Toxicology PostDoc Fellow

Soft Tox; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

A forensic science institute in Houston, TX, is seeking a Toxicology PostDoctoral Fellow to develop and validate analytical procedures in a forensic setting. Candidates must possess a Ph.D. in Toxicology or a related field and have two years of research experience. Responsibilities include optimizing toxicological analyses and supporting laboratory operations. Strong knowledge of instrumentation and excellent communication skills are essential. This is a full-time position with potential weekend and evening shifts.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. required in Toxicology or related field.
• Two years hands-on research experience in toxicology.
• Valid Texas Driver's License and ability to operate a motor vehicle.

Responsibilities

• Develop and validate toxicological analyses in the lab.
• Evaluate instrumental data for testing.
• Prepare test reagents and maintain lab supplies.

Skills

Knowledge of instrumentation

Strong written and oral communication skills

Ability to multi-task

Basic computer skills including Microsoft Office

Education

Ph.D. in Toxicology, Pharmacology, Chemistry

Tools

GC/MS

LC/MS/MS

ELISA

Job description

Overview

Harris County Institute of Forensic Sciences - Houston, TX

Forensic Toxicology

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.

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
• 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
• Management may, at its discretion, assign, or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time

Harris County is an Equal Opportunity Employer

Position does include standard Equal Employment Opportunity information as applicable.

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.

Qualifications

Must Upload Copies of Transcripts

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.

General Information

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.