Forensic chemist Jobs in Austin, TX

DSHS is committed to hiring skilled and dedicated individuals who share a passion for public health to pursue our vision of A Healthy Texas. If you are looking to make an impact and tackle new challenges, we encourage you to consider a career with us.

Employee Benefits :

DSHS offers insurance coverage and other benefits available through the State of Texas Group Benefits Plan administered by the Employee Retirement System of Texas (ERS). To learn more about all the benefits available to you as a DSHS employee and other DSHS opportunities for early career pathways, visit the DSHS Careers Page.

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Functional Title : Chemist I

Job Title : Chemist I

Agency : Dept of State Health Services

Department : Environmental Sciences

Posting Number : 3129

Closing Date : 08 / 12 / 2025

Posting Audience : Internal and External

Occupational Category : Life, Physical, and Social Science

Salary Group : TEXAS-B-17

Salary Range : $4,066.62 - $4,635.95

Shift : Day

Additional Shift :

Telework : Not Applicable

Travel : Up to 5%

Regular / Temporary : Regular

Full Time / Part Time : Full time

FLSA Exempt / Non-Exempt : Nonexempt

Facility Location :

Job Location City : AUSTIN

Job Location Address : 1100 W 49TH ST (DBGL)

Other Locations : MOS Codes :

8831,43EX,43TX,4B0X1,4T0X1,61CX,9S100

Brief Job Description :

Work hours / days and laboratory assignments may vary. This position may be occasionally required to work on Saturday. Works in the GC Analysis Group primarily performing environmental extraction and basic analyses. Works closely with Team Leaders on projects with minimal latitude for independent judgment. Performs the preparation, extraction, and basic analysis of routine samples for gas chromatography (GC), gas chromatography / mass spectrometry (GC / MS), or high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) using approved methods for the sample matrix. Performs routine maintenance on equipment and required cleaning procedures for glassware. Meets all HHSC Performance Criteria. Follows all HHSC and DSHS Policies and Procedures. Attends work on a regular and predictable schedule in accordance with agency leave policy and performs other duties as assigned.

Essential Job Functions (EJFs) :

EJF 1. Chemistry / QC : Prepare and / or analyze samples for organic compounds by GC, GC / MS, or HPLC. Checks samples for proper preservative and container. Prepares reagents and assists with preparing standards. Monitors expirations dates. Performs sample preparation techniques including liquid / liquid, solid phase extraction, sonication, shakers, chemical reactions and derivatization to meet Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and Quality Manual requirements. Prepares and / or analyzes quality control samples according to the SOP. Calibrates instruments and verifies standards with reference material. Identifies target compounds and interprets routine chromatograms. Monitors Quality Control Parameters as required by the method. Notifies team lead immediately of any issues. Assists with making dilutions of extracts to meet the analytical range of the calibration curve. Performs first level review of data per SOP requirements. Submits data for second level review and approval before expiration of holding times or assigned deadline. (60%)

EJF 2. Sample Management & Productivity : Accurately track samples. Prepares and / or analyzes samples to meet EPA holding time (no exceptions). Work to meet and exceed the on-time delivery goals by test and client and at a productive rate. The productive rate is determined by historical productivity and work time unit evaluation. Extraction and / or analysis must be performed with acceptable QA / QC and SOP practices. (5%)

EJF 3. Quality Assurance / Document Control / Records Management : Read and follow all policies, procedures and guidelines of the Quality Manual, USEPA Drinking Water Certification Manual, The NELAC Institute (TNI), reference methods, and administrative, analytical and quality assurance Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs). Participate in training. Performs Initial Demonstration of Capability before working independently on samples. Maintain proficiency for assigned methods by performing Continuing Demonstration of Capability, Method Detection Limit and Proficiency Testing samples. Responds to any internal or external audit findings as responsible or assigned. Maintains complete, timely and accurate records of all procedures performed. (10%)

