Laboratory Technician III

Location: Austin, TX

About the role

Works under limited supervision of a Microbiologist IV with considerable latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment. Provides services to internal and external customers while following all QA/QC procedures and reporting any errors and problems to team leads. Performs other duties as assigned including COOP activation.

Responsibilities

• Checks in specimens and samples received at the laboratory including microbiological, clinical chemistry, and environmental specimens/samples. Conducts pre-analytical evaluations, sorts, determines acceptability, and assigns lab numbers. Ensures requisition forms are properly completed. Tasks require lifting, pushing, pulling, and carrying packages/boxes/coolers up to 50 lbs; assistance required for packages over 50 lbs. (30%)
• Checks and verifies accuracy of work performed by others. Assists in preparation of samples/specimens for testing and distributes them according to Standard Operating Procedural Manual (SOP). Performs special tasks such as processing specimens for request repeats, unsatisfactory specimens, abnormal specimens, and packaging/delivery. (25%)
• Assists team leader in investigating causes for errors or discrepancies. Trains new employees and ensures daily reports are completed for QC purposes. Uses various Laboratory Information Management (LIM) systems to enter test requests, patient demographic information, and track cataloging/auditing data. Completes and documents all required quality control steps as defined in SOP. (15%)
• Submits specimens to CDC and other laboratories, preparing proper shipping packages meeting IATA rules and regulations. Documents all steps, checks shipping packages prepared by coworkers, and maintains certification. (10%)
• Provides customer service to internal and external customers. Ensures laboratory request forms are properly completed, contacts providers for missing information, and assists in solving logistical and technical problems. (10%)
• Complies with DSHS Laboratory, local, state, and federal guidelines to ensure a safe functioning laboratory. Assists in maintenance of equipment and instruments. Reports errors and problems to team leads and provides suggestions for improving work efficiency and quality of customer service. Performs other duties including disaster response/recovery or COOP activation, which may require alternative shift patterns or locations. Delivers/picks up boxes via state vehicle. (10%)

Requirements

• Must possess a valid Class C Texas driver’s license, or equivalent license from another state.
• Must be able to work weekends, holidays, and hours other than 8am – 5pm.
• Must provide transportation and maintain an acceptable driving record.
• Compliance with DSHS Laboratory Exposure Control Plan required, including vaccine requirements consistent with ACIP recommendations.
• High Hepatitis risk associated with the role.
• Ability to lift, push, pull, and carry packages/boxes/coolers up to 50 lbs repeatedly throughout the day; assistance required for packages over 50 lbs.
• Applicants with diplomas awarded outside the U.S. must contact Laboratory Personnel Services for an approved list of credentialing agencies.

Qualifications

• Knowledge of microbiological and chemical principles and terminology.
• Ability to follow written and verbal instructions, standard operating procedures, and protocols accurately.
• Ability to handle specimens and samples quickly, accurately, and safely.
• Ability to self-direct in the absence of detailed instruction or supervision.
• Ability to communicate effectively with co-workers and the general public.
• Ability to solve technical problems and work cooperatively in a team setting.
• Ability to enter data into a computer quickly and accurately.
• Ability to multitask and prioritize tasks to meet deadlines.
• Ability to train co-workers and make independent decisions based on policies and procedures.
• Skill in the operation of computers and applicable software.

Preferred Qualifications

• Microbiology and Chemistry semester hour coursework from a U.S. accredited college or university or equivalent foreign degree/coursework.
• Experience working in a clinical, research, or environmental laboratory.
• Experience checking in, receiving, or accessioning samples.
• Experience working with internal and external customers.

Pay

Salary Range: $3,907.90 - $4,494.09 per month

Schedule

• Full-time, regular position.
• Shift: Regular Weekend Day (First shift, days).
• Travel: Up to 5%.
• Not eligible for telework.
• Must be able to work Saturdays as assigned.

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).