Microbiologist I: Specimen Receiving and Pre-Analytical Processing

Texas Health & Human Services Commission • Austin, TX

6d • $4,317 - $4,964 • 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. 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. Review our Top 10 Tips for Success when Applying to State of Texas Jobs.

Functional Title: Microbiologist I: Specimen Receiving and Pre-Analytical Processing Job Title: Microbiologist I Agency: Dept of State Health Services Department: Quality Assurance Posting Number: 20918 Closing Date: 09/18/2026 Posting Audience: Internal and External Occupational Category: Life, Physical, and Social Science Salary Range: $4,316.62 - $4,964.11 Pay Frequency: Monthly Salary Group: TEXAS-B-17 Shift: Regular Weekend Day Additional Shift: Days (First); Weekends Telework: Not Eligible for Telework Travel: Up to 5% Regular/Temporary: Regular Full Time/Part Time: Full time FLSA Exempt/Non-Exempt: Nonexempt Facility Location: Job Location City: AUSTIN Job Location Address: 1100 W 49TH ST (DBGL) Other Locations: MOS Codes: 230X,43BX,43TX,71A,SEI12

Brief Job Description:
Works under the moderate supervision of the Newborn Screening (NBS) Specimen Receiving Group Manager, with limited latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment. Receives and processes specimens received by the Public Health Laboratory Division (PHLD). Reports problems and assists team leader in investigating causes for errors/discrepancies. Assists in training and mentoring other laboratory employees. Provides customer service. Performs other duties as assigned, including Continuity of Operations (COOP) activation.

Requirements

• Knowledge of Microbiological and chemical principles, techniques, and terminology.
• Knowledge of Laboratory safety including sample-handling techniques.
• Skill to manipulate standard laboratory equipment with speed, accuracy, and safety.
• Skill in effective customer service techniques.
• Skill in prioritizing and/or delegating tasks.
• 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 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 handle specimens and samples quickly, accurately, and safely.
• Ability to lift, push, pull, and carry 50 lb packages/boxes/coolers repeatedly throughout the day, assistance required for packages over 50 lbs.
• Ability to effectively train others.
• Ability to take initiative.
• Must have a valid Class C Texas driver’s license or equivalent from another state.
• Work hours other than 8 am – 5 pm, weekends, and holidays, as indicated by application.
• Transport ("travel") samples up to 5% of the time, as indicated by application.
• Associate’s, bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral degree in microbiological, chemical, physical, biological, or clinical laboratory science or medical technology from an accredited institution OR Experience in pre-analytical processing or accessioning of samples or specimens in a clinical, research, or environmental laboratory OR Experience in providing customer service OR Experience in training other staff or peers.

Responsibilities

• Receives and processes specimens and samples received at the laboratory, including but not limited to microbiological, clinical chemistry, and environmental specimens/samples.
• Sorts, determines pre-analytical acceptability, and assigns lab numbers for all specimens/samples that are suitable for DSHS laboratory testing.
• Ensures all requisition forms are properly completed.
• Checks and verifies accuracy of work performed by others.
• Completes specimen and form processing by deadlines set forth in Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) Manuals (30%)
• Assists with training employees, as assigned. Duties include but are not limited to ensuring trainee is properly trained according to SOP.
• Ensures all documentation is properly completed and forwarded to Team Lead/Group Manager when training is complete.
• Informs Team Lead/Group Manager of training progress and/or issues as they occur.
• Provides suggestions that may improve work efficiency and quality.
• May participate in interviewing process with Group Manager. (30%)
• Performs assigned tasks including but not limited to processing unsatisfactory specimens, abnormal specimens, and packaging/delivery of specimens.
• Uses various Laboratory Information Management Systems (LIMS) to enter test requests, search for patient demographic information, and track information for cataloging and auditing purposes.
• Completes and documents all required quality control (QC) steps, reports, and documents, as defined in SOP for assigned check-in procedures. (10%)
• Reports workload problems, processing problems, and incorrect reports to the Team Lead or Group Manager as they occur.
• Assists Team Lead in investigating causes for errors, discrepancies, and computer system issues.
• Helps in maintenance of equipment and instruments in the laboratory. (10%)
• Provides customer service. Ensures that customer needs are met regarding the handling of specimens.
• Greets customers and records packages received by carriers, USPS, or hand deliveries.
• Provides information to providers and submitters according to SOPs.
• Assists Team Lead/Group Manager to solve logistical and technical problems. (10%)
• Tasks require the ability to lift, push, pull, and carry packages, boxes, and/or coolers up to 50 lbs. repeatedly throughout the day. For all packages over 50 lbs., assistance is required.
• Deliver or pick up packages, boxes, and/or coolers via state-owned vehicle or personal vehicle.
• Safe operation of a state-owned vehicle or personal vehicle is required to conduct state business and an acceptable driving record must be maintained in accordance with DSHS Policy OS-3901, Fleet Operations and Management & Procedures and standards developed by the Texas Department of Public Safety.
• Based on your work area, consistently comply with DSHS Laboratory, local, state, and federal guidelines to ensure a safe functioning laboratory. (5%)
• Performs other duties as assigned, including but not limited to actively participating and/or serving 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 alternative shift pattern assignment, and/or location. (5%) and/or location. (5%)

Benefits

• insurance coverage
• 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: Associate degree