Toxicology PostDoc Fellow
Harris County
Houston, TX 77054
Description
Position Description
About Harris County Institute of Forensic Sciences:
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 Toxicology PostDoc Fellow (PostDoc Fellow 2) Overview:
The Toxicology PostDoctoral Fellow (PostDoc Fellow 2) will be trained in the development and validation of analytical procedures to current forensic quality assurance standards, and exposed to toxicology testing methods, result interpretation, quality management systems, and expert witness testimony.
Duties & Responsibilities:
- Method development and validation laboratory duties: Optimizes and validates new or existing toxicological analyses using ELISA, CO-oximetry, chemistries, headspace GC/FID, GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, LC/MS/MS and/or LC/TOF MS instrumentation
- Critically evaluates instrumental data; ensures test results meet minimum performance criteria
- Laboratory support: Prepares test reagents and maintains supplies for method development and validation activities; performs laboratory upkeep duties
- Training: Learns aspects of an accredited forensic toxicology laboratory, including laboratory operations, quality assurance, toxicological interpretation, courtroom testimony
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Other duties as assigned.
- This Job Description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this position.
- Management may, at its discretion, assign, or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time.
Harris County is an Equal Opportunity Employer
https://hrrm.harriscountytx.gov/Pages/EqualEmploymentOpportunityPlan.aspx
If you need special services or accommodations, please call (713) 274-5445 or email ADACoordinator@bmd.hctx.net.
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:- Ph.D. in Toxicology, Pharmacology, Chemistry, or a related physical science
- Successful completion of a minimum of twenty (20) semester (or equivalent) hours of undergraduate or graduate coursework in Biochemistry, Chemistry, and/or Pharmacology
- Two (2) years of hands-on, research experience in toxicology, pharmacology, chemistry or a related physical science
- Strong publication record
- Maintain a valid Texas Driver's License and ability to safely operate a motor vehicle
- 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
- Strong written and oral communication skills.
- Ability to multi-task and adjust priorities as needed.
- 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.
General Information
Position Type, and Typical Hours of Work:
- Full time | Regular | Exempt
- Weekends and evening shifts may be necessary
- Must be available to work during severe weather events or other emergencies if necessary
- 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
Physical Demands:
- 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
Work Location:
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Harris County Institute of Forensic Sciences
1861 Old Spanish Trail
Houston, TX 77054
Reporting Relationship:
- Toxicologist 3 / Method Development Supervisor
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.
HARRIS COUNTY EMPLOYEE BENEFITS
Harris County offers a highly competitive benefits program, featuring a comprehensive group health plan and defined benefit retirement plan.
The following benefits are offered only to Harris County employees in regular (full-time) positions:
Health & Wellness Benefits
- Medical Coverage
- Dental Coverage
- Vision Coverage
- Wellness Plan
- Life Insurance
- Long-Term Disability (LTD) Insurance
- Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
- Healthcare Flexible Spending Account
- Dependent Care Flexible Spending Account
Paid Time Off (PTO)
- Ten (10) days of vacation leave per year (accrual rate increases after 5 years of service)
- Eleven (11) County-observed holidays
- One (1) floating holiday per year
- Paid Parental Leave*
- Sick Leave
Retirement Savings Benefit
- 457 Deferred Compensation Plan
The following benefits are available to Harris County employees in full-time and select part-time positions:
- Professional learning & development opportunities
- Retirement pension (TCDRS defined benefit plan)
- Flexible work schedule*
- METRO RideSponsor Program*
- Participation may vary by County department. The employee benefits plans of Harris County are extended to all eligible participants across various departments with the exception of the Harris County Community Supervision and Corrections Department, for which the cited Health & Wellness Benefits are administered through the State of Texas.
In accordance with the Harris County Personnel Regulations, group health and related benefits are subject to amendment or discontinuance at any time. Harris County Commissioners Court reserves the right to make benefit modifications on the County's behalf as needed.
For plan details, visit the Harris County Benefits & Wellness website:
www.benefitsathctx.com