Microbiologist II

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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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Functional Title: Microbiologist II 
Job Title: Microbiologist II 
Agency: Dept of State Health Services 
Department: Microbiology 
Posting Number: 15820 
Closing Date: 04/24/2026 
Posting Audience: Internal and External 
Occupational Category: Life, Physical, and Social Science 
Salary Range: $4,539.50 - $5,229.43 
Pay Frequency: Monthly
Salary Group: TEXAS-B-19 
Shift: Day 
Additional Shift:  
Telework: Not Eligible for Telework 
Travel: Up to 5% 
Regular/Temporary: Regular 
Full Time/Part Time: Full time 
FLSA Exempt/Non-Exempt: Nonexempt 
Facility Location:  
Job Location City: AUSTIN 
Job Location Address: 1100 W 49TH ST (DBGL) 
Other Locations:  
MOS Codes: 230X,43BX,43TX,71A,SEI12 
 
 
 

Brief Job Description:

Under general supervision of the Clinical Bacteriology Group Manager and Team Leads and following standard protocols, performs moderately complex microbiological work for the isolation and identification of pathogenic bacteria from both referred cultures and clinical specimens using a battery of physiological, serological and identification tests. Performs quality control, preventive maintenance, and inventory for the Clinical Bacteriology Group. Duties are performed with adherence to standard protocol, with general latitude to interpret standard protocol, and with general use of initiative, scientific knowledge, and independent 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. 

Essential Job Functions (EJFs):

EJF 1. Under technical guidance of the Team Lead, performs moderately complex procedures for the isolation and identification of bacteria from both referred cultures and clinical specimens. Performs bacterial isolation procedures to obtain a pure culture on referred cultures and some clinical samples for confirmation and identification using standard protocol. Performs identification by MALDI-TOF and/or inoculates pure culture isolates to a battery of physiological tests; reads, interprets, and records biochemical test results. Performs antimicrobial susceptibility testing. Completes the testing process, accurately records all test reactions, and confirms the identification of the organism by interpretation of appropriate identification keys. Recognizes problems or deviations and refers to supervisor or team lead. Initiates troubleshooting and proposes solutions to problems to supervisor. Participates in proficiency testing program and demonstrates proficiency in testing work. (40%)

EJF 2. Routinely prepares and evaluates the quality of reagents used in tests by tracking expiration dates, performing required quality control, and documentation of quality control results. Initiates quality assurance corrective action; Documents technical performance issues. Identifies any aberrant Quality Control results, performs troubleshooting, and makes recommendations to Team Lead for corrective actions. Assists Team Lead with preparation of Quality Assurance documents including data graphs, problem and corrective action logs, competency documentation, training documentation, review of quality control records, and turnaround time statistical analysis. (10%)

EJF 3. Evaluates test results and assures accuracy and completeness. Enters test results into laboratory information system for reporting. Identifies abnormal results and refers to Team Lead. Files completed reports according to standard protocol. Releases uncomplicated results based on SOP’s including reviewing, entering, and validating test results in the laboratory computer system for final reporting. (10%)

EJF 4. Assists in supporting the Clinical Bacteriology Group in maintaining an adequate supply of reagents, media, and supplies. Reviews on a monthly basis the expiration dates of reagents and places requests for or makes reagents when supply is below desired level. Reviews supplies for completeness of information, reviews each shipment received and records condition, expiration dates, and reviews any changes in the instructions for use. Participates in and helps coordinate semi-annual SAO inventory. (10%)

EJF 5. Performs preventative maintenance. Performs advanced troubleshooting on instruments. Recognizes problems and deviations and refers to supervisor with recommendations for problem solving. Assists Team Lead with revisions of preventive maintenance records, equipment standard operating procedures, and corrective action documentation. (10%)

EJF 6. Participates in cross-training program by teaching or demonstrating laboratory techniques in accordance with standard operating procedures. Documents all training and delivers to Manager within 10 days of completion. Participates in training program by reading procedures, listening, taking notes, and asking questions. Takes responsibility for ensuring that the knowledge and skills demonstrated are clearly understood and competency can be demonstrated. (10%)

EJF 7. Assists with verification or validation studies of new products or techniques. Assists in development and revision of procedural manuals. Assists with special projects or surge capacity testing. Under technical guidance of the Team Lead, provides data for project updates. Compiles data in spreadsheet or word processing format for presentations. (5%)

EJF 8. Assists other staff in their duties and provides additional support with special projects to maintain the section’s high quality and productivity. Participates in the weekend and holiday rotations. Attends meetings, interacts, and communicates with customers when applicable. Attends and/or participates in work related workshops, seminars, and other training activities. Answers routine customer inquiries according to SOP’s and some non-routine inquiries as directed by supervisor. Interacts with other programs as requested. Based on your work area, consistently comply with DSHS Laboratory, local, state, and federal guidelines to ensure a safe functioning laboratory. 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. (5%)

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSAs):

Knowledge of:

Microbiological principles and techniques.

Diagnostic and public health bacteriology, including the use of identification keys and biochemical tests to accurately identify bacteria representing the entire spectrum of the pathogenic organisms.

Expected reactions of most bacterial culture media with known quality control organisms.

Antimicrobial susceptibility testing.

Skill in:

Manipulating standard laboratory equipment with speed, accuracy, and safety.

Ability to:

See and distinguish color.

Use a computer for word processing, spreadsheet and database analysis, and results reporting.

Communicate effectively orally and in writing; follow written and verbal instructions;

Work independently and make technical decisions based on professional knowledge and experience.

Communicate technical instructions and teach bacteriological procedures.

Maintain inventory of supplies in a laboratory setting. 

Registrations, Licensure Requirements or Certifications:

N/A

Initial Screening Criteria:

Have earned a bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral degree in a chemical, physical, biological or clinical laboratory science, or medical technology from an accredited institution and one year of clinical microbiology or bacteriology lab experience; or have earned an associate’s degree in a chemical, physical, biological or clinical laboratory science, or medical laboratory technology from an accredited institution and have at least two years of experience in moderate complexity laboratory testing in clinical microbiology or bacteriology lab. (Required) 

Must be willing to work Saturdays and holidays on a rotational basis. (Required)

Working experience in bacteriology and antimicrobial susceptibility testing in a clinical or public health lab setting. (Preferred)

Experience with identifying bacteria using MALDI-TOF and/or conventional biochemical methods. (Preferred)

Experience using various items of laboratory equipment. (Preferred)

Additional Information:

NA

Active Duty, Military, Reservists, Guardsmen, and Veterans:

Military occupation(s) that relate to the initial selection criteria and registration or licensure requirements for this position may include, but not limited to those listed in this posting. All active-duty military, reservists, guardsmen, and veterans are encouraged to apply if qualified for this position. For more information see the Texas State Auditor’s Military Crosswalk at https://hr.sao.texas.gov/CompensationSystem/JobDescriptions/.

ADA Accommodations:

In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), DSHS will provide reasonable accommodation during the hiring process for individuals with a qualifying disability. If reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the interview process, please notify the person who contacts you to schedule the interview. If you need assistance completing the on-line application, contact the HHS Employee Service Center at 1-888-894-4747 or via email at HHSServiceCenter.Applications@ngahrhosting.com.

Salary Information, Pre-employment Checks, and Work Eligibility:

• The salary offered will follow DSHS starting salary guidelines. Any employment offer is contingent upon available budgeted funds.
• Depending on the program area and position requirements, applicants selected for hire may be required to pass background and other due diligence checks.
• DSHS uses E-Verify. You must bring your I-9 documentation with you on your first day of work.  Download the I-9 form