Microbiologist III

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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 III 
Job Title: Microbiologist III 
Agency: Dept of State Health Services 
Department: Microbiology 
Posting Number: 18613 
Closing Date: 07/17/2026 
Posting Audience: Internal and External 
Occupational Category: Life, Physical, and Social Science 
Salary Range: $5,110.03 - $5,876.53 
Pay Frequency: Monthly
Salary Group: TEXAS-B-21 
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 the limited supervision of the Zoonotic Disease Branch Manager and with coordination of the Medical Parasitology Team Lead and following standard protocols, conducts complex and involved laboratory analysis on stool, blood, urine, and tissue specimens, isolating and identifying both pathogenic and non-pathogenic organisms. Serves as the senior Microbiologist for the Team, assuming the duties of the Team Lead as required. Monitors daily work schedule; assists the Team Lead to make and prioritize work assignments and resolve workload problems. Conducts, recommends, and develops training schedules. Facilitates training for team personnel, student rotations and interns, as appropriate. Assists in maintaining the digital imaging library and training modules. Consults and coordinates with the Team Lead to assure that the team quality assurance (QA) measures are implemented and followed. Performs and documents quality control (QC) procedures. Performs equipment preventative maintenance and initiates instrument troubleshooting to complete routine adjustments as directed by the Team Lead and/or Branch Manager. Conducts process improvement and validation studies of new or modified procedures. Formulates and adapts procedures and/or prepares new procedures and facilitates implementation. Completes other duties as assigned. Duties are performed with adherence to standard protocol but with considerable use of scientific knowledge, initiative, and judgment. 

Essential Job Functions (EJFs):

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 stool, blood, urine, tissues, or other specimens submitted for testing. Performs initial processing of specimens, examination of specimens for parasites, and result entry and release of test results into the laboratory information system. Participates in proficiency testing. Processes and performs complex examination of clinical specimens including but not limited to fecal ova and parasite exams, worm identification, and blood parasite exams. Prepares reagents and stains used to process clinical specimens. Reviews documentation to ensure established performance parameters are maintained throughout testing. Prepares specimens and ensures QA measures have been met for referred samples that will be sent to third party laboratories. Consults with the Team Lead to determine remedial actions to correct problems when deviations are identified. (45%)

EJF 2. Consults and coordinates with the Team Lead to assure that the team QA measures are implemented and followed. Performs and documents QC procedures and equipment preventive maintenance. Initiates instrument and/or diagnostic test troubleshooting and completes routine adjustments as directed by the Team Lead or Branch Manager. Assists the Team Lead in QA activities. Assists in the preparation of QA documents when problems are found with specimen acceptability, processing, or reporting; investigates QA issues, recommends, and implements corrective action approved by Branch Manager. (15%)

EJF 3. Trains technical staff in parasitological identification and specimen processing. Recommends training for employees, provides training and documents training, and mentors employees on the team. Provides input for the evaluation of competency of personnel to perform procedures to the Team Lead.  Prepares specimens and training materials utilized in workshops, webinars, and/or shadow programs. Assists in maintaining digital imaging library and training modules. Assists with presentation of workshops on Medical Parasitology, when appropriate. Participates in training of visiting technologists and interns. Assists the Team Lead in the preparation and/or presentation of posters or slide show presentations for scientific conferences. Participates in continuing education opportunities 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. Performs cross-training and other tasks as assigned by the Branch Manager. (15%)

EJF 4.  Serves as the senior Microbiologist of the team, assuming the Team Lead duties as required. Monitors the daily work schedule; assists the Team Lead to make work assignments and to resolve workload problems. Coordinates with the Team Lead to prioritize the work assignments so that reports are issued in a timely manner. Ensures that results are entered and released in the laboratory information system. Participates in the interview and selection process as needed. Consults with submitters on testing needs and services provided. Assists callers from the public on limited health concerns and services. (15%)

EJF 5. Under the technical guidance of the Team Lead, conducts process improvement and validation studies of new or modified procedures. Performs research and reviews scientific literature on topics relevant to the team. Consults with the Team Lead on the implementation of the research. Formulates and adapts procedures and/or prepares new procedures and facilitates their implementation. Maintains a well-documented written record of validations. Uses software applications to prepare and present findings. Makes recommendations to improve or replace existing procedures. Travels to workshops and conferences to participate in presentations or obtain knowledge in microbiology.  (5%)

EJF 6. Based on the work area, consistently complies with DSHS Laboratory, local, state and federal guidelines to ensure a safe functioning laboratory. Assists other staff in their duties and provides additional support with special projects to maintain the section’s high quality and quantity of productivity. 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 parasitology, microbiology, and molecular biology principles and techniques. Skilled and proficient in light, dissecting, and fluorescence microscopy; morphological identification, and use of taxonomic keys. Knowledge of laboratory safety including sample-handling techniques. Knowledge of quality assurance functions and material management procedures. Ability to work independently, organize, multi-task, self-motivate, and make technical decisions based on professional knowledge and experience. Ability to plan, assign, and oversee the work of others. Ability to teach laboratory procedures and communicate effectively with clients and staff orally and in writing. Ability to use various items of laboratory equipment associated with the work area. Ability to maintain and solve staff and specimen work schedules for completion of critical laboratory services. Ability to follow written and verbal instruction. Ability to work as part of a team adhering to structured deadlines for completion of critical laboratory procedures both at the bench level and administrative/team lead level. Ability to lead co-workers by setting a positive work-ethic example. Ability to follow standard operating procedures and protocols accurately. Ability to keep accurate and detailed records. Ability to use aseptic techniques when working with infectious samples. Ability to distinguish color differences as required for testing procedures. Ability to review technical information and make recommendations based on study data. Ability to use a computer for word processing, spreadsheet and database analysis, and results reporting.

Registrations, Licensure Requirements or Certifications:

N/A

Initial Screening Criteria:

Bachelor's degree in chemical, physical, biological or clinical laboratory science, or a medical laboratory technology from an accredited institution, required.

Knowledge and experience in microbiology and parasitology, preferred but not required.

Experience with microscopy in a laboratory setting, preferred but not required.

Experience with brightfield and/or fluorescence microscopy; examining prepared slides and experience using a digital imaging system, preferred but not required.

Experience in a laboratory processing or testing human clinical specimens including but not limited to feces, blood, sputum, urine, and other body fluids, preferred but not required.

Experience in a laboratory setting handling specimens and/or chemicals under a fume hood, preferred but not required.

Additional Information:

Please fill out the State of Texas Application in its entirety, including required and optional fields. Applicants should indicate how they meet the initial selection criteria on the State of Texas Application in the summary of experience. Cover letters, resumes, references, and transcripts may also be included. Interviews will be conducted in person and scheduled after screening. Work hours and laboratory assignments may vary, must be willing to work hours other than 8am-5pm. Duties may include weekend/holiday work as required and occasional travel to attend and/or present at professional meetings. Depending on work area, 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, functional color vision assessment prior to employment. Degree must be from a U.S. accredited college or university, or foreign degree determined to be equivalent by an acceptable education evaluator. Applicants with diplomas awarded in countries other than the U.S. may contact Quality Control Officer (512-458-7318) for an approved list of credentialing agencies.

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