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Toxicologist 1

Harris County


Job Location:

Houston, MS - USA

Hourly Salary: USD 19 - 19
Posted: 19 September 2026 (8 hours ago)
Application Deadline: 17 December 2026
Vacancies: 1 Vacancy

Job Summary

Position Description



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.


Vision

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

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

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


Brief Toxicologist 1 Overview:
The Toxicologist 1 is an early-career forensic toxicologist. This position is expected to operate analytical instrumentation critically assess analytical data report test findings and render expert opinions and testimony in court primarily concerning tests performed by the laboratory.


Duties & Responsibilities:

  • Casework analysis and reporting: Performs toxicological analyses including ELISA CO-oximetry chemistries ethanol and volatile quantitation with headspace GC/FID and drug testing with GC/MS GC/MS/MS LC/MS/MS and/or LC/TOF MS instrumentation; critically evaluates instrumental data; reports results supported by analytical findings

  • Technical review of casework: Performs technical review of batch and case data to ensure compliance with laboratory procedures and accreditation standards

  • Laboratory support: Performs sample preparation techniques; receives inventories and stores evidence; prepares test reagents and maintains supplies; performs laboratory upkeep duties

  • Result interpretation and testimony: Evaluates toxicology test results within case context. Testifies to analytical procedures performed; may testify to the effects of alcohol on human performance and behavior



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.

Requirements

MUST UPLOAD COPIES OF TRANSCRIPTS FROM ALL HIGHER INSTITUTIONS ATTENDED



Education:

  • Bachelor of Science degree in chemistry biology toxicology or a closely related field from an accredited university and meet the Toxicology Analyst (General Non-interpretive or Interpretive) coursework requirements outlined in the Texas Administrative Code Title 37 Part 15 Chapter 651 Subchapter C Rule 651.207

  • A minimum of 16 credit hours (or equivalent) of college-level chemistry coursework beyond general chemistry that includes organic chemistry

  • Two three-semester credit hour (or equivalent) courses in college-level analytical chemistry (Analytical Chemistry Chemical Informatics Instrumental Analysis Mass Spectrometry Quantitative Analysis Separation Science Spectroscopic Analysis or similarly named course) or interpretive science (Biochemistry Drug Metabolism Forensic Toxicology Medicinal Chemistry Pharmacology Physiology or Toxicology or similarly named course)

  • Three-semester credit hours (or equivalent) college level statistics

Licensure:

  • Licensure by the Texas Forensic Science Commission within one year of hire; maintained for the duration of employment

  • Certification by the American Board of Forensic Toxicology (ABFT) within three years from date of hire or eligibility whichever is later to be maintained for the duration of employment.

  • Maintain a valid Drivers License and ability to safely operate a motor vehicle

Knowledge Skills & Abilities:

  • Knowledge of the theoretical principles and applications of instrumentation (immunoassay UV-visible spectrophotometry headspace GC/FID GC/MS GC/MS/MS LC/MS/MS and/or LC/TOF MS) and methodologies used to analyze toxicological samples

  • Basic computer skills including Microsoft Office

  • Strong written and oral communication skills; and ability to multi-task and adjust priorities as needed



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 Resumewill not be accepted for qualifications.

Preferences

Education/Experience:

  • A masters or doctoral degree in forensic science chemistry biology toxicology or a closely related field

  • Completed a documented training program in Forensic Toxicology

  • Two (2) years of experience in a clinical or forensic toxicology laboratory

  • Experience with MassHunter data processing software and JusticeTrax LIMS

  • Proficient in Microsoft Word Excel and PowerPoint

Licensure:

  • Certified by the American Board of Forensic Toxicology (ABFT)

  • Licensed by the Texas Forensic Science Commission

General Information

Position Type and Typical Hours of Work:

  • Regular Full-Time

  • 40 hours per week Monday-Friday

  • Weekends and evening shifts may be necessary

  • Must be available to work during severe weather events or other emergencies if necessary

Location Work Environment & Physical Demands:

  • Office / laboratory setting

  • May come in contact with blood and/or blood borne pathogens and will require training in Universal Precautions

  • Possible exposure to dangerous chemicals

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

  • Harris County Institute of Forensic Sciences
    1861 Old Spanish Trail
    Houston TX 77054




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.