Molecular Biologist III

TX-HHSC-DSHS-DFPS • Austin, TX

2d • 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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[This position is grant-funded through July 2026; continuation beyond that date is not guaranteed].
Under limited supervision of the Bacteriology Branch Manager and under the technical guidance of the Molecular Microbiology Team Lead, following standard or developmental protocols, performs highly complex and advanced molecular testing and typing using Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR). Performs DNA extractions from patient samples for PCR and Next Generation Sequencing (NGS). Conducts research and developmental work concerning emerging nucleic acid technologies. Summarizes research data, documents findings, and prepares reports and research papers. Assists with the development and implementation of additional molecular testing. Ensures standard protocols and proper quality controls are followed for all the tests performed in the lab and TAT time are met. Assists in evaluating the quality of reagents and in managing material resources. Consults with medical personnel and epidemiologists regarding test application and interpretation. Consults with local, state, and national partners concerning results. Prepares summary reports on all specimens tested from different regions of Texas. Consults with staff on proper advanced molecular biology research, analysis, and interpretive procedures. Trains individuals in molecular techniques. Serves as senior Molecular Biologist within the laboratory and assumes the duties of the Team Lead as needed; assumes additional duties as assigned. Duties are performed with considerable latitude to interpret standard protocol, with significant use of scientific knowledge and judgment.
Safe operation of either 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.

Requirements

• Knowledge of: molecular biology principles and techniques; quality assurance and quality control functions and CLIA/CAP regulations; validation process as required by CLIA/CAP; unidirectional workflow and aseptic techniques to reduce the potential for contamination.
• Skill in: the operation of molecular as well as general laboratory equipment and in the use of a computer and applicable software.
• Ability to: interpret written protocols and follow procedures; conduct advanced molecular analyses and tests, interpret molecular biology test results, and prepare reports; plan and prioritize assignments; detect malfunctions in test protocols and errors in transcribed results; make recommendations /implementations for corrective action; teach molecular biology concepts and procedures; communicate technical instructions and interact effectively and professionally with other team members; maintain positive customer relations; work independently and make technical decisions based on professional knowledge and experience.
• 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.

Nice To Haves

• Working experience of molecular techniques is preferred but not required.
• Experience in a clinical and/or public health laboratory setting is preferred but not required.
• Experience in use various items of laboratory equipment, including use of a computer for word processing, spreadsheet and database analysis and results reporting, is preferred but not required.

Responsibilities

• Under the technical guidance of the Branch Manager/ Team Lead, develops and performs highly complex (senior-level) molecular biology work.
• Performs DNA extractions from patient samples using both automated and manual extraction methods.
• Prepare samples for sanger or next generation sequencing.
• Helps Team Lead with coordinating laboratory workflow within the team and with other teams/groups.
• Plans and conducts analysis of specimens using advanced molecular techniques such as PCR for detection of parasites by processing specimens in accordance with current protocols and regulations.
• Manages the process of each sample, ensuring that delays are avoided, and enters, reviews and validates results into the laboratory information management system.
• Reviews quality control/quality assurance documentation to ensure established performance parameters are maintained throughout testing procedures.
• Investigates quality assurance/quality control problems, recommends and implements approved corrective actions.
• Initiates troubleshooting of diagnostic tests and instruments and completes routine adjustments as directed by Team Lead/Branch Manager.
• Proposes solutions to problems, implements approved changes according to direction from Team Lead/Branch Manager.
• Evaluates daily quality control records, performs preventive maintenance on laboratory equipment, and ensures all records are updated daily.
• Prepares solutions, reagents, gels, and other components as needed/assigned.
• Ensures an accurate and updated inventory of the team’s unique supplies and reagents is available.
• Analyzes specimen and test data to identify unusual patterns of either specimen submission or test results.
• Evaluates test results, reviews and releases outgoing reports.
• Assesses atypical test results, consults with Team Lead/Branch Manager and orders re-test as directed.
• Assists Team Lead/Branch Manager with the determination of circumstances surrounding an incorrect report and with the initiation of a corrective action to ensure accurate and consistent results are reported to customers.
• Research current scientific literature, selects, interprets, and shares information for adaptation in the lab.
• Performs evaluation/validation studies and presents data to Team Lead/Branch Manager.
• Assists in providing consultation and services to internal and external customers regarding specimen requirements, test methods, test results, and interpretation.
• Answers questions regarding laboratory testing.
• Serves as one of the primary liaisons between the State Public Health Laboratory and the partnering network laboratories.
• Assists Team Lead/Branch Manager in drafting and reviewing standard operating procedures (SOPs).
• Updates computer data files, software programs, and SOPs as directed by Team Lead/Manager.
• Prepares summary reports on all wastewater specimens tested from different regions of Texas.
• Participates in a cross-training program as both a student and an instructor by teaching and/or demonstrating molecular techniques to other laboratory personnel, volunteers or students and documenting training for staff.
• Performs other duties as assigned by the Team Leader/Branch Manager. 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.
• 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: Mid Level