening shifts may be necessary
• Must be available to work during severe weather events or other emergencies if necessary

Work Environment:

• 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

Physical Demands:

• 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

Work Location:

Harris County Institute of Forensic Sciences
1861 Old Spanish Trail
Houston, TX 77054

Reporting Relationship:

• Toxicologist 3 / Method Development Supervisor

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.