Clinical Chemist II

TX-HHSC-DSHS-DFPS • Austin, TX

10d • $4,815 - $5,538 • Onsite

About The Position

Under general supervision of the Mass Spectrometry Screening Group Manager and the Group's Team Leads, a Clinical Chemist II uses considerable knowledge to independently perform complex tandem mass spectrometry (MS/MS) analysis on high volume neonatal screening specimens. Utilizes general working knowledge of all procedures to participate in maintaining analytic accuracy and precision. Responsible for monitoring and independently performing specimen preparation. Responsible for analysis, quality control and assay acceptability, data and work list evaluation, maintenance and troubleshooting of equipment, proper record keeping and training of personnel. Responsible for making moderate decisions on the accuracy of laboratory tests on human specimens.

Requirements

• Minimum of a bachelor's degree in a chemical, biological, or clinical laboratory science
• Experience operating, validating, and/or troubleshooting liquid chromatography (LC) or LC-MS instruments for analysis of human samples.
• Must be willing to work on Saturdays, the 'What days are you unable to work' section of the application must not include cannot work on Saturday.
• Must be eligible to work in the US and must not need sponsorship.
• Knowledge of general laboratory, clinical chemistry, quality control, MS/MS principles, techniques, and terminology.
• Knowledge of laboratory safety including sample-handling techniques.
• Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing.
• Ability to follow written and verbal instructions.
• Ability to use and troubleshoot various items of laboratory equipment associated with work area.
• Ability to use a computer.
• Ability to interact effectively with staff.
• Ability to work in harmony with other team members.
• Ability to work as part of a team adhering to structured deadlines for completion of critical laboratory procedures that are performed in high volume.
• Ability to follow standard operating procedures and protocols accurately.
• Ability to keep accurate, detailed records.
• Ability to use aseptic techniques when working with infectious material.
• Ability to complete tasks without close supervision and use mature judgment in test interpretation.
• Ability to prioritize and organize detailed tasks to maintain required team timeframes.
• Ability to recognize and solve work area problems.
• Ability to maintain work area instruments and automated testing equipment.
• Ability to prepare diagnostic (analytical) reagents and/or controls accurately.
• Skill to manipulate standard laboratory equipment with speed, accuracy, and safety.

Nice To Haves

• Ability to lead co-workers by setting a positive work-ethic example.
• Ability to teach work area procedures to co-workers and guests.

Responsibilities

• Performs highly complex MS/MS analysis on high volume neonatal screening specimens adhering to standard operating protocols. Completes proper record keeping and documentation involved with analytical testing and specimen flow. Collates and files electronic and raw results according to DSHS record retention policies.
• Performs high volume sampling of filter paper specimens, standards, and controls for all newborn screening tests adhering to standard operating protocols. Uses technical knowledge to determine specimen acceptability. Completes proper record keeping and documentation involved with specimen and standards preparation. Preserves samples and standards according to standard operating protocol.
• Assists with the evaluation and interpretation of highly complex data. Identifies problems with atypical test results consulting with upper-level personnel. Assists with the reviews and release of final results. Uses Newborn Screening laboratory information management system. Completes proper record keeping and documentation involved with data evaluation and interpretation.
• Performs routine and specialized preventive maintenance of highly complex equipment. Performs calibration verifications for MS/MS, liquid handling, and other equipment on a routine basis. Identifies equipment problems, performs troubleshooting, and makes routine adjustments as indicated. Completes logs, checklists and other record keeping documentation associated with equipment maintenance and instrument performance. Verifies MS/MS and other equipment is operating properly and immediately consults with the lead technologist or Group Manager when difficult problems arise.
• Promotes workflow through cooperative interaction, reassignment of duties, and teamwork with supervisors, co-workers, and internal and external customers. Initiates rapid communication of abnormal test results to Case Management for same day follow-up. Recognizes delays in completion of specimen testing, result reporting, and other essential functions and notifies the lead technologist or Group Manager immediately. Manages assigned work to meet specimen testing, reporting, and other essential functions in a timely manner. May assist with laboratory tours.
• Actively participates in quality control review, proficiency testing, equipment performance documentation, specimen workload tallies and supply inventory to ensure consistently acceptable quality assurance and test performance. Provides input to modify procedures for processing specimens to ensure the accuracy of the results and proper handling of specimens.
• Performs other duties such as disposing biological and hazardous wastes, maintaining a clean and safe laboratory environment, verifying reagent and standard expiration dates and volumes, verifying specimen preservation, verifying refrigerator temperatures, and verifying that laboratory hoods are functioning properly. Employs safe laboratory practices to protect self and others in the laboratory, checks proper functioning of eyewash stations, and routinely attends safety meetings. Willingly performs other duties not specified in the job description, if necessary, as directed by the Group Manager. 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.

Benefits

• insurance coverage and other benefits available through the State of Texas Group Benefits Plan administered by the Employee Retirement System of Texas (ERS)
• Required Hepatitis B and Tetanus/Diphtheria immunizations are provided.
• Weekend shift differential

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level