Laboratory Technician

TX-HHSC-DSHS-DFPS • Austin, TX

8d • 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.

Employee 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). To learn more about all the benefits available to you as a DSHS employee and other DSHS opportunities for early career pathways, visit the DSHS Careers Page.
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Under moderate supervision of the Environmental Microbiology Branch Manager, and in coordination with the Media Preparation Team Lead, follows standard protocols, prepares complex filter and heat-sterilized media and reagents; assists Senior Microbiologist and Chemist I with maintenance of the inventory system of media, reagents and glassware.  Duties are performed with adherence to standard protocol, but with considerable latitude for use of professional knowledge, initiative, and independent judgment.  Low risk of tetanus. The employee immunization program is monitored by the DSHS Laboratory Safety Office.

Requirements

• Knowledge of microbiological and chemical techniques and procedures, specifically knowledge and skills in complex media and reagent production.
• Knowledge of the operations of filter sterilization equipment, lyophilizers, and other laboratory equipment, such as autoclaves, pH meters, and dispensing machines.
• Ability to assess needs for inventory of stock and request required supplies.
• Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing and to follow written and verbal instructions.
• Ability to use various items of laboratory equipment, including use of a computer for word processing, spreadsheet and database analysis.
• Ability to interact effectively with staff, work independently, work in harmony with other team members, and follow standard operating procedures and protocols.
• Skill in manipulating standard laboratory equipment with speed, accuracy and safety.
• Experience working in a Team setting and providing customer service. (Required)
• Must be willing to work weekends and holidays in a rotational basis as needed. (Required)
• Must be willing to work hours other than 8:00am to 5:00pm. (Required)

Nice To Haves

• Experience in Laboratory Work (Preferred).
• Graduation from a standard senior high school or equivalent is generally preferred.
• Experience and education may be substituted for one another.
• Experience in research, clinical, and environmental testing. (Preferred)
• Experience with all phases of media preparation. (Preferred)
• Experience with maintenance of glassware. (Preferred)
• Experience with maintaining inventory of supplies. (Preferred)
• Experience with spreadsheet or database programs. (Preferred)
• Experience using various items of laboratory equipment. (Preferred)
• Experience working in an ISO accredited laboratory or federally regulated laboratory. (Preferred)

Responsibilities

• Performs all phases of media preparation according to FDA,CAP, CLIA, ISO 17025,  EPA, TNI and DSHS Laboratory protocols including procuring glassware, equipment chemicals, and reagents; weighing and measuring chemicals and solutions; mixing media and reagents; rehydrating lyophilized reagents; measuring and adjusting the pH of solutions; filter sterilizing media, heat sterilizing media, dispensing, capping, and labeling media, insuring proper consistency of the media,  and documenting all information needed to track the media and reagents such as component lot numbers, pH, date of preparation, and expiration dates.
• Performs and documents preventive maintenance on autoclaves, plate pouring hoods, freezers, cold vaults, drying room, water baths, pH meter, balances, label machines and other equipment.  Compares performance of equipment with acceptable parameters and refers any unacceptable performance to supervisor, providing an assessment of the problem.
• Provides basic technical and logistical support to the section.  Assists Inventory Coordinator with inventory counts, and may order weekly supplies of chemicals, glassware, and equipment.  Provides troubleshooting assistance with equipment and media and provides input for process improvements.  Introduces new equipment and methodologies and makes pilot batches for raw material testing.
• Delivers released media to testing area.  Insures that all media production documentation is accurate and complete according to FDA, ISO 17025, EPA, TNI, CAP and CLIA specifications.  Assures delivery of media to meet expected delivery schedule and needs of the internal and external customers served.  Identifies any problems and refers them to the supervisor.
• Assist other staff in their duties and provides additional support with special projects to maintain the Team’s high quality and quantity of productivity.  Participates in weekend and holiday rotation duties.  Based on your work area, consistently comply with DSHS Laboratory, local, state and federal guidelines to ensure a safe functioning laboratory.  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).

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED