Clinical Lab Chemist III

TX-HHSC-DSHS-DFPS • Austin, TX

1d • Onsite

About The Position

DSHS is committed to hiring skilled and dedicated individuals who share a passion for public health to pursue our vision of A Healthy Texas. If you are looking to make an impact and tackle new challenges, we encourage you to consider a career with us. Under limited supervision of the LC Mass Spectrometry Screening Group Manager and the Lysosomal Diseases Screening Team Lead uses considerable knowledge to independently perform highly complex liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) analysis on high volume neonatal screening specimens. Responsible for analysis, quality control and assay acceptability, data and work list evaluation, result entry, release of final results, maintenance and troubleshooting of equipment, proper record keeping and training of personnel. Responsible for making significant decisions on the accuracy of laboratory tests on human specimens. Duties are independently performed with considerable latitude, adherence to standard protocol and with use of scientific knowledge and independent judgment.

Requirements

• Knowledge and skill in laboratory, clinical chemistry, quality control, quality assurance, MS/MS and LC-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 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 lead co-workers by setting a positive work-ethic example.
• 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 section timeframes.
• Ability to recognize and solve work area problems.
• Ability to use, maintain and troubleshoot work area instruments and automated testing equipment.
• Ability to teach work area procedures to co-workers and guests.
• Ability to prepare diagnostic (analytical) reagents and/or controls accurately.
• Ability to plan, assign, direct and monitor the work of others.
• Ability to work independently and make technical decisions based on professional knowledge and experience.
• Ability to use a computer for word processing, spreadsheet and database analysis, and results reporting.
• Skill to manipulate standard laboratory equipment with speed, accuracy and safety.
• Education – bachelor’s degree in a chemical, biological or clinical laboratory science or medical technology required.
• Experience with analysis of human samples using complex analytical techniques required.
• Experience using analytical techniques such as mass spectrometry, liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry required.
• Under 'What days are you unable to work' section of application must not include that cannot work on Saturday.
• Must wear provided personal protective equipment (including: face shield, gloves, laboratory coat, safety glasses) as required by testing/ safety procedures.
• Functional color vision assessment will be administered at the time of the interview.

Nice To Haves

• Experience with operation, maintenance and troubleshooting of liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry instruments preferred.

Responsibilities

• Performs high-volume highly complex LC-MS/MS analysis on neonatal screening specimens adhering to standard operating protocols. Performs sample extraction and preparation of internal standards and test solutions. Monitors and 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 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.
• Performs routine and specialized preventive maintenance of highly complex equipment. Identifies equipment problems, performs troubleshooting and makes routine adjustments as indicated. Monitors and performs calibration verifications of liquid handling and other equipment on a scheduled basis. Completes logs, checklists and other record keeping documentation associated with equipment maintenance and instrument performance. Verifies equipment is operating properly and immediately consults with Team Lead or Group Manager when difficult problems arise, assisting with resolution.
• Evaluates and interprets highly complex data. Identifies problems with atypical test results consulting with lead technologist or Group Manager and ensuring final result is captured and reported. Reviews and releases final results. Uses Newborn Screening laboratory information management system. Completes and maintains proper record keeping and documentation involved with data evaluation and interpretation.
• Promotes workflow through cooperative interaction, reassignment of duties, and teamwork with supervisor, co-workers, and internal and external customers. Initiates and delivers rapid communication of abnormal test results to Clinical Care Coordination staff 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. Conducts training and tours as assigned.
• 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. Assists in developing procedures for processing specimens to ensure the accuracy of the results and proper handling of specimens.
• Monitors and performs other duties such as disposing biological and hazardous wastes, general housekeeping, verifying standard expiration dates and volumes, verifying specimen preservation, verifying refrigerator temperatures and verifying laboratory hoods are functioning properly. Employs safe laboratory practices to protect self and others in the laboratory, checks proper functioning of eyewash stations and other safety equipment. Based on work area, consistently comply with DSHS Laboratory, local, state and federal guidelines to ensure a safe functioning laboratory. Performs other duties not specified in the job description, if necessary, as directed by the Group Manager or Team Lead. 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

• 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).
• Required Hepatitis B and Tetanus/Diphtheria immunizations are provided.
• Position qualifies for Weekend shift differential.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior
• Number of Employees: 1-10 employees