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SalaryPosition 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 Serology/DNA Operations Technician Overview:
Under the direction of the Forensic Genetics Director, the employee will perform scientific examination and analysis of biological evidence collected in connection with death and criminal investigations. Testing may include screening for the presence of biological fluids and DNA analysis using PCR/STR based methods. Analyst may be required to testify regarding analysis in a court of law as an expert witness. The employee must follow all established protocols and procedures and may be assigned other tasks as deemed necessary by the Forensic Genetics Director.
- Conduct scientific laboratory examinations and analyses of specimens submitted by forensic pathologists and law enforcement officers from medico-legal and criminal cases.
- May prepare written reports that support the analytical findings and provide testimony as an expert witness in legal proceedings.
- Maintain at least a minimum level of productivity as determined by Forensic Genetics Laboratory Director.
- Participate in training, competency testing, and proficiency testing according to established protocols.
- Successfully complete proficiency testing requirements.
- Operate and maintain laboratory instruments.
- Train new lab employees as delegated by the Forensic Genetics Director.
- Participate in peer review of cases.
- Assist in ensuring the laboratory remains in compliance with the ANAB accreditation standards and the FBI Quality Assurance Standards for Forensic DNA Testing Laboratories.
- Maintain American Board of Criminalistics certification and meet ANAB standards and the FBI Quality Assurance Standards by attending continuing education/training courses, workshops, seminars, conferences and professional meetings.
- Follow rigorously all Safety, Method Manual, and Quality Assurance / Quality Control protocols.
- Trace Evidence DNA Collection Team duties as applicable.
- Other duties as assigned by the Forensic Genetics Director or the Crime Laboratory Director.
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
COMPLETE TRANSCRIPTS REQUIRED WITH THE APPLICATION
Education- Bachelor of Science degree in Biology, Chemistry, Forensic Science or a related field of physical science.
- Successful completion of a minimum of nine (9) semester hours (or equivalent) of coursework in Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology.
- College coursework in the subject areas of statistics and/or population genetics.
- One (1) year of laboratory experience is required
- A graduate-level degree can substitute for the required laboratory experience.
Certification & Licensure:
- American Board of Criminalistics certification is required within two years of hire date.
- Must maintain a valid driver's license and the ability to safely operate a motor vehicle.
Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:
- The job requires work with laboratory chemicals and various biological fluids – potential exposure to blood borne pathogens
- Upon employment, the employee shall take and pass the licensure examination provided by the Texas Forensic Science Commission. Refer to Texas Administrative Code, Title 37, Part 15, Chapter 651, Subchapter C, Rule §651.207 for additional licensure requirements.
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:
- Master of Science degree in Biology, Chemistry, Forensic Science, or a related field of physical science with successful completion of a minimum of nine semester hours (or equivalent) of coursework in Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology.
Experience:
- Experience with evidence screening, DNA extraction, quantification, PCR amplification of STR fragments, and ABI 310 Genetic Analyzer and/or ABI 3100 Genetic Analyzer.
Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:
- Knowledge of forensic DNA principles, laboratory techniques and technology.
- Knowledge of the Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR), Short Tandem Repeat (STR) analysis, and capillary electrophoresis methods.
- Knowledge of biological evidence collection and preservation techniques, rules of evidence, forensic serology, basic human anatomy and physiology, and basic laboratory safety.
- Computer literacy in the use of Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, Access, and PowerPoint) and familiarity with database applications such as JusticeTrax LIMS and CODIS.
- Membership in one or more professional forensic organizations and certification in a related area from the American Board of Criminalistics (ABC).
General Information
Additional Information
- THIS POSITION IS CONDITIONAL UPON PASSING A CRIMINAL BACKGROUND CHECK AND A DRUG SCREENING.
Position Type, and Typical Hours of Work:
- Full-Time | 40 hours per week
- May include night, weekend, or evening shift work
Location:
- Harris County Institute of Forensic Sciences- Forensic Genetics Laboratory - 2450 Holcombe Blvd., Suite 7 Houston, TX 77021
Work Environment:
- Office / laboratory setting
Physical Demands:
- Must be able to lift a minimum of 40 lbs. and sit or stand for long periods.
- Must have visual acuity sufficient to perceive minute differences and details and to withstand the strain of continued close work.
- Must successfully pass a test for colorblindness.
- Must have manual dexterity sufficient to conduct laboratory tasks as determined by the Forensic Genetics Director.
- Must provide a DNA sample to be maintained by the Forensic Genetics Laboratory for quality assurance purposes.
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.
BENEFITS
Harris County offers a competitive benefits program, including comprehensive group health and related benefits plan as well as defined benefit retirement plan.
The following list of benefits is offered only to employees in regular(full-time) positions:
- Medical
- Dental
- Vision
- Wellness
- Life Insurance
- Long-term disability
- Employee Assistance Program
- 10 days of vacation each year for the first five (5) years of service. Accrual rates increase based on years of service.
- 10 county holidays plus one (1) floating holiday
- Professional development opportunities
- Dependent Care Reimbursement Plan
- Healthcare Reimbursement Account
- 457 Deferred Compensation Plan
The following benefits are also available to regular (full-time) employment and may be available to part-time employees:
- Retirement pension (TCDRS)
- Flexible schedules (varies by department)
- Transportation Assistance (Metro RideSponsor Program)
- Flexible schedules (varies by department)
In accordance with the Harris County Personnel Regulations, Group Health and related benefits are subject to amendment or discontinuance at any time. Commissioners Court reserves the right to make benefit modifications on the County's behalf as needed.
For plan details, visit the Harris County benefits website:
https://hrrm.harriscountytx.gov/Pages/Medical.aspx
