Trace Evidence Director

Duties

Duties & Responsibilities:

• Provides daily management of the Trace Evidence Lab by implementing procedures, supervising staff, and providing performance feedback
• Receives, inventories, and processes forensic fire debris and gunshot residue evidence; prepares written reports that support analytical findings; testifies to analytical procedures performed.
• Performs technical review of case work to ensure compliance with laboratory procedures and accreditation standards.
• Testifies in court proceedings regarding analytical procedures performed
• Operates SEM and GC-MS instrumentation; performs and documents routine maintenance, troubleshooting, and minor repairs of associated instrumentation
• Performs safety and quality assurance / quality control duties including serving as a QM liaison; develops and validates new test methods and instrumentation; prepares laboratory reagents; controls and maintains supplies in accordance with laboratory procedures; performs routine laboratory upkeep duties
• Manages the Lab’s budget, requests needed resources, and identifies and applies for potential grant opportunities

 Earn a Degree in Crime Scene Investigation, Forensic Science, or Computer Forensics

Requirements

Education:

• Master’s degree in a chemical, physical, or biological science; chemical engineering; forensic science, or related field 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

Experience:

• At least 3 years’ experience in a forensic laboratory setting with experience in GCMS analysis of fire debris evidence for the presence of ignitable liquid residue
• At least 2 years’ experience supervising others

Certifications/ Licensures:

• Licensure by the Texas Forensic Science Commission required within 1 year of employment
• American Board of Criminalists (ABC) certification required within 3 years of employment
• Maintain a valid Texas Driver’s License and maintain ability to safely operate a motor vehicle

Additional Requirements:

• As a public servant, this position 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
• Must pass criminal background check and drug / alcohol screening (prior to and during employment)

Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities:

• Expertise in the analysis and reporting of fire debris evidence and gunshot residue evidence
• Knowledge of advanced theoretical principles and applications of instrumentation (e.g., UV-visible spectrophotometry, headspace GC/FID, GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, LC/MS/MS and/or LC/TOF MS, FT-IR, DART-TOF/MS) and laboratory methodologies
• Familiarity with the ISO 17025 standard and the ANSI National Accreditation Board (ANAB) forensic testing accreditation program requirements
• Leadership and management skills, strong observation skills, attention to detail
• Strong written and oral communication skills essential for the preparation of written case reports and for court testimony on evidence, analysis results, and drawn conclusions
• Familiarity with safety protocols and hazardous materials handling
• Ability to multi-task and adjust priorities as needed
• Computer skills, including Microsoft Office

Preferences

Education:

• Ph.D. in a chemical, physical, or biological science; chemical engineering; forensic science, or related field from an accredited university

Experience:

• Five (5) years of recent, full-time experience as a fire debris chemist / analyst.
• Currently or previously qualified in SEM analysis of gunshot residue evidence

Additional Preferences:

• Membership in a professional forensic organization such as AAFS or ASTEE

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