DPS - CLD - Research Specialist, Toxicology - 0608

GENERAL DESCRIPTION

Perform highly advanced (senior-level) technical work for the Seized Drugs (SD), Toxicology (Tox), or Biology (DNA) Programs.

Work includes overseeing development, implementation, and monitoring of research projects in technical forensic programs for the Division as well as laboratory locations.

Work may include other special projects. May supervise the work of others. Works under minimal supervision, with extensive latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment.

The following Military Occupational Specialty codes are generally applicable to this position.

Applicants must fully complete the summary of experience to determine if minimum qualifications are met.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES / RESPONSIBILITIES :

1.Oversees / participates in the development, implementation, and monitoring of specialized research projects, including instrument and method validations.

Coordinates validation team to perform experiments during validation.

2.Collect, compile, and analyze research data in the preparation and presentation of reports and research findings.

3.Develop and review policies, procedures, and quality assurance practices to ensure the implementation of research findings.

4.Determine and review the effectiveness and methodologies of research projects and areas to be assessed.

5.Develop and review policies and procedures used in conducting and administering research activities to make existing methods more efficient and / or effective.

6.Consult and provide technical advice on research methods and new techniques to determine the validity for use in DPS crime lab casework.

7.Formulate and monitor long-range research objectives, programs, and priorities to keep up to date with the forensic community at large.

8.Prepare research budget estimates, maintain cost accounting records of project expenditures, and prepare monthly budget reports.

9.Analyze and evaluate the impact of legislation, regulations, policies, and standards affecting current research and priorities.

10.Participate in internal and external auditing, proficiency and casework activities as required.

11.Design and create computer programs or other tools for research applications.

12.Attend work regularly and observe approved work hours in accordance with agency leave and attendance policies.

13.Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

GENERAL QUALIFICATIONS and 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 AND the following coursework : two (2) semesters of General Chemistry with Laboratory, two (2) semesters of Organic Chemistry with Laboratory, one (1) semester of analytical chemistry (examples Analytical Chemistry, Chemical Informatics, Mass Spectrometry, Quantitative Analysis, Separation Science, or Spectroscopic Science), and one (1) semester in interpretive science (examples - Biochemistry, Drug Metabolism, Forensic Toxicology, Medicinal Chemistry, Pharmacology, Physiology, or Toxicology).

Forensic science programs must be either FEPAC-accredited OR meet the minimum curriculum requirements pertaining to natural science core courses and specialized science courses set forth in the FEPAC Accreditation Standards.

Substitution Note : A Forensic Analyst license may be substituted for the education requirements.

Experience 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.

Substitution Note : Additional work experience of the type described or other related education may be substituted for one another on a year-for-year basis.

Licensure and / or Certification If driving is required, must possess a valid driver license from state of residence. Must be able to obtain forensic analyst license from Texas Forensic Science Commission in accordance with the Code of Criminal Procedure.

Regulatory knowledge Working knowledge of, or the ability to rapidly assimilate information related to TXDPS, State and Federal regulations, legislation, guidelines, policies, and procedures.

Supervisory / Managerial / Leadership skills Knowledge of management / supervisory methods and principles, performance / productivity standards, and fiscal / budget management obtained through documented prior Supervisory / Managerial / Lead roles as applicable to the classification level.

Ability to develop plans, policies, and procedures for efficient workflow and overall effectiveness. Ability to provide clear direction to others, promote teamwork and motivate others to accomplish goals.

Technology Proficiency with Microsoft Office and appropriate levels of proficiency with utilized software and systems (e.

g. CAPPS, SharePoint) and be able to learn new software / systems.

Interpersonal Skills Must demonstrate an ability to exercise poise, tact, diplomacy, and an ability to establish and maintain positive, working / professional relationships with internal / external customers.

Must demonstrate DPS’ core values : Integrity, Excellence, Accountability, and Teamwork.

Organizational and Prioritization Skills Must be organized, flexible, and able to effectively prioritize in a multi-demand and constantly changing environment;

able to meet multiple and sometimes conflicting deadlines without sacrificing accuracy, timeliness, or professionalism.

Presentation / Communication Skills Must be able to construct and deliver clear, concise, and professional presentations and / or communications to a variety of audiences and / or individuals.

Research and Comprehension Must demonstrate ability to access relevant information and be able to utilize and / or present research and conclusions in a clear and concise manner quickly and efficiently.

Analytical Reasoning / Attention to Detail Must demonstrate an ability to examine data / information, discern variations / similarities, and be able to identify trends, relationships, and causal factors, as well as grasp issues, draw accurate conclusions, and solve problems.

Confidentiality and Protected Information Must demonstrate an ability to responsibly handle sensitive and confidential information and situations and adhere to applicable laws / statutes / policies related to access, maintenance, and dissemination of information.

Safety Must be able to work in safe manner at all times, avoiding shortcuts that have potential adverse results / risks, and must be able to comply with safety standards and best practices.

Schedule and / or Remote / Telecommuting work and / or Travel Availability for after-hours and overnight, may be required as needed.

Telecommuting up to 2 days per week. Travel statewide as needed.

PHYSICAL and / or ENVIRONMENTAL DEMANDS :

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%).

State of Texas Benefits and Retirement Information :

A DPS employee who is selected for a position in the same salary group and state title as their current position will be transferred with no salary change.

A DPS employee who is selected for a position in their current salary group with a new state title may receive an increase of no more than 3.

4% over their current salary regardless of posted salary.

Salary is contingent upon qualifications and is subject to salary administration and budgetary restrictions.

DUE TO THE HIGH VOLUME OF APPLICATIONS WE DO NOT ACCEPT TELEPHONE CALLS. ONLY CANDIDATES SELECTED FOR INTERVIEW WILL BE CONTACTED.

State of Texas retirees may be rehired for full-time, non-commissioned positions only under very specific circumstances.