Molecular Biologist III

TX-HHSC-DSHS-DFPS • Austin, TX

6d • $5,176 - $5,952 • Onsite

About The Position

Under the minimal supervision of the SCID-SMA Screening Group Manager, uses expert knowledge to independently perform highly complex and highly specialized molecular genetic procedures to detect T cell receptor excision circles (TREC) or other markers for screening of severe combined immunodeficiency (SCID) and exon 7 deletions in the SMN1 gene to screen for spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) on high volume neonatal screening specimens. Responsible for independently performing specimen and reagent preparation, data analysis and interpretation, work list evaluation, result entry, release of final results, maintenance and troubleshooting of equipment, evaluating the quality of reagents, assisting in managing material resources, and other supporting work for the laboratory. Responsible for making significant decisions on the assay acceptability and accuracy of laboratory tests on human specimens. Performs and reviews quality control for DNA analysis and utilizes expert working knowledge of all procedures to independently determine, troubleshoot, and release highly complex analytical test results ensuring that the analytic accuracy and continuity of testing are maintained. Conducts the monitoring and documentation of quality assurance. Serves as a senior molecular biologist, authority and role model. Responsible for coordinating assignments, monitoring workload and staff, training personnel, and providing customer service. Evaluates current protocols, researches new procedures and provides recommendations. Participates in incorporation, evaluation, validation, and implementation of new processes, procedures and technologies. Actively participates in the safety program. Duties are independently performed with considerable latitude, adherence to standard protocol and with extensive use of scientific knowledge and independent judgment. Work hours/days and laboratory assignments may vary, all staff members will be required to work on Saturday as part of a rotating schedule. This position is eligible for shift differential in accordance with DSHS laboratory policy.

Requirements

• Comprehensive knowledge of laboratory, quality control, quality assurance, molecular genetic principles, techniques, and terminology.
• Knowledge of laboratory safety including sample-handling techniques.
• Ability to perform analytical procedures, detect and troubleshoot analytical problems that could influence test results such as problems with reagents, equipment, test calibration, and employee performance.
• Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing to both internal and external customers.
• Ability to follow written and verbal instructions.
• Ability to interact effectively with staff and work in harmony with other team members.
• Ability to lead co-workers by setting a positive work-ethic example.
• Ability to work as part of a team adhering to structured deadlines for completion of critical laboratory procedures.
• Ability to work independently, prioritize, organize, multi-task and self-motivate as appropriate to complete tasks without close supervision.
• 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 use, maintain, and troubleshoot work area instruments and automated testing equipment.
• Ability to recognize and solve work area problems.
• Ability to teach work area procedures to coworkers and guests.
• Ability to prepare diagnostic (analytical) reagents and/or controls accurately.
• Ability to plan, assign, direct, and monitor the work of others.
• Ability to make technical decisions and use mature judgment in test interpretation based on professional knowledge and experience.
• Ability to use a computer for word processing, spreadsheet and database analysis, and results reporting.
• Skill to manipulate standard laboratory equipment with speed, accuracy, and safety.
• 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.
• Ability to work on Saturdays on rotating basis required.
• Minimum 2 years of molecular testing experience or 1 year of clinical molecular testing experience required.

Nice To Haves

• Experience with clinical molecular laboratory testing procedures in newborn screening.
• Experience in a high-volume workload laboratory setting.

Responsibilities

• Plans and conducts highly complex advanced molecular genetic procedures including DNA extraction and real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction following laboratory protocol guidelines for detection of T cell receptor excision circle (TREC) or other markers for the screening of SCID and exon 7 deletions in the SMN1 gene to screen for SMA on high volume neonatal screening specimens.
• Performs high volume sampling of filter paper specimens and controls for all newborn screening tests.
• Uses technical knowledge to determine specimen acceptability.
• Prepares reagents and standards.
• Completes all documentation with required information.
• Evaluates and interprets highly complex laboratory data on human specimens and assigns final results.
• Uses expert knowledge to independently identify, investigate, interpret, assess, review, order retests and resolve problems with atypical test results to ensure the accuracy of the reports.
• Consults with upper level personnel when necessary.
• Reviews and releases final test results using the laboratory information management system.
• Cross-checks positive mailed report verifying abnormal reports are correct.
• Monitors the timelines are met.
• Ensures rapid communication of abnormal test results to Clinical Care Coordination, Team Lead, and Group Manager.
• Conducts the monitoring and documentation of quality control review, proficiency testing, equipment performance documentation, specimen tallies, reagent quality, and supply inventory to ensure consistently acceptable quality assurance and test performance.
• Investigates quality assurance problems, recommends solutions, and implements approved corrective actions.
• Ensures standard protocols and proper quality control procedures are followed for all the tests performed by the team.
• Participates in the update and development of Standard Operating Procedures and training materials.
• Coordinates and facilitates the technical bench assignments.
• Ensures that specimen testing, reporting, and other essential functions are completed without delay, notifying the supervisor immediately and initiating corrective action when needed.
• Promotes workflow through cooperative interaction, reassignment of duties, and teamwork with supervisors, co-workers, and internal and external customers.
• Provides consultation and services to customers regarding specimen requirements, molecular biology technology, and interpretation of highly complex analytical test results.
• Conducts training and tours.
• 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.
• Monitors and ensures adequate inventory of supplies and reagents and communicates needs to Team Lead.
• Based on your work area, consistently comply with DSHS Laboratory, local, state and federal guidelines to ensure a safe functioning laboratory.
• Performs routine and specialized preventive maintenance of highly complex equipment.
• Identifies equipment problems, initiates troubleshooting, makes adjustments as indicated, requests vendor support when needed and completes required documentation.
• Researches new procedures and reports on their usefulness.
• Participates in research, evaluation, development, and implementation of new testing procedures.
• Evaluates existing procedures, provides suggestions to improve the efficacy and implements approved changes.
• Prepares complex technical reports and research papers.
• Actively participates in monitoring and documentation of employee performance.
• Serves as a senior molecular biologist, recommends specific technical training for employees and routinely coaches and mentors other employees in the workgroup.
• Participates in interviewing and selection of employees.

Benefits

• Insurance coverage and other benefits available through the State of Texas Group Benefits Plan administered by the Employee Retirement System of Texas (ERS).
• Shift differential for Saturday rotation applies per DSHS policy.
• Hepatitis B and Tetanus/Diphtheria immunizations are provided.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior