Molecular Biologist IV

TX-HHSC-DSHS-DFPS • Austin, TX

1d • $5,874 - $6,353 • Onsite

About The Position

Under general direction of the Public Health Laboratory Emergency Preparedness Branch Supervisor and Biothreat Lead, performs duties for the Biothreat Team. Performs highly advanced technical activities for isolation and the methods of rapid detection and identification of high consequence infectious diseases and agents used in bioterrorism. Work includes routine performance of complex molecular and microbiological methods and coordinating proficiency testing and readiness exercises to assure competency in testing methods and procedures. Responsible for training other internal and external personnel in the procedures for detection and identification of high consequence infectious agents. As a member of the National Laboratory Response Network, plans for, evaluates, validates, and implements new procedures. Determines appropriate specifications for proficiency testing and readiness exercises performed to assure competency in testing methods. Assures availability of testing activities in the Biochemistry and Genetics Branch and Microbiological Sciences Branch. Presents project updates to the supervisor or director. Coordinates the acquisition of appropriate supplies and the maintenance of current records, documentation, and results reporting. Consults with customers. Duties performed under minimal supervision, with considerable latitude for the use of initiative, scientific knowledge and independent judgment. Supports the creation of a laboratory-wide safety culture by serving as a liaison to the Safety Office to ensure a healthy and safe workplace.

Requirements

• 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 and at least one year of experience in high complexity laboratory testing; or An earned associate’s degree in a chemical, physical, biological or clinical laboratory science, or medical laboratory technology from an accredited institution and at least two years of experience in high complexity laboratory testing.
• Experience performing microbiological techniques on potentially infectious/pathogenic agents.
• Experience performing biochemical and molecular testing for human disease.
• Ability to work hours and days other than M-F; 8:00-5:00.
• Valid Class C Texas driver’s license or equivalent license from another state.
• CDC authorization to work with select agents is a condition of employment.
• Knowledge of microbiological principles and techniques.
• Skill in using a computer and laboratory related software.
• Ability to conduct microbiological tests, prepare diagnostic reagents, develop laboratory procedures, and prepare reports.
• Comprehensive knowledge of diagnostic tests used to identify bacteria representing the entire spectrum of pathogenic organisms.
• Advanced knowledge of expected reactions of most bacterial culture and biochemical testing media with known quality control organisms.
• Advanced knowledge of visible and fluorescent light microscopy, including staining procedures.
• Advanced knowledge of rapid detection methodologies including immunoassays, nucleic acid hybridization, polymerase chain reaction, and DNA sequencing.
• Skill in manipulating standard laboratory equipment and biohazardous material with speed, accuracy, and safety.
• Ability to use identification keys for bacterial identification.
• Ability to maintain an efficient inventory of stock and insure acquisition of necessary supplies.
• Ability to administer a proficiency test program for biological threat agents.
• Ability to use computer for word processing, spreadsheet and database analysis, and results reporting.
• Ability to review, adapt, and validate protocols for implementation.
• Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing, follow written and verbal instructions, teach procedures and use various items of laboratory equipment, and effectively communicate technical instructions to staff and trainees.
• Ability to interact positively with all staff and trainees, work independently, and make technical decisions based on professional knowledge and experience.
• Ability to work independently and make technical decisions based on review of study data, professional knowledge, and experience.
• Knowledge of molecular biology principles and techniques.

Responsibilities

• Develops bacteriology skills necessary to become subject matter expert on bacteria, viruses, or toxins that could be used as a threat agent.
• Performs complete knowledge of direct fluorescent antibody staining, polymerase chain reaction, enzyme immunoassays, DNA sequencing, and other emerging technologies applied to the isolation and/or identification of threat agents.
• Teaches the techniques to other laboratorians in sentinel and reference Laboratory Response Network laboratories.
• Maintains and follows current standard operating procedures and bench manuals related to the detection and identification of agents used in biological threats, including standard and rapid molecular microbiological methods.
• Answers technical questions and advises internal and external personnel.
• Develops and performs special projects as needed to improve detection and/or identification of biological threat agents.
• Performs validation studies and implements protocols in the Biothreat Team as a member of the National Laboratory Response Network.
• Performs complex testing on specimens submitted and adjusts workloads as necessary to meet demands.
• Presents or assists with training exercises as required.
• Conducts training on the detection and identification of biological threat agents.
• Plans and presents one-on-one training and workshops to update internal personnel.
• Plans and administers workshops or training activities for health department and sentinel laboratory personnel.
• Reviews publications for methods that are applicable to current procedures.
• Develops and updates procedures and manuals as necessary.
• Conducts refresher training on changes as needed.
• Writes, updates, or revises SOPs and bench manuals to reflect current recommended practices within 30 days of completion of training with federal partners.
• Conducts and coordinates proficiency testing and readiness exercises as part of the National Laboratory Response Network.
• Participates in the planning and assists with conducting readiness exercises for DSHS and LRN laboratories.
• Participates in the review of exercise results, analyzes weak points and strong points, and makes recommendations for improvements.
• Reviews all records pertaining to proficiency testing results and makes recommendations for corrective action when necessary.
• Plans and coordinates readiness exercises to be conducted on a quarterly basis.
• Completes review of readiness exercise results within 30 days of end of exercise and prepares report.
• Assists with testing and analyses in the Newborn Metabolic Screening and Clinical Chemistry Groups as necessary.
• Assists with testing and analyses in the Microbiological Sciences Branch as necessary.
• Performs other duties as assigned, including but 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.
• Supports the creation of a laboratory-wide safety culture by serving as a liaison to the Safety Office to ensure a healthy and safe workplace.

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: Senior