Microbiologist II

Under general supervision of the Zoonotic Disease Branch Manager and with coordination with the Medical Parasitology Team Leader, performs complex to highly complex microbiological work.
Following standard protocols, receives and processes clinical specimens; performs complex microscopic examinations of preparations of feces, blood and other bodily fluid specimens; Identifies parasitic organisms to meet weekly deadlines. Performs and documents quality assurance activities with accuracy. Provides technical consultation by telephone. Participates in training activities by preparing specimens, delivering lectures, and performing demonstrations. Contributes to the creation and maintenance of a digital image library and training modules. Assists with research studies and preparation of technical reports. Duties are performed with considerable latitude to interpret standard protocol and with moderate use of scientific knowledge, initiative, and independence.

Essential Job Functions:
Attends work on a regular and predictable schedule in accordance with agency leave policy and performs other duties as assigned.

EJF 1. Detects parasitic infections by performing microscopic examinations of feces, blood or other body fluid specimens submitted for testing. Processes and performs complex examination of clinical specimens including but not limited to human blood, feces, and other bodily fluid using various parasite staining and concentration methods. Processes, examines, and identifies worms and other miscellaneous parasite specimens. (45%)

EJF 2. Coordinates with the Senior Microbiologist and the Team Leader to ensure that work is prioritized and completed in a timely manner. Enters, reviews, and releases test results accurately into the Laboratory Information System. Provides customer service and technical consultation by telephone as appropriate; refrains from making customer service decisions that are not approved by the Team Leader or Branch Manager. Coordinates with the Senior Microbiologist and Team Leader to assure that sufficient supply of test reagents and other required materials are maintained. Performs quality control and preventive maintenance procedures per the Team's procedure manual and maintains records as required. Assists in updating and maintaining the Team’s digital imaging library. (25%)

EJF 3. Performs quality assurance activities and assists the Team Leader with other tasks as assigned. Assists other staff in their duties to maintain the sections high quality and quantity of productivity. Documents problems identified with specimen acceptability, processing, and/or reporting and submits to the Team Leader for review. Consults with the Team Leader to determine remedial actions to correct problems when deviations are identified. Implements approved changes according to instructions provided by the Team Leader. Interacts effectively with staff and works in harmony with other team members. Performs other tasks and cross-training within the branch as assigned by the Branch Manager. (20%)

EJF 4. Participates in the training of laboratory staff, visiting technologists, students, and interns. Assists with the preparation of training materials. Presents and assists with training exercises, workshops, and tours as required. Assists in special projects and the development of new procedures under the direction of the Team Leader, provides input to optimize efforts, and documents all development work thoroughly. Participates in continuing education opportunities on a regular basis including talks, satellite conferences, scientific conferences, or other appropriate opportunities to update and learn new techniques to be able to perform state of the art diagnostic work. (5%)

EJF 5. Based on the work area, consistently complies with DSHS Laboratory, local, state, and federal guidelines to ensure a safe functioning laboratory. Completes other duties as assigned. 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. Participates in weekend, holiday, and after-hours testing as needed. (5%)

Knowledge Skills Abilities:
Knowledge of Medical Parasitology to include morphology, life cycles, and epidemiology of the human parasites. Knowledge of laboratory quality control activities. Knowledge and ability to use brightfield, dissecting, and fluorescence microscopes. Skill in manipulating standard laboratory equipment with speed, accuracy and safety. Ability to use a computer for word processing, spreadsheet and database analysis, and results reporting. Ability and willingness to handle infectious clinical specimens including feces, blood, sputum, urine, and other body fluids. Ability to give meticulous attention to detail, follow standardized procedures, and trouble-shoot problems that occur during testing. Ability to effectively communicate technical instructions and professionally interact with staff and students. Ability to teach testing procedures and the use of various items of laboratory equipment. Ability to work independently and make technical decisions based on professional knowledge and experience. Ability to consistently work in harmony with team members, even under stress. Ability to stay focused on a repetitive task for extended periods of time, but also to multi-task when necessary. Ability to communicate effectively, orally and in writing, and to follow written and verbal instructions in English.

Registration or Licensure Requirements:
NA

Initial Selection Criteria:
Required: 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; or

Have 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.

Preferred but not required:
Basic knowledge of microbiology and parasitology preferred.
Experience with microscopy in laboratory setting.
Experience with brightfield and/or fluorescence microscopy examining prepared slides and digital imaging.
Experience in a laboratory processing or testing human clinical specimens including but not limited to feces, blood, sputum, urine, and other body fluids.
Experience in a laboratory handling specimens and/or chemicals under a fume hood.
Experience working independently and within a team setting.

Additional Information:
Note: Military occupation(s) that relate to the initial selection criteria and registration or licensure requirements for this position may include: 67B, 71A, 230X, 43TX. For more information see the Texas State Auditor’s Military Crosswalk at http://www.hr.sao.state.tx.us/Compensation/JobDescriptions.aspx.
Applicant is required to list all college level biology, microbiology, and chemistry courses on application showing the course name and number of semester hours. List of courses can be placed in “Special Training/Skills/Qualifications” section or in one of the “Employment History” spaces (photocopy of college transcripts is acceptable). Applicants with diplomas awarded in countries other than the US must contact Laboratory Personnel Services (512-458-7318) for an approved list of credentialing agencies. Selectee will be immunized against rabies virus and other highly infectious agents, DSHS will provide and arrange for immunization. Selectee must have no color vision problems. Must be willing to work hours other than 8am-5pm as needed. Duties may include weekend/holiday work/after-hours/shift changes as required and occasional travel to attend and/or present at professional meetings.

MOS Code:
67B,71A,230X,43TX

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