Molecular Biologist IV

TX-HHSC-DSHS-DFPS•Austin, TX

1d•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

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.
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.
Education and experience as required under registration and licensure requirements.
Experience performing microbiological techniques on potentially infectious/pathogenic agents.
Experience performing molecular testing for human disease.
Ability to work hours and days other than M-F; 8:00-5:00
Must possess a 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 for this position in accordance with federal and state laws and agency policy. Employees who are required to work with select agents must successfully pass a Security Risk Assessment (SRA) conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and are subject to medical surveillance procedures. Employees that are required to work with or have access to Tier 1 select agents must undergo and pass pre-access suitability and medical assessments. Employees with Tier I requirements must be enrolled into the on-going suitability assessment program and undergo review of medical surveillance procedures as a condition of employment.

Responsibilities

Develops bacteriology skills necessary to become subject matter expert on bacteria, viruses, or toxins that could be used as a threat agent.
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; and under supervision of the Emergency Preparedness Branch Manager and the Biothreat Team Leader; 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.
Prepares report of the outcome of training.
Reviews publications for methods that are applicable to current procedures; develops and updates procedures and manuals as necessary; and 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.
Plan and coordinate 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. Such participation may require an alternate shift pattern assignment and/or location.

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).

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