Forensic Toxicologist

Candidates must submit official transcripts with their application. Incomplete applications may be rejected. Resumes do not replace the required job history information.

Applicants must complete the supplemental questions on CAPPS Recruit to be considered for the posting.

Condition of Employment:

• Prior to employment, applicants must provide documentation from a physician of visual acuity. All acuity testing must have occurred within six (6) months of the start date.
• Applicants must be able to obtain a forensic analyst license from the Texas Forensic Science Commission in accordance with the Code of Criminal Procedure Title 1 Chapter 38.01, within one hundred eighty (180) days of starting employment.
• A college-level statistics course is required for licensing. If the applicant has not passed a college-level statistics course, they must be able to take, pass, and provide official transcripts of a college-level statistics course from an accredited university or a program approved by the Forensic Science Commission (FSC), at personal expense, within one hundred eighty (180) days of starting employment.

Forensic Scientist I - Toxicology performs entry-level training on laboratory tests, analyses, classifications, comparisons, and identifications of all types of physical evidence from crime scenes with emphasis and specific recognized expertise in an option or specialty area identified above. Training involves interpreting analytical and instrumental results, and preparing written opinion reports. Trains on testimony as an expert witness in court as to results of analyses. Works under close supervision, with minimal latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment.

1. Trains on receiving and returning evidence items and completing proper forms according to strict transfer procedures to guarantee and maintain the integrity of accepted chain of evidence for each item.
2. May contact various law enforcement officials and others to obtain and/or provide information related to offense to which provided evidence items are relevant.
3. Trains on preparation of preliminary and final reports concerning results of each analysis performed.
4. May serve as an expert witness in court.
5. Attends work regularly and observes approved work hours in accordance with agency leave and attendance policies.
6. Performs other duties as assigned.

Candidates must meet the following requirements:

• Education: Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with a Bachelor's Degree in a chemical, physical, biological science, chemical engineering, or forensic science from an accredited university with a minimum of twenty-four (24) semester hours of chemistry that includes two (2) semesters of General Chemistry with Laboratory, two (2) semesters of Organic Chemistry with Laboratory, one (1) semester of analytical chemistry, and one (1) semester in interpretive science.
• Experience: None for Forensic Scientist I - Toxicology, a minimum of one (1) year of full-time work experience as a Forensic Scientist I or the equivalent experience in an accredited crime laboratory in the same respective forensic discipline for Forensic Scientist II - Toxicology, and a minimum of three (3) years' of work experience as a Forensic Scientist II or the equivalent work experience in an accredited crime laboratory in the same forensic discipline for Forensic Scientist III - Toxicology.
• Licensure and/or Certification: Must possess a valid driver license from the state of residence and a forensic analyst license from the Texas Forensic Science Commission if required by the Code of Criminal Procedure.
• Regulatory Knowledge: Working knowledge of TXDPS, State and Federal regulations, legislation, guidelines, policies, and procedures.
• Forensic Science: Thorough knowledge of principles, techniques, and procedures of related forensic science discipline; of understanding of identification principles; knowledge of safety procedures for handling hazardous chemicals; of proper evidence handling procedures; skill in use of laboratory equipment and materials.