Clinical Laboratory Scientist IV

Texas Health & Human Services Commission • Austin, TX

4d • $5,434 - $6,793 • Onsite

About The Position

Under minimal supervision of the Endocrine Screening Group Manager, the Clinical Laboratory Scientist IV independently performs highly complex immunofluorometric testing on high-volume neonatal screening specimens, including IRT, 17-OHP, T4, TSH, and Galt analysis. The role includes specimen preparation, quality control and assay acceptability, data and work-list evaluation, result entry and release, and equipment maintenance and troubleshooting. The position applies expert procedural knowledge to investigate and resolve complex results while maintaining analytical accuracy, and serves as an authority and role model in the laboratory.

The position makes significant decisions concerning the accuracy of laboratory tests on human specimens; participates in safety and quality-assurance activities; monitors and trains staff; and provides customer service. Work is performed with significant latitude and extensive use of scientific knowledge and independent judgment. Work hours, days, and laboratory assignments may vary. Saturday and holiday work is required as part of a rotating schedule.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in chemical, physical, biological, or clinical laboratory science or medical technology from an accredited institution; or an associate degree in laboratory science (chemical or biological science) or medical laboratory technology from an accredited institution.
• Experience in clinical laboratory testing, such as newborn screening, clinical chemistry, or high-volume workload.
• Experience operating and troubleshooting complex laboratory instrumentation and equipment, such as analyzers, liquid handlers, automated samplers, or pipettes.
• Comprehensive knowledge of laboratory and clinical chemistry principles, quality control, quality assurance, immunofluorometric principles, techniques, and terminology.
• Knowledge of laboratory safety, including sample-handling techniques.
• Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing; follow written and verbal instructions; interact effectively with staff; and work cooperatively as part of a team.
• Ability to meet structured deadlines for critical, high-volume laboratory procedures; set a positive work-ethic example; and follow SOPs and protocols accurately.
• Ability to maintain accurate, detailed records and use aseptic techniques when handling infectious material.
• Ability to complete tasks without close supervision and exercise mature judgment in test interpretation.
• Ability to prioritize and organize detailed tasks, meet section timeframes, and recognize and solve work-area problems.
• Ability to use, maintain, and troubleshoot instruments and automated testing equipment; teach procedures; and accurately prepare diagnostic reagents or controls.
• Ability to plan, assign, direct, and monitor others' work; make technical decisions independently based on professional knowledge and experience; and use a computer for word processing, spreadsheets, database analysis, and results reporting.
• Skill in manipulating standard laboratory equipment with speed, accuracy, and safety.
• Must pass a functional color vision assessment to carry out essential job functions.
• Must work Saturdays and holidays as part of a rotating schedule; work hours, days, and laboratory assignments may vary.
• Must wear provided personal protective equipment, including face shield, gloves, laboratory coat, and safety glasses, as required by testing and safety procedures.
• College transcripts or equivalent must be attached to the application.

Nice To Haves

• Experience in training, mentoring, or coaching staff.
• Supervisory experience.

Responsibilities

• Monitor Cystic Fibrosis (IRT), Congenital Hypothyroidism (T4 and TSH), Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia (CAH), and Galactosemia analytical team activities and ensure workflow schedules and essential testing and reporting functions are completed without delay.
• Notify the supervisor of issues and initiate corrective action; ensure additional testing and result revisions are completed promptly with appropriate documentation.
• Participate in quality-control review, proficiency testing, equipment-performance monitoring, specimen workload tallies, and supply inventory; compile routine reports and contribute to SOP and training-material updates.
• Evaluate, interpret, investigate, review, and resolve highly complex or atypical results, consulting the supervisor as necessary; assign and release final results in the laboratory information system.
• Cross-check positive mailed reports and monitor final-report timelines, including panic-level fax reports to Clinical Care Coordination.
• Perform highly complex IRT, T4, TSH, CAH, and Galt analyses and high-volume sampling of filter-paper specimens, standards, and controls for newborn screening tests.
• Determine specimen acceptability, complete required documentation, and perform scheduled preventive maintenance and troubleshooting of analytical and laboratory information system equipment; request vendor support when needed.
• Promote workflow through teamwork, cooperative interaction, and reassignment of duties; comply with laboratory, local, state, and federal safety guidelines.
• Participate in competency monitoring, employee interviewing and selection, and agency disaster response, recovery, or Continuity of Operations activities as needed.
• Train EIA staff in IRT, T4, TSH, CAH, and Galt assays, result interpretation, and equipment maintenance; assist with staff competencies and conduct training and tours for external customers and students.
• Attend work regularly and predictably in accordance with agency leave policy and perform 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).
• Required Hepatitis B and Tetanus/Diphtheria immunizations are provided.

What This Job Offers

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