Trace Evidence Chemist

About Harris County Institute of Forensic Sciences:

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.

To provide consistent quality death investigation and laboratory analysis for the benefit of the entire community.

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To create a technological strongpoint for legal agencies to facilitate justice in criminal and civil proceedings.

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To establish an academic environment for training in the field of Forensic Science.

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.

• 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

Harris County is an Equal Opportunity Employer

you need special services or accommodations please call or email .

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.

• 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 Drivers License and maintain ability to safely operate a motor vehicle

Additional Requirements:

• 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
  
  

  
  

  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 butONLY information stated on the application will be used for consideration. See Resume will not be accepted for qualifications.

Education/Memberships:

• 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

Position Type Salary and Typical Hours of Work:

• Full time Regular
• 40 hours per week
• Monday Friday in office
• Weekends and evening shifts may be necessary
• Must be available to work during severe weather events or other emergencies if needed

• Office / laboratory setting

• Possible exposure to dangerous chemicals
• May come in contact with blood and/or blood borne pathogens
• Requires physical strength to lift up to 50 pounds in the routine performance of duties