Research Scientist

We are seeking a highly skilled and experienced Research Scientist - Toxicology to join our team at the Texas Department of Public Safety. As a key member of our research team, you will be responsible for overseeing the development, implementation, and monitoring of research projects in toxicology and forensic science.

• Develop and implement research projects in toxicology and forensic science, including instrument and method validations.
• Collect, compile, and analyze research data to prepare and present reports and research findings.
• Develop and review policies, procedures, and quality assurance practices to ensure the implementation of research findings.
• Determine and review the effectiveness and methodologies of research projects and areas to be assessed.
• Develop and review policies and procedures used in conducting and administering research activities to make existing methods more efficient and/or effective.
• Consult and provide technical advice on research methods and new techniques to determine the validity for use in DPS crime lab casework.
• Formulate and monitor long-range research objectives, programs, and priorities to keep up to date with the forensic community at large.
• Prepare research budget estimates, maintain cost accounting records of project expenditures, and prepare monthly budget reports.
• Analyze and evaluate the impact of legislation, regulations, policies, and standards affecting current research and priorities.
• Participate in internal and external auditing, proficiency and casework activities as required.
• Design and create computer programs or other tools for research applications.
• Attend work regularly and observe approved work hours in accordance with agency leave and attendance policies.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

• 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.
• Minimum of four (4) years' progressively complex work experience as a qualified forensic scientist performing Toxicology analysis in an accredited crime laboratory.
• Direct experience using and validating instrumentation used in DPS Crime Laboratories is required.
• Experience leading, directing, and researching projects and/or planning project work is preferred.

The physical and environmental demands described here are representative of those encountered and/or necessary for the employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job; reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

·Environment: Office, Laboratory;

·Ambulatory skills, e.g. stand, walk, sit;

·Hand-eye coordination and arm/hand/finger dexterity;

·Ability to speak, hear, and exercise visual acuity;

·Ability to transfer weights of up to ten (10) pounds anticipated for this position.

·Driving requirements: Occasional (up to 15%).