Microbiologist

TX-HHSC-DSHS-DFPS • Austin, TX

3d • 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. Review our Top 10 Tips for Success when Applying to State of Texas Jobs. Under general supervision of the Zoonotic Virology Group Manager and under the technical guidance of the Rabies Identification Team Leader, uses Biosafety Level 2/3 safety practices to perform all aspects of complex rabies diagnostic work including but not limited to routine testing, microscopic examinations, RT-PCR, typing rabies strains, identification of rabies, and reagent preparation by following standard protocols. Assists in maintaining both the necropsy and general rabies laboratories. Duties are performed with moderate latitude to interpret standard protocol and with considerable use of scientific knowledge, initiative, independent judgement, and experience.

Requirements

• Knowledge of medical virology principles and practices including laboratory safety, aseptic technique, and handling of pathogenic organisms.
• Knowledge of microscopy, immunological techniques, and RT-PCR testing.
• Knowledge of rabies testing procedures and the ability to communicate that knowledge to submitters in an understandable manner.
• Ability to organize daily workload and set priorities to routine work.
• Ability to maintain accurate records and evaluate problem situations and determine appropriate actions.
• Ability to recall details on specimens submitted.
• Ability to perform all procedures in rabies diagnosis.
• Ability to lift heavy items such as boxes or equipment.
• Ability to work with sharp and dangerous tools including electric saws which weighs 6 and 10.5 pounds.
• Ability to manifest a high degree of dexterity (with saws as well as knives) while performing moderately complex tasks.
• Ability to tolerate unpleasant odors, sights, and conditions.
• Ability to follow laboratory procedures accurately, concentrate on minute details over an extended period of time, maintain work efficiency under heavy stress.
• Ability to communicate effectively in oral and written form and to follow written and verbal instructions.
• Ability to use various items of laboratory equipment, including a computer for word processing, spreadsheet and database analysis and results reporting.
• 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.
• Bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral degree in a chemical, physical, biological or clinical laboratory science or medical technology from an accredited institution.

Nice To Haves

• Laboratory experience identifying viruses using diagnostic methods
• Experience performing necropsy and/or animal testing in a laboratory or clinical setting
• Experience with performing immunoassays
• Experience using a microscope

Responsibilities

• Performs testing on all rabies specimens daily by fluorescent antibody techniques with 100% accuracy including preparing slides, staining slides, and interpreting immunofluorescence via microscopy for definitive diagnosis of rabies.
• Performs additional procedures to type or confirm rabies diagnosis including typing rabies positive specimens by monoclonal antibody immunofluorescent staining and RT-PCR testing.
• Prepares adequate supplies of high-quality reagents for routine rabies diagnostic work including preparation of conjugates, brain diluent suspensions, and buffers.
• Assists in development of new procedures, provides input to optimize efforts, and documents all development work thoroughly.
• Based on your work area, consistently comply with DSHS Laboratory, local, state and federal guidelines to ensure a safe functioning laboratory.

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
• Number of Employees: 1,001-5,000 employees