Microbiologist III

About the role

The Microbiologist III position within the Department of State Health Services (DSHS) involves conducting complex laboratory analyses on various specimens, isolating and identifying both pathogenic and non-pathogenic organisms. The incumbent serves as the senior Microbiologist for the team, taking on the duties of the Team Lead as necessary. They are responsible for monitoring daily work schedules, making and prioritizing work assignments, resolving workload problems, and facilitating training for team personnel.

Responsibilities

• Detects parasitic infections by performing microscopic examinations of stool, blood, urine, tissues, or other specimens submitted for testing. Performs initial processing of specimens, examination of specimens for parasites, and result entry and release into the laboratory information system. Participates in proficiency testing.
• Consults and coordinates with the Team Lead to assure that the team's quality assurance (QA) measures are implemented and followed. Performs and documents quality control (QC) procedures and equipment preventive maintenance. Initiates instrument and/or diagnostic test troubleshooting and completes routine adjustments as directed by the Team Lead or Branch Manager. Assists the Team Lead in QA activities.
• Trains technical staff in parasitological identification and specimen processing. Recommends training for employees, provides training and documents training, and mentors employees on the team. Prepares specimens and training materials utilized in workshops, webinars, and/or shadow programs. Assists in maintaining digital imaging library and training modules. Assists with presentation of workshops on Medical Parasitology, when appropriate. Participates in training of visiting technologists and interns. Assists the Team Lead in the preparation and/or presentation of posters or slide show presentations for scientific conferences. Participates in continuing education opportunities including talks, satellite conferences, scientific conferences, or other appropriate opportunities to update and learn new techniques to be able to perform state of the art diagnostic work.
• Serves as the senior Microbiologist of the team, assuming the Team Lead duties as required. Monitors the daily work schedule; assists the Team Lead to make work assignments and to resolve workload problems. Coordinates with the Team Lead to prioritize the work assignments so that reports are issued in a timely manner. Ensures that results are entered and released in the laboratory information system. Participates in the interview and selection process as needed. Consults with submitters on testing needs and services provided. Assists callers from the public on limited health concerns and services.
• Based on the work area, consistently complies with DSHS Laboratory, local, state and federal guidelines to ensure a safe functioning laboratory. Assists other staff in their duties and provides additional support with special projects to maintain the section’s high quality and quantity of productivity. 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.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in chemical, physical, biological or clinical laboratory science, or a medical laboratory technology from an accredited institution, required.
• Knowledge and experience in microbiology and parasitology, preferred but not required.
• Experience with microscopy in a laboratory setting, preferred but not required.
• Experience with brightfield and/or fluorescence microscopy; examining prepared slides and experience using a digital imaging system, preferred but not required.
• Experience in a laboratory processing or testing human clinical specimens including but not limited to feces, blood, sputum, urine, and other body fluids, preferred but not required.
• Experience in a laboratory setting handling specimens and/or chemicals under a fume hood, preferred but not required.

Qualifications

• Knowledge of parasitology, microbiology, and molecular biology principles and techniques.
• Skilled and proficient in light, dissecting, and fluorescence microscopy; morphological identification, and use of taxonomic keys.
• Knowledge of laboratory safety including sample-handling techniques.
• Knowledge of quality assurance functions and material management procedures.
• Ability to work independently, organize, multi-task, self-motivate, and make technical decisions based on professional knowledge and experience.
• Ability to plan, assign, and oversee the work of others.
• Ability to teach laboratory procedures and communicate effectively with clients and staff orally and in writing.
• Ability to use various items of laboratory equipment associated with the work area.
• Ability to maintain and solve staff and specimen work schedules for completion of critical laboratory services.
• Ability to follow written and verbal instruction.
• Ability to work as part of a team adhering to structured deadlines for completion of critical laboratory procedures both at the bench level and administrative/team lead level.
• Ability to lead co-workers by setting a positive work-ethic example.
• Ability to follow standard operating procedures and protocols accurately.
• Ability to keep accurate and detailed records.
• Ability to use aseptic techniques when working with infectious samples.
• Ability to distinguish color differences as required for testing procedures.
• Ability to review technical information and make recommendations based on study data.
• Ability to use a computer for word processing, spreadsheet and database analysis, and results reporting.

Skills

• Ability to work independently, organize, multi-task, self-motivate, and make technical decisions based on professional knowledge and experience.
• Ability to plan, assign, and oversee the work of others.
• Ability to teach laboratory procedures and communicate effectively with clients and staff orally and in writing.
• Ability to use various items of laboratory equipment associated with the work area.
• Ability to maintain and solve staff and specimen work schedules for completion of critical laboratory services.
• Ability to follow written and verbal instruction.
• Ability to work as part of a team adhering to structured deadlines for completion of critical laboratory procedures both at the bench level and administrative/team lead level.
• Ability to lead co-workers by setting a positive work-ethic example.
• Ability to follow standard operating procedures and protocols accurately.
• Ability to keep accurate and detailed records.
• Ability to use aseptic techniques when working with infectious samples.
• Ability to distinguish color differences as required for testing procedures.
• Ability to review technical information and make recommendations based on study data.
• Ability to use a computer for word processing, spreadsheet and database analysis, and results reporting.

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).