Microbiologist III

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Employee Benefits:

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Functional Title: Microbiologist III 
Job Title: Microbiologist III 
Agency: Dept of State Health Services 
Department: Microbiology 
Posting Number: 15290 
Closing Date: 04/08/2026 
Posting Audience: Internal and External 
Occupational Category: Life, Physical, and Social Science 
Salary Range: $5,110.03 - $5,876.54 
Pay Frequency: Monthly
Salary Group: TEXAS-B-21 
Shift: Day 
Additional Shift: Days (First) 
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 the limited supervision of the Clinical Bacteriology Group Manager and in coordination with the Conventional Bacteriology & MALDI Team Lead, serves as a senior microbiologist. Following standard protocols for complex and highly complex microbiological methods, performs highly advanced technical and quality control activities involving characterization of pathogenic bacteria. Provides and documents technical training to the Team Lead and recommends and develops specific technical training for employees. Conducts process improvement, research, and development activities, including validation studies of new technologies and procedures. Makes recommendations to improve or replace existing procedures. Consults and coordinates with Team Lead to assure that the Quality Assurance Plan is implemented and followed. Duties are performed with adherence to standard protocol, with considerable latitude for the use of scientific knowledge, initiative, 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. Serves as a senior Microbiologist in the team. Isolates, identifies, and/or characterizes bacteria from both referred cultures and clinical specimens. Selects appropriate testing protocol based on interpretation of clinical and bacteriological information. Performs serological examinations and antimicrobial susceptibility testing when necessary. Performs bacterial isolation procedures to obtain a pure culture for confirmation and identification using standard protocol including MALDI-TOF, conventional biochemical testing, and commercial kit testing. Interprets conventional biochemical test results to determine identity through use of various identification keys. Recommends additional testing for non-routine results. Implements approved changes according to direction from supervisor. Releases uncomplicated test results by validation into laboratory information system and notes atypical results and consults with Team Lead or Group Manager. Based on the work area, consistently complies with DSHS Laboratory, local, state, and federal guidelines to ensure a safe functioning laboratory. (35%)

EJF 2. Monitors daily work schedule; consults and coordinates with Team Lead to make work assignment adjustments in response to staffing and workload changes in the laboratory. Coordinates with Team Lead to ensure that work is prioritized, equitably distributed among staff, and performed in an accurate and timely manner. Results and authorizes testing data in the laboratory information system in accurate and timely manner. Coordinates with Team Lead to ensure that a sufficient supply of test equipment, reagents, and materials are maintained. Provides consultation with public health and other laboratories or agency personnel. Assists Team Lead in the preparation and maintenance of current written standard operating procedures. In the absence of the Team Lead, performs administrative functions necessary for Team effectiveness as assigned. (20%)

EFJ 3. Communicates and coordinates with Team Lead to assure that the Team QA Plan is implemented and followed. Performs and documents QC procedures, equipment preventative maintenance and repair procedures to assure valid testing data. Assists in the preparation of corrective action reports when problems are found; investigates QA problems, recommends corrective action; implements corrective actions approved by Group Manager. Consults with Team Lead to determine remedial actions to correct problems when deviations or deficiencies are found. Oversees the preparation and standardization of reagents and controls, when necessary, for use in diagnostic procedures. Reviews documentation to ensure established performance parameters are maintained throughout testing procedures. (20%)

EJF 4. Conducts and documents Team technical training. Recommends specific training for employees and mentors employees in workgroup. Evaluates competency of personnel to perform procedures and reports results to Team Lead for appropriate action. 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. Participates in the interview and selection process for filling vacant positions when possible. (10%)

EFJ 5. Conducts process improvement, research, and development activities. Researches and reviews scientific literature on topics relevant to the Team. Consults with the Team Lead or Group Manager on the strategy and implementation of the research. Assists with verification or validation studies of new products or techniques. Assists in development and revision of procedural manuals. Maintains a well-documented written record of all investigations. Uses computer applications to prepare and present reports of the findings. Makes recommendations to improve or replace existing procedures. Uses word processing, spreadsheet, and database applications to prepare reports of results. (10%)

EJF 6. Completes other duties as assigned. Participates in weekend and holiday rotation duties including monitoring and documentation of equipment performance. Records test reactions as per standard protocol. Documents and notifies the Team Lead of all adverse test reactions and other problem situations that occur during the weekend or holiday. 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. Based on your work area, consistently comply with DSHS Laboratory, local, state, and federal guidelines to ensure a safe functioning laboratory. (5%)

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSAs):

Knowledge

Comprehensive knowledge of highly advanced microbiological principles, techniques, and terminology used in diagnostic bacteriology laboratory, Comprehensive knowledge of the expected reactions of most bacterial culture media with known quality control organisms, knowledge of Quality assurance and Quality control functions of a diagnostic bacteriology laboratory, knowledge of laboratory safety including sample-handling techniques.

Skill

Skill in the operation and maintenance of diagnostic bacteriology laboratory equipment and in the use of a computer and applicable software.

Ability

Ability to see and distinguish color; Ability to conduct microbiological specimen processing, bacterial isolation, identification, and characterization, and antimicrobial susceptibility testing with speed, accuracy and safety; Ability to identify a wide spectrum of pathogenic and non-pathogenic bacteria; Ability to follow standard operating procedures and protocols accurately; Ability to keep accurate, detailed records; Ability to maintain an efficient inventory of stock and insure acquisition of necessary supplies; knowledge of material management procedures; Ability to teach bacteriological procedures and use of various items of laboratory equipment with speed, accuracy and safety; Ability to work as part of a team adhering to structured deadlines for completion of critical laboratory procedures that are performed in high volume; Ability to communicate technical instructions, interact effectively with staff, work in harmony with other team members, and lead co-workers by setting a positive work-ethic example; Ability to organize, multi-task, and self-motivate as appropriate to complete tasks without close supervision; Ability to work independently and make technical decisions based on review of study data, professional knowledge and experience; Ability to use a computer for word processing, spreadsheet and database analysis, and results reporting; Ability to communicate effectively in English, both orally and in writing.

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. (Required) 

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

Working experience in a clinical microbiology or bacteriology laboratory. (Preferred)  

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

Experience using various items of laboratory equipment. (Preferred)

Ability to maintain inventory of supplies in a laboratory setting. (Preferred)

Additional Information:

N/A

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