EJF 4. Equipment (including glassware) and Supplies : Operates and performs routine maintenance and verification of equipment as specified in SOPs and equipment manuals. Maintains glassware by performing the cleaning procedures in the SOPs. Assists with troubleshooting routine problems using policies and procedures, equipment manuals, knowledge and experience. Maintains reagents and supplies by following laboratory procedures for inventory control. Presents written requests for supplies and standards to team leader 120 days in advance of need. Informs the Team Leader of any equipment or inventory problems. Submits weekly request for available LabSupply items. Follow SOPs to receive supplies and verify that the supplies meet procedure specifications. Maintains complete, timely and accurate records of maintenance and inventory. (10%)

EJF 5. Health and Safety / Housekeeping : Based on your work area, consistently comply with DSHS Laboratory, local, state and federal guidelines to ensure a safe functioning laboratory. Minimize exposure of all personal to chemical hazards by proper use of personal protective equipment, management practices, use of fume hoods and proper safety practices in the laboratory. Read and follow the Chemical Hygiene Plan and SOPs. Properly label all chemicals. Follow safety data sheet (SDS) recommendations. Wears safety glasses and lab coats at all times in designated areas. Properly identifies, labels, records and disposes of wastes and samples. Keeps work area clean and organized to reduce contamination. Attend all required safety training. Communicate with others immediately any safety problems that arise. (5%)

EJF 6. Administrative : Notifies Group Manager of all absences. Enters leave into CAPPS. Performs required training. Performs other duties as directed by the Team Leader or Group Manager. Assists with extraction and / or analysis of quality control samples for method development and validation projects. Offers suggestions and new ideas for improving performance and operations. (5%)

EJF 7. COOP : Other duties as assigned include but are not limited to actively participating and / or serving in a supporting role to meet the agency's obligations for disaster response and / or recovery or Continuity of Operations (COOP) activation. Such participation may require an alternate shift pattern assignment and / or location. (5%)

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSAs) :

Basic knowledge in the principles of chromatography and extraction procedures employed by analytical laboratories for organic contaminants. Basic knowledge of environmental methods for the analysis of organic compounds. Knowledge of quality control and application to analytical data. Skill in the operation of general laboratory equipment and the associated maintenance. Knowledge and skill with computers to manage sample tracking and evaluate data. Ability to safely handle specialized glassware and solvents used in the extraction procedures. Ability to follow detailed instructions and accurately document procedures. Ability to work individually and cooperatively in teams to complete assigned tasks. Ability to manually shake separatory funnels, lift, and manipulate samples and quality control samples in the preparation for analysis. Ability to manually perform the maintenance tasks required ensuring the performance of assigned equipment and handling necessary supplies. Ability to operate chromatographic instruments at a basic level.

Registrations, Licensure Requirements or Certifications :

N / A

Initial Screening Criteria :

Must have earned a bachelor's, master's, or doctoral degree in chemistry, environmental sciences, physical sciences or biological sciences from an accredited institution. Experience working in a laboratory environment is required. Experience performing organic extraction or analytical chemistry methods is preferred.

Additional Information :

N / A

Active Duty, Military, Reservists, Guardsmen, and Veterans :

Military occupation(s) that relate to the initial selection criteria and registration or licensure requirements for this position may include, but not limited to those listed in this posting. All active-duty military, reservists, guardsmen, and veterans are encouraged to apply if qualified for this position. For more information see the Texas State Auditor's Military Crosswalk at https : / / hr.sao.texas.gov / CompensationSystem / JobDescriptions / .

ADA Accommodations :

In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), DSHS will provide reasonable accommodation during the hiring process for individuals with a qualifying disability. If reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the interview process, please notify the person who contacts you to schedule the interview. If you need assistance completing the on-line application, contact the HHS Employee Service Center at 1-888-894-4747 or via email at [email protected].

Salary Information, Pre-employment Checks, and Work Eligibility :

• The salary offered will follow DSHS starting salary guidelines. Any employment offer is contingent upon available budgeted funds.
• Depending on the program area and position requirements, applicants selected for hire may be required to pass background and other due diligence checks.
• DSHS uses E-Verify. You must bring your I-9 documentation with you on your first day of work. Download the I-9 form