Drug Chemistry Lab Technician

Mission

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.
• To create a technological strong point for legal agencies to facilitate justice in criminal and civil proceedings.
• To establish an academic environment for training in the field of Forensic Science.

• Operation and Maintenance of various instrumentation including but not limited to Gas Chromatographs with Flame Ionized Detectors and Gas Chromatographs with Mass Selective Detectors.
• Management of case samples in order to maximize efficient use of instrument time.
• Basic interpretation of data in order to determine proper methods, sufficient mass spectral quality and sufficient quality control measures.
• Basic instrument maintenance including liner, septa and gold seal changes; monitoring air and hydrogen generators.
• Advanced maintenance such as column maintenance and source cleaning.
• Troubleshooting symptoms of instrumentation that would necessitate more complex maintenance from the Drug Chemistry staff, the Instrument Team Leader or outside service vendor.
• Participate in training according to established protocols.
• Assist in ensuring the laboratory remains in compliance with the ANAB accreditation guidelines, especially the maintenance of instrument and sequence logs.
• Follow rigorously all Safety, Method Manual, and Quality Assurance / Quality Control protocols.
• Other duties as assigned by the Director of Drug Chemistry or Senior Director, Crime Lab Service.

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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.

A COPY OF COLLEGE/ UNOFFICIAL TRANSCRIPTS IS REQUIRED AS ATTACHMENT.

OFFICIAL CERTIFIED ORIGINAL WILL BE REQUIRED PRIOR TO ANY JOB OFFER.

• Bachelor of Science degree in Forensic Science, Chemistry, or a related natural science
  • Must meet the Seized Drug Technician coursework requirements outlined in the Texas Administrative Code, Title 37, Part 15, Chapter 651, Subchapter C, Rule §651.207
  • A minimum of sixteen-semester credit hours (or equivalent) in college-level chemistry coursework from an accredited university
  • A three-semester credit hour (or equivalent) college-level statistics course from an accredited university.

• At least one year of experience in the operation and maintenance of Gas Chromatograph and Gas Chromatograph/Mass Spectrometer instruments.

Successful completion of undergraduate laboratory classes such as Analytical Chemistry and Instrumental Analysis using these techniques may be substituted for work experience.

• Licensure by the Texas Forensic Science Commission which must be obtained within six months of hire date; licensure must be maintained for the duration of employment.
• Maintain a valid Texas driver's license and ability to safely operate a motor vehicle.

• The incumbent will go through an initial training program according to established training procedures, which lasts at least 3 months.
• The incumbent is also required to participate in continuing education programs attending a minimum of 8 hours instruction in relevant areas annually. This can be accomplished by attending in‑house seminars or lectures, professional organization meetings, and/or technical training courses.

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.

• Fluency in the use of Microsoft Office applications (especially Word, Excel and PowerPoint) and a LIMS database is strongly preferred.
• Knowledge of Agilent instrumentation and software is strongly desired.

• Full‑Time | 40 hours per week
• Monday – Friday
• Weekends and evening shifts may be necessary

• Office/ laboratory setting
• Possible exposure to dangerous chemicals
• Possible exposure to unpleasant odors and/or loud noises

• Medium work. Requires physical strength to lift and handle large and heavy items and laboratory equipment weighing up to forty (40) pounds occasionally in the performance of duties.

Employment may be contingent on passing a drug screen and meeting other standards.

Due to a high volume of applications positions may close prior to the advertised closing date or at the discretion of the Hiring Department.