Environmental Postdoc Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Salary: Depends on Qualifications
Location : Houston, TX
Job Type: Regular Full-time
Job Number: 16413
Department: Institute of Forensic Sciences
Division: Toxicology
Opening Date: 03/11/2026
Closing Date: 12/31/2026 11:59 PM Central
Max Number of Applicants: 200
Position 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 Toxicology PostDoc Fellow (PostDoc Fellow 2) Overview:
The Toxicology PostDoctoral Fellow (PostDoc Fellow 2) will be trained in the development and validation of analytical procedures to current forensic quality assurance standards, and exposed to toxicology testing methods, result interpretation, quality management systems, and expert witness testimony.
Duties & Responsibilities:

• Method development and validation laboratory duties: Optimizes and validates new or existing toxicological analyses using ELISA, CO-oximetry, chemistries, headspace GC/FID, GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, LC/MS/MS and/or LC/TOF MS instrumentation
• Critically evaluates instrumental data; ensures test results meet minimum performance criteria
• Laboratory support: Prepares test reagents and maintains supplies for method development and validation activities; performs laboratory upkeep duties
• Training: Learns aspects of an accredited forensic toxicology laboratory, including laboratory operations, quality assurance, toxicological interpretation, courtroom testimony
• Other duties as assigned.
  1. This Job Description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this position.
  2. Management may, at its discretion, assign, or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time.

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
MUST UPLOAD COPIES OF TRANSCRIPTS FROM ALL HIGHER INSTITUTIONS ATTENDED
Education:

• Ph.D. in Toxicology, Pharmacology, Chemistry, or a related physical science
• Successful completion of a minimum of twenty (20) semester (or equivalent) hours of undergraduate or graduate coursework in Biochemistry, Chemistry, and/or Pharmacology

Experience:

• Two (2) years of hands-on, research experience in toxicology, pharmacology, chemistry or a related physical science
• Strong publication record

Licensure:

• Maintain a valid Texas 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
• Strong written and oral communication skills.
• Ability to multi-task and adjust priorities as needed.
• Basic computer skills including Microsoft Office.

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.
General Information
Position Type, and Typical Hours of Work:

• Full time | Regular | Exempt
• Weekends and evening shifts may be necessary
• Must be available to work during severe weather events or other emergencies if necessary

Work Environment:

• 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

Physical Demands:

• 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

Work Location:

• Harris County Institute of Forensic Sciences
  1861 Old Spanish Trail
  Houston, TX 77054

Reporting Relationship:

• Toxicologist 3 / Method Development Supervisor

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?

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

02
If you selected a college degree in response to the previous question, which of the following best describes your major?

• Toxicology
• Pharmacology
• Chemistry
• Other Related Physical Science Field
• Unrelated Field
• N/A; No Degree

03
Please describe your educational background (i.e. diploma, degree, certifications, etc.) including the level of education completed, area of study, and completed major and minor programs.
04
Have you successfully completed a minimum of twenty (20) semester (or equivalent) hours of undergraduate or graduate coursework in Biochemistry, Chemistry, and/or Pharmacology?

• Yes
• No

05
Which of the following best describes your verifiable hands-on, research experience in toxicology, pharmacology, chemistry or a related physical science?(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

06
Please provide details about your verifiable hands-on, research experience in toxicology, pharmacology, chemistry or a related physical science.*** Do not use "See Resume", as we do not use resumes to assess qualifications. ***If you do not have this experience, please type "None" in the space provided.(To be considered, qualifying experience must be documented in your application's employment history)
07
Which of the following do you have working knowledge of and/or experience with?(Select all that apply.)

• Immunoassay
• UV-visible spectrophotometry
• Headspace GC/FID
• GC/MS
• GC/MS/MS
• LC/MS/MS
• LC/TOF MS
• None of the above

08
If you made a selection in regard to the previous question, please describe your 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)
09
How would you rate your communication skills, both written and oral?

• High: Confident/Competent
• Medium: Some areas of strength
• Low: Limited skills
• I do not possess this skill

10
Which best describes your publication record?

• I have multiple first author publications.
• I have multiple publications but not as first author.
• I have one first author publication.
• I have one publication but not as first author.
• I have not published.

11
How would you rate your overall proficiency with Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook, and Teams?(Select one)

• Advanced - I can use advanced tools like Macros, complex formulas, or create interactive content
• Intermediate - I can manage charts, databases, embedded content, and generate reports
• Basic - I can use standard formatting, editing, and presentation tools
• Entry-level - I can open, save, and do basic formatting and printing
• No, I am not proficient in these programs

12
This position requires possession of a valid Texas-issued driver's license.Do you meet the above requirement?(Please be sure to include all related details in the Certificates and Licenses section of your application.)

• Yes, I have a Valid Texas Driver's License
• Yes, I have a Valid Driver's License but understand I must obtain a Valid Texas Driver's License prior to start date
• No

Required Question