Forensic Scientist - Toxicology

The Houston Forensic Science Center is now recruiting a full-time Forensic Analyst in the Toxicology section.  This role offers opportunity for continued professional development and work from home opportunities once review training module is completed.

POSITION SUMMARY

The Toxicology Analyst may independently perform routine to complex chemical analyses of biological specimens in human performance toxicology cases, prepare reports on findings for use in the criminal justice system, and provide court testimony on analytical results. Specific duties may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Performs routine to complex chemical analysis of human biological specimens using chemical and instrumental methodologies to detect and quantify alcohol and drugs in biological matrices and liquid.
• Prepares accurate and precise notes and technical reports.
• Maintains and calibrates scientific instruments and follows quality control measures to ensure instruments meet required performance standards.
• Reviews work of other analysts and conducts administrative and technical review of casework.
• Performs experiments independently to troubleshoot analytical issues and to develop and validate analytical methods as needed.
• Participates in revision of standard operating procedures.
• Trains other Forensic Analysts on analytical procedures and laboratory practice.
• Provides technical assistance to police officers, members of the district attorney’s office, and other members of law enforcement agencies, and the criminal justice community.
• Testifies as an expert witness regarding analytical procedures and the scientific conclusions drawn from analysis.
• Partners with management and other staff to ensure other tasks are completed as assigned.

MINIMUM EDUCATIONAL REQUIREMENTS

• The position requires a minimum of a bachelor’s degree in Chemistry, Biochemistry, Toxicology. Master’s degree is strongly preferred. Certification by the American Board of Forensic Toxicology is preferred. College-level Statistics is required. College coursework should meet the education requirement for the Texas Forensic Science Commission Toxicologist (Interpretive) license as stated in the Texas Administrative Code, Title 37, Part 15, Chapter 651, Subchapter C, Rule §651.207.
• Ability to gain a Forensic Analyst (Toxicologist – Interpretative) license by the Texas Forensic Science Commission will be required upon hire.

MINIMUM EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS

• Minimum of one year of progressive work experience in a toxicology laboratory using advanced equipment and instrumentation for analysis. A Master’s degree may be considered in lieu of experience. Forensic experience is strongly preferred as well proven experience presenting testimony in a court of law as an expert witness.
• Experience in operating liquid chromatography and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry systems is strongly preferred.

 KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS REQUIREMENT

• Working knowledge and experience with a Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS).
• Proven experience with analysis of volatiles and drugs in biological specimens is required.
• Experience in operating gas chromatography/liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry systems is required.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications, specifically Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook, and Microsoft’s cloud-based service, SharePoint.
• Demonstrated ability to work with frequent interruptions and changing priorities.
• Demonstrated ability to establish and maintain effective communications and working relationships with fellow staff members, internal clients, and external clients.
• Working knowledge of principles, practices, and terminology of analytical chemistry as it applies to the field of forensic toxicology.