Toxicologist 1

Salary: Depends on Qualifications
Location : Houston, TX
Job Type: Regular Full-time
Job Number: 17185
Department: Institute of Forensic Sciences
Division: Toxicology
Opening Date: 09/17/2026
Closing Date: 10/31/2026 11:59 PM Central
Max Number of Applicants: 500

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

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 Driver's 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 but ONLY information stated on the application will be used for consideration. "See Resume" will not be accepted for qualifications.
Preferences
Education/Experience:

• A master's 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.

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:
01

Which of the following best describes your highest level of education completed as it relates to this position?Qualifying information must be documented in the Education section of your application.

• High School or GED diploma
• Associate Degree
• Bachelor's Degree
• Master's Degree or higher
• None of the above

02

If you selected a degree in response to the previous question, which of the following disciplines best relates to your degree most relevant to this position?

• Forensic Science
• Chemistry
• Biology
• Toxicology
• Other Related Field
• Non-Related Field
• N/A; No Degree

03

Do you have three - semester credit hours (or equivalent) college level statistics?

• Yes
• No

04

Do you have 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)?

• Yes
• No

05

Do you have a minimum of 16 credit hours (or equivalent) of college-level chemistry coursework beyond general chemistry that includes organic chemistry?

• Yes
• No

06

Have you completed a documented training program in Forensic Toxicology?

• Yes
• No

07

Please describe your educational background including level of education completed, area of study and completed major and minor programs.
08

If you would like the hiring manager to consider an advanced degree in lieu of work experience, please describe how your graduate coursework and/or research experience directly relates to the principal job tasks described in the job posting.(Type N/A if not applicable)
09

Do you have experience with MassHunter data processing software and JusticeTrax LIMS?

• Yes
• No

10

If you selected 'Yes" in regard to the previous question, please describe your professional knowledge and/or experience. NOTE: Please DO NOT use "See Resume" as we do not use resumes for qualifications.(Type N/A if not applicable)
11

Which of the following best describes your verifiable experience in a clinical or forensic toxicology laboratory?(To be considered, qualifying experience must be documented in your application's employment history)

• Less than two (2) years
• Two (2) years or more but less than three (3) years
• Three (3) years or more but less than four (4) years
• Four (4) or more years
• I do not have this experience

12

Please provide details about your verifiable experience in a clinical or forensic toxicology laboratory.*** Do not use "See Resume", as we do not use resumes to assess qualifications.***(To be considered, qualifying experience must be documented in your application's employment history)If you do not have this experience, please type "None" in the space provided.
13

Are you currently certified by the American Board of Forensic Toxicology (ABFT), or are you willing and able to obtain the required certification within three (3) years from your date of hire or eligibility, whichever is later, and maintain the certification for the duration of employment?

• Yes, I currently hold the required ABFT certification.
• I do not currently hold the certification, but I am willing and able to obtain it within the required timeframe.
• I am unable or unwilling to obtain the required ABFT certification within the required timeframe.

14

Are you currently licensed by the Texas Forensic Science Commission, or are you willing and able to obtain the required licensure within one (1) year of your date of hire and maintain the licensure for the duration of employment?

• Yes, I am currently licensed
• Yes, I am willing and able to obtain the required licensure within one year of hire
• I am unable or unwilling to obtain the required licensure within one (1) year of hire.

15

This position requires possession of a valid driver's license and ability to safely operate a motor vehicle upon hire.If hired, will you be able to meet this requirement?If currently licensed, please be sure to include all related details in the Certificates and Licenses section of your application.

• Yes
• No

16

Please provide number, class, state and expiration date of Driver's License.
17

An unofficial copy of your college transcript is required along with your application. (Please scan your transcripts and attach to this application before submitting).

• Yes, I have attached a copy of my complete transcripts.
• No, I have not attached the required transcript. I understand that this may result in disqualification from the employment process.
• N/A (not applicable)

Required Question