Molecular Biologist I

TX-HHSC-DSHS-DFPS • Austin, TX

2d • $4,317 - $4,964 • Onsite

About The Position

Under moderate supervision of the Virology and Immunology Branch Manager and under the technical guidance of the Clinical Virology Team Lead, performs complex procedures to identify viruses following standard protocols, while using Biosafety Level 2 and 3 practices and procedures. Processes and identifies viruses using molecular methods, including real time RT-PCR. Performs testing in a manner which assures stringent quality assurance, accuracy, and efficiency. Assists in monitoring and maintaining quality assurance and workflow. Duties are performed with limited latitude for the use of scientific knowledge, initiative, and independent judgment.

Requirements

• Knowledge of basic virology, microbiology and molecular biology.
• Knowledge of the procedures and equipment used in diagnostic molecular virology.
• Skill to handle laboratory equipment and perform tasks safely and efficiently.
• Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing; 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 and results reporting.
• Ability to interact effectively with staff, work independently, work in harmony with other team members, to maintain good records and follow standard operating procedures and protocols.
• Ability to organize daily workload and set priorities to routine work.
• 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.
• Experience and education may be substituted as defined by the Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments of 1988 (CLIA ’88) Standards.

Nice To Haves

• Experience performing molecular testing in a clinical setting and/or laboratory.
• Laboratory experience identifying viruses and/or pathogenic organisms.

Responsibilities

• Performs nucleic acid extractions using both manual and automated methods and real time RT-PCR for the detection of viruses. Viruses include but are not limited to Influenza, COVID-19, Mumps, Measles, Zika, Dengue, and Chikungunya. Follows standard operating procedures according to CAP and CLIA regulations for each assay. Follows appropriate safety protocols using both Biosafety level 2 and 3 practices. Determines additional testing needed and routes the specimens appropriately. Maintains accurate records of all work, documenting on appropriate worksheets, and enters the results into the lab information system (LIMS). Tracks the progress of specimens using the LIMS and other computer software such as Microsoft Excel.
• Follows appropriate quality assurance processes to maintain a high quality of work. Performs instrument maintenance as needed following CAP and CLIA regulations. Maintains adequate supplies and reagents for virus isolation. Prepares other necessary reagents as needed including control stocks for molecular testing. Performs quality control testing on all media and reagents following CAP and CLIA regulations. Documents all quality control testing and validation performed on the media and reagents. Orders glassware as needed.
• Assists other staff in their duties and provides additional support to maintain a high quality of work. Notifies supervisory personnel of equipment malfunctions or test failures immediately, providing an assessment of the failure and making recommendations to prevent additional failures in the future. Provides training to co-workers and guest laboratorians. Performs other tasks as assigned.
• Assists in development of new procedures under direction from Senior Microbiologist and Team Leader, provides input to optimize efforts, and documents all development work thoroughly. Reviews the literature on a regular basis and provides summaries to other employees of new techniques or research related to virus isolation/identification. Participates in continuing education opportunities on a regular basis including talks, satellite conferences, scientific conferences, or other appropriate opportunities to update and learn new techniques to be able to perform state of the art diagnostic work.
• 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. Participates in weekend, holiday, and after-hours testing as needed on a rotational basis.

Benefits

• 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: Associate degree