Molecular Biologist IV

About the role

The Molecular Biologist IV position within the Department of State Health Services (DSHS) focuses on the development and execution of advanced molecular and microbiological methods for the detection and identification of high consequence infectious diseases and agents used in bioterrorism.

Responsibilities

• Develops bacteriology skills necessary to become a subject matter expert on bacteria, viruses, or toxins that could be used as a threat agent.
• Teaches techniques to other laboratorians in sentinel and reference Laboratory Response Network laboratories.
• Presents or assists with training exercises as required.
• Reviews publications for methods that are applicable to current procedures; develops and updates procedures and manuals as necessary; and conducts refresher training on changes as needed.
• Conducts and coordinates proficiency testing and readiness exercises as part of the National Laboratory Response Network.
• Assists with testing and analyses in the Newborn Metabolic Screening and Clinical Chemistry Groups as necessary.
• Performs other duties as assigned, including but 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.

Requirements

• Have an earned bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral degree in a chemical, physical, biological or clinical laboratory science, or medical technology from an accredited institution and have at least one year of experience in high complexity laboratory testing; or
• Have an earned associate’s degree in a chemical, physical, biological or clinical laboratory science, or medical laboratory technology from an accredited institution and have at least two years of experience in high complexity laboratory testing.

Qualifications

• Experience and education may be substituted as defined by the Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments of 1988 (CLIA ’88) Standards.
• Experience performing microbiological techniques on potentially infectious/pathogenic agents.
• Experience performing biochemical and molecular testing for human disease.

Skills

• Knowledge of microbiological principles and techniques.
• Skill in using a computer and laboratory related software.
• Ability to conduct microbiological tests, prepare diagnostic reagents, develop laboratory procedures, and prepare reports.
• Comprehensive knowledge of diagnostic tests used to identify bacteria representing the entire spectrum of pathogenic organisms.
• Advanced knowledge of expected reactions of most bacterial culture and biochemical testing media with known quality control organisms.
• Advanced knowledge of visible and fluorescent light microscopy, including staining procedures.
• Advanced knowledge of rapid detection methodologies including immunoassays, nucleic acid hybridization, polymerase chain reaction, and DNA sequencing.
• Skill in manipulating standard laboratory equipment and biohazardous material with speed, accuracy, and safety.
• Ability to use identification keys for bacterial identification.
• Ability to maintain an efficient inventory of stock and insure acquisition of necessary supplies.
• Ability to administer a proficiency test program for biological threat agents.
• Ability to use computer for word processing, spreadsheet and database analysis, and results reporting.
• Ability to review, adapt, and validate protocols for implementation.
• Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing, follow written and verbal instructions, teach procedures and use various items of laboratory equipment, and effectively communicate technical instructions to staff and trainees.
• Ability to interact positively with all staff and trainees, work independently, and make technical decisions based on professional knowledge and experience.
• Ability to work independently and make technical decisions based on review of study data, professional knowledge, and experience.
• Knowledge of molecular biology principles and techniques.

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

$5,874.00 - $6,353.00 per month

Schedule

Regular