Forensic Analyst - Toxicology

Duties:

Specific duties may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Performs routine chemical analysis of human biological specimens using chemical and instrumental methodologies to detect and quantify alcohol in biological matrices and liquid. The analyst is expected to perform alcohol analysis for at least one year before moving on to other toxicological analyses.
• 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 under supervision to troubleshoot analytical issues and to participate in development and validation of analytical methods as needed.
• 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.

Requirements:

MINIMUM EDUCATIONAL REQUIREMENTS

• The position requires a minimum of a bachelor’s degree in Chemistry, Biochemistry, Toxicology, or Forensic Science. Master’s degree in Chemistry, Toxicology, or Forensic Science 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 is required. 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.

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