DNA Laboratory Technician
Salary
Depends on Qualifications
Location
Houston, TX
Job Type
Regular Full-time
Job Number
16900
Department
Institute of Forensic Sciences
Division
Forensic Genetics
Opening Date
07/07/2026
Closing Date
9/1/2026 11:59 PM Central
Max Number of Applicants
150
Position Description
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 DNA Laboratory Technician Overview:
Provide laboratory support to analysts in a forensic DNA laboratory setting.
Duties & Responsibilities:
Perform routine housekeeping duties such as the cleaning of laboratory areas, equipment and tools
Organize laboratory working and storage areas
Maintain laboratory cleanliness
Prepare laboratory reagents and supplies in accordance with laboratory policy
Monitor supply inventory and order supplies as needed
Monitor and update temperature logs of various instruments
Remove bio-hazardous waste to appropriate storage location
Prepare blood and tissue samples from decedents for long term storage
Assist DNA administrative staff with release of laboratory case reports and other administrative duties as assigned
May participate in limited casework technical support role
Assist in ensuring the laboratory remains in compliance with the ANAB accreditation standards and the FBI Quality Assurance Standards for Forensic DNA testing laboratories
Follow rigorously all Safety, Method Manual, and Quality Assurance / Quality Control protocols
Other duties as assigned by the Forensic Genetics 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
TRANSCRIPTS MUST BE ATTATCHED
Education:
Experience:
Licensure:
Additional Requirements:
Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:
Computer literacy in the use of Microsoft Office applications
Highly organized with strong attention to detail
Motivated and dedicated to completing tasks on schedule
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:
Experience:
General Information
Position Type, and Typical Hours of Work:
Full-Time | 40 hours per week
May include night or evening work as assigned
Work Environment and Location:
Office/ Laboratory setting
The job requires work with laboratory chemicals and various biological fluids - potential exposure to blood borne pathogens.
2450 Holcombe Blvd., Suite 7
Houston, TX 77021
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 at test for colorblindness.
Must have manual dexterity sufficient to conduct laboratory tasks as determined by the Forensic Genetics Laboratory Director.
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
Paid Time Off (PTO)
Retirement Savings Benefit
The following benefits are available to Harris County employees in full-time and select part-time positions:
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 Countys behalf as needed.
For plan details, visit the Harris County Benefits & Wellness website:
www.benefitsathctx.com
01
Which of the following best describes your highest level of education completed as it relates to this position?
02
Please describe your educational background including level of education completed, area of study and completed major and minor programs.
03
Which of the following best describes your verifiable experience work history in a laboratory environment? (To be considered, qualifying experience must be documented in your applications employment history)
04
Please provide details about your verifiable experience work history in a laboratory environment. Do not use "Please see Resume" or "See Resume" (To be considered, qualifying experience must be documented in your applications employment history) Please include your (a) role(s), (b) types of organizations, (c) scope of duties and responsibilities If you do not have this experience, please type "None" in the space provided.
05
Which of the following describes your level of proficiency using a personal computer and common office software such as MS Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook). Please select your level of proficiency based on the following descriptions: Advanced: A person with this level of skills is able to produce very large, complex formal documents that require a table of contents, footnotes, endnotes, bookmarks, and other special elements; a wide range of graphic effects, and use advanced techniques for analyzing and manipulating data. Has full mastery of Macro commands and skills to tie the objects together into a cohesive system by using Macros and Visual Basic for Applications code. Makes interactive presentations by using hyperlinks and action buttons. Intermediate: A person with this level of skills is able to customize toolbars, import and insert graphs, embed Excel data, and elaborate reports. Understands the concepts of databases and is able to work with charts and to use the list management capabilities of Excel. Able to use complex query techniques, create efficient forms and reports, and create Macros to automate these forms. Makes interactive presentations by using hyperlinks and action buttons. Basic: A person with this level of skills is able to use basic formatting, editing, printing functions, and understands the document page setup. Has the ability to enter and correct data, modify a workbook, format a worksheet, and use printing functions. Understands the different database concepts and structures and is familiar with data validation and is able to create a simple presentation in PowerPoint, run it, and print it. Entry Level: A person with this level of skills has the ability to open, create, save and modify documents in Word, send and receive email in Outlook and create spreadsheets in Excel. Format documents for printing, comfortable using the printer menu to preview documents. Has ability to change the font, the margins, insert or delete pages and use the built-in spellchecker and grammar check.
06
This role requires a Valid Drivers License (Texas upon hire) Do you have a Valid Drivers License?
Required Question
Employer Harris County
Address 1111 Fannin St
Ste. 600
Houston, Texas, 77002
Phone 713-274-5445
Website https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/harriscountytx