Drug Chemistry Forensic Chemist 1

Harris County (TX)•Houston, TX

45d•Onsite

About The Position

The Drug Chemistry Forensic Chemist 1 is an entry-level position that receives, inventories, processes, and analyzes forensic drug evidence to identify controlled and non-controlled substances, while maintaining accreditation standards, and is expected to provide expert testimony in court.

Requirements

Bachelor's Degree in Forensic Science, Chemistry, or a related natural science
Must meet the Specific Coursework Requirements for Seized Drugs Analyst outlined in the Texas Administrative Code, Title 37, Part 15, Chapter 651, Subchapter C, Rule 651.207
American Board of Criminalistics (ABC) certification in Drug Analysis required within 1 year of eligibility to sit for the exam
Licensure by the Texas Forensic Science Commission required within 1 year of employment
Maintain a valid Texas Driver's License and maintain ability to safely operate a motor vehicle
One (1) year experience in a forensic laboratory or equivalent
Familiarity with accreditation standards and requirements for forensic laboratories
Strong written and oral communication skills with effective organization and time management skills
Ability to work independently with minimal supervision, prioritizing and handling multiple tasks simultaneously
Basic computer skills, including Microsoft Office
Must pass criminal background check and drug / alcohol screening (prior to and randomly during employment)
As a public servant, this employee is expected to adequately prepare for court testimony in accordance with Department policies and procedures. Subpoenas and court orders related to cases worked by the employee shall be followed, even post-employment. The duty to adequately communicate with attorneys and prepare for testimony, which includes a review of the applicable case records, is still expected post-employment

Nice To Haves

Master's Degree or PhD in Forensic Science, Chemistry or a related natural science
Membership in a professional forensic organization such as American Academy of Forensic Sciences (AAFS) or Southwestern Association of Forensic Scientists (SWAFS)

Responsibilities

Receives, inventories, and processes forensic evidence to identify controlled and non-controlled substances
Prepares written reports that support the analytical findings
Testifies in court explaining analytical procedures performed
Performs and documents routine maintenance, troubleshooting, and minor repair of associated instrumentation
Operates GC-FID, GC-MS, UV-Vis, FTIR, DART-TOF, and GC-IRD instrumentation
Prepares laboratory reagents and controls and maintains supplies in accordance with laboratory procedures
Performs routine laboratory upkeep duties such as cleaning glassware, discarding biohazard trash, organizing laboratory work and storage areas, and maintaining laboratory cleanliness
Develops and validates new test methods and instrumentation
Performs root cause analysis and documentation of corrective and preventative actions
Provides training to staff according to established protocols

Benefits

Medical Coverage
Dental Coverage
Vision Coverage
Wellness Plan
Life Insurance
Long-Term Disability (LTD) Insurance
Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
Healthcare Flexible Spending Account
Dependent Care Flexible Spending Account
Ten (10) days of vacation leave per year (accrual rate increases after 5 years of service)
Eleven (11) County-observed holidays
One (1) floating holiday per year
Paid Parental Leave
Sick Leave
457 Deferred Compensation Plan
Professional learning & development opportunities
Retirement pension (TCDRS defined benefit plan)
Flexible work schedule
METRO RideSponsor Program