Trace Evidence Chemist

Harris County • Houston, TX

4d • Onsite

About The Position

The Trace Evidence Chemist receives, inventories, processes, analyzes, and reports on forensic trace evidence, primarily gunshot residue and fire debris evidence, and provides expert testimony in court; operates and maintains laboratory instruments; rigorously follows all safety and quality assurance / quality control procedures, and ensures the laboratory remains in compliance with accreditation standards.

Requirements

• Bachelor of Science degree in a physical or natural science from an accredited university
• Must have minimum of 16 semester credit hours (or equivalent) in college-level chemistry coursework above general coursework from an accredited university and 3 semester credit hours (or equivalent) in college-level statistics course
• Licensure by the Texas Forensic Science Commission required within 1 year of employment
• American Board of Criminalistics (ABC) certification required within 3 years of employment
• Maintain a valid Texas Driver’s License and maintain ability to safely operate a motor vehicle
• Must pass criminal background check and drug / alcohol screening (prior to and 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
• Familiarity with accreditation standards and requirements of the ANSI – ASQ National Accreditation Board (ANAB) program ISO 17025
• Familiarity with laboratory safety protocols and hazardous materials handling
• 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

Nice To Haves

• Membership in a professional forensic organization such as American Academy of Forensic Sciences (AAFS) or American Society of Trace Evidence Examiners (ASTEE)
• Experience in testing and analysis of gunshot residue and/or fire debris evidence

Responsibilities

• Receives, inventories, and processes forensic gunshot residue and fire debris evidence; prepares written reports supported by analytical findings; testifies in court procedures regarding analyses performed
• Performs and documents routine maintenance, troubleshooting, and minor repair of associated instrumentation.
• Operates SEM-EDS and GC-MS instrumentation
• Performs safety and quality assurance / quality control duties including serving as a QM liaison; controls and maintains supplies in accordance with laboratory procedures; performs routine laboratory upkeep duties such as discarding biohazard trash, organizing laboratory work and storage areas, and maintaining laboratory cleanliness

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level