Molecular Biologist

About the role

The Department of State Health Services (DSHS) seeks a Molecular Biologist III to join the Arbovirus-Entomology Team. This position oversees, facilitates, and conducts advanced arbovirus diagnostic work in a BSL-2 and 3 environment.

Responsibilities

• Helps oversee, facilitate and conduct complex laboratory procedures associated with the detection and identification of arboviruses from mosquitoes and equines.
• Assists with managing and prioritizing laboratory workflows; checking for errors in specimen receipt, testing and reporting; and ensuring that reagents are prepared in adequate supply and quality tested.
• Enters, reviews and validates mosquito and arbovirus results in the laboratory information system.
• Coordinates and assists with the evaluation, development, and implementation of new procedures for vector species identification, pathogen testing, and insecticide resistance testing.
• Trains laboratory staff on testing workflows.
• Assists other staff in their duties and provides additional support to maintain a high quality of work.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral degree in a chemical, physical, biological or clinical laboratory science or medical technology from an accredited institution.
• Experience performing molecular testing, including real-time RT-PCR.
• Experience performing cell culture.

Qualifications

Knowledge of medical virology principles and practices including laboratory safety, aseptic technique, and handling of pathogenic organisms. Knowledge of microscopy (light and fluorescent), immunological techniques, cell culture techniques, and molecular biology techniques.

Skills

• Ability to organize daily workload and set priorities for routine work.
• Ability to maintain accurate records, evaluate problem situations and determine appropriate actions.
• Ability to follow laboratory procedures accurately, concentrate on minute details over an extended period of time, and maintain work efficiency under heavy stress.
• Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing.
• Ability to follow written and verbal instructions.
• Ability to use various items of laboratory equipment, including a computer for word processing, spreadsheets, database analysis and results reporting.
• Ability to interact effectively with staff, work independently, work in harmony with other team members, and follow standard operating procedures and protocols.
• Ability to train employees.
• Skilled in manipulating standard laboratory equipment with speed, accuracy and safety.

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

$5,434.39 - $6,249.55 per month

Schedule

Day Shift