Forensic Chemist 2

Duties

• Performs chemical analysis of tablets, powders, liquids and plant material, to identify controlled and non-controlled substances as well as dangerous drugs;
• Prepares written reports that support the analytical findings and provide testimony as an expert witness in legal proceedings;
• Participates in training, competency testing and proficiency testing according to established protocols;
• Operates and maintains laboratory instruments;
• Assists in ensuring the laboratory remains in compliance with the accreditation guidelines;
• Maintains Texas Forensic Science Commission (TFSC) License;
• Maintains American Board of Criminalistics (ABC) certification;
• Meets accreditation criteria by attending continuing education\training courses, workshops, seminars, conferences and professional meetings;
• Follows rigorously all Safety, Method Manual, and Quality Assurance / Quality Control protocols;
• Other duties as assigned by the Drug Chemistry Director or Senior Director of Crime Laboratory Services.

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

Requirements

Education

• Bachelor of Science degree in Forensic Science, Chemistry, or a related natural science and meet the Seized Drug Analyst 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.

Licensure/ Certifications

• Certification in Drug Analysis from the American Board of Criminalistics (ABC) is required within three years of hire and must be maintained for the duration of employment.
• Licensure by the Texas Forensic Science Commission; licensure must be maintained for the duration of employment. The licensure exam will be conducted during the training period.
• Valid Driver's License - A Texas Driver's License must be obtained by start date.

Preferred Education

• Master of Science degree in a science related field, preferably Chemistry.
• Membership in a professional forensic organization such as AAFS or SWAFS is preferred.

Preferred Experience

• Fluency in the use of Microsoft Office applications (especially Word, Excel and PowerPoint) and a LIMS database is strongly preferred.
• Experience with gas chromatography and mass spectrometry is strongly preferred.
• Gas Chromatography, Liquid Chromatography and Infrared Spectroscopy experience is desired.

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