Employment Opportunity


Trace Evidence Chemist

Harris County Institute of Forensic Sciences, Houston, Texas

Salary: Depends on Qualifications

Final Filing Date: Dec 31, 2026

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.

Duties and Requirements Click to read more

Duties

Duties & Responsibilities:
  • Receives, inventories, and processes forensic gunshot residue and fire debris evidence; prepares written reports that support analytical findings; testifies in court procedures regarding analytical procedures performed
  • Performs and documents routine maintenance, troubleshooting, and minor repair of associated instrumentation.
  • Operates SEM 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

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

Requirements

Education:
  • 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:
  • 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
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
Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:
  • 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 but ONLY information stated on the application will be used for consideration. "See Resume" will not be accepted for qualifications.

Do you have the Education Required? See available on-line and campus-based degree programs now!

How to apply: Apply online

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Posted: April 4, 2026


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