Molecular Biologist I

TX-HHSC-DSHS-DFPS • Austin, TX

11d • 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 identify viruses following standard protocols, 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

• 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; orHave 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.
• 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.

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.
• Follows appropriate quality assurance processes to maintain a high quality of work.
• Assists other staff in their duties and provides additional support to maintain a high quality of work.
• 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.
• 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