Microbiologist II

About the role

The Microbiologist II position within the Department of State Health Services (DSHS) focuses on performing moderately complex microbiological work for the isolation and identification of pathogenic bacteria from both referred cultures and clinical specimens. This role adheres to standard protocols and requires adherence to safety guidelines.

Responsibilities

• EJF 1: Perform moderately complex procedures for the isolation and identification of bacteria from both referred cultures and clinical specimens.
• EJF 2: Prepare and evaluate the quality of reagents used in tests, track expiration dates, perform quality control, and document results.
• EJF 3: Evaluate test results, enter them into the laboratory information system, file reports, and release uncomplicated results.
• EJF 4: Assist in maintaining an adequate supply of reagents, media, and supplies, and assist in inventory management.
• EJF 5: Perform preventative maintenance, troubleshoot instruments, and assist in revising preventive maintenance records and equipment SOPs.
• EJF 6: Participate in cross-training, teach or demonstrate laboratory techniques, and document training.
• EJF 7: Assist with verification or validation studies, assist in developing procedural manuals, and support special projects.
• EJF 8: Provide support to other staff, attend meetings, and respond to routine and non-routine customer inquiries.

Requirements

Must have earned a bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral degree in a chemical, physical, biological, or clinical laboratory science, or medical technology from an accredited institution, with one year of clinical microbiology or bacteriology lab experience; or earned an associate’s degree in a similar field with at least two years of experience in moderate complexity laboratory testing in clinical microbiology or bacteriology lab. Must be willing to work Saturdays and holidays on a rotational basis.

Qualifications

Experience with identifying bacteria using MALDI-TOF and/or conventional biochemical methods is preferred. Experience with various items of laboratory equipment is also preferred.

Skills

Knowledge of microbiological principles and techniques, diagnostic and public health bacteriology, expected reactions of bacterial culture media, antimicrobial susceptibility testing, manipulation of standard laboratory equipment, communication skills, ability to see and distinguish color, use of computers for word processing, spreadsheet, and database analysis, and technical decision-making based on professional knowledge and experience.

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).

Pay

Salary range: $4,539.50 - $5,229.43

Schedule

Shift: Day