Clinical Laboratory Scientist II

Texas Health & Human Services Commission • Austin, TX

9d • $51,799 - $62,159 • Onsite

About The Position

Under general supervision of the Enzyme & Immunoassay (EIA) Screening Group Manager, this role uses considerable knowledge to independently perform highly complex immunofluorometric testing. This includes analysis of Immunoreactive trypsinogen (IRT), 17-hydroxyprogesterone (17-OHP), thyroxine (T4), thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH), and galactose 1-phospate uridyl transferace (Galt) on high volume neonatal screening specimens. The position requires a strong working knowledge of all procedures to maintain analytic accuracy. Responsibilities include specimen preparation and analysis, quality control and assay acceptability, data and work list evaluation, result entry, and equipment maintenance and troubleshooting. The role involves making significant decisions on the accuracy of laboratory tests based on Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) and actively participating in the safety program. Daily work may be assigned by the supervisor with general instructions for routine tasks and detailed instructions for non-routine tasks, with supervisor monitoring of non-routine tasks. Duties are performed independently with considerable latitude, adherence to standard protocol, and use of scientific knowledge and independent judgment. Work hours, days, and laboratory assignments may vary, and all staff members will be required to work on Saturdays as part of a rotating schedule.

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; or Have an earned associate’s degree in a chemical, physical, biological or clinical laboratory science or medical laboratory technology from an accredited institution.
• Knowledge of general laboratory, clinical chemistry, quality control, immunofluorometric 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 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 prioritize and organize detailed tasks to maintain required screening timeframes.
• Ability to complete routine tasks without supervision.
• Ability to maintain work area instruments and automated testing equipment.
• Ability to recognize work area problems.
• Ability to prepare diagnostic (analytical) reagents and/or controls accurately.
• Skill to manipulate standard laboratory equipment with speed, accuracy, and safety.
• Must work hours outside of 8-5, Saturday, and holidays on a rotational schedule with the potential for shift differential pay.
• Must wear provided personal protective equipment (including face shield, gloves, laboratory coat, safety glasses) as required by testing/safety procedures.
• Must be able to pass a functional color vision assessment in order to carry out essential job functions.

Nice To Haves

• Clinical laboratory testing including procedures in newborn screening or clinical chemistry or high-volume workload or complex analysis or complex laboratory instrumentation.

Responsibilities

• Performs highly complex immunofluorometric IRT, 17-OHP, T4 and TSH, and Galt analysis on high volume neonatal screening specimens.
• Completes all documentation with required information.
• Recognizes delays in completion of specimen testing, result reporting, and other essential functions and notifies the supervisor immediately.
• Identifies problems with atypical test results, consulting with upper-level personnel.
• Performs high volume sampling (punching) of filter paper specimens for all newborn screening tests and standards and controls for IRT, 17-OHP, T4 and TSH, and Galt tests.
• Uses technical knowledge to determine specimen acceptability.
• Evaluates and interprets highly complex data.
• Processes reports that are associated with worklist duties.
• Uses the Newborn Screening Laboratory Information computer system.
• 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.
• Performs routine and specialized preventive maintenance of highly complex equipment.
• Identifies equipment problems, performs troubleshooting and makes routine adjustments as instructed.
• Promotes workflow through cooperative interaction, reassignment of duties, and teamwork with supervisors, co-workers, and internal and external customers.
• Consistently complies with DSHS Laboratory, local, state and federal guidelines to ensure a safe functioning laboratory.
• Actively participates and/or serves in a supporting role to meet the agency’s obligations for disaster response and/or recovery or Continuity of Operations (COOP) activation.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Benefits

• Insurance coverage and other benefits available through the State of Texas Group Benefits Plan administered by the Employee Retirement System of Texas (ERS).
• Shift differential pay.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: Associate degree