Microbiologist IV

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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 IV 
Job Title: Microbiologist IV 
Agency: Dept of State Health Services 
Department: Microbiology 
Posting Number: 16703 
Closing Date: 05/21/2026 
Posting Audience: Internal and External 
Occupational Category: Life, Physical, and Social Science 
Salary Range: $5,789.18 - $6,657.55 
Pay Frequency: Monthly
Salary Group: TEXAS-B-23 
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 minimal direction of the Zoonotic Disease Branch Manager, performs, or provides technical guidance for, complex to highly complex, specialized microbiological work. Assists the Branch Manager in the planning and oversight of resource management and activities of the Medical Parasitology Team to effectively lead team operations. Ensures standard protocols are followed and evaluates quality assurance (QA) activities for the team. Conducts highly complex microbiological examinations to detect, isolate and identify parasitic organisms. Evaluates and determines the appropriate specifications for diagnostic reagents and equipment. Confers and consults with medical professionals regarding diagnostic procedures used in parasitology; collection and submission of appropriate specimens for examination of specific parasites; interpretation of parasitology test results; and epidemiological considerations relating to host-parasite relationships. Manages sample load and tracks samples to meet required turnaround times. Ensures the quality of testing, and reviews and reports results in the Laboratory Information System. Evaluates and implements new techniques and testing methodologies. Monitors and purchases material resources and plans the daily functions and activities of team personnel. Provides feedback to the Branch Manager on team member performance. Conducts parasitology workshops, provides bench training to staff and students, and prepares training manuals. Prepares written reports using advanced word processing and spreadsheet skills. Serves as a technical resource and positive role model. Meets all HHSC performance criteria. Follows all HHSC and DSHS Policies and procedures. Duties are performed with considerable latitude for the use of initiative and independent 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. Plans the work activities of the Medical Parasitology Team to provide quality services utilizing effective skills/tools (e.g. communication, project management, workload tracking/monitoring, etc.) on a daily basis and updates the Branch Manager on the progress of testing and other activities within the team. Oversees and directs testing workflow involving the examination of feces, blood, tissue, and other specimens to determine the presence and identification of parasite. Performs complex and highly complex Parasitology testing procedures. Uses organizational and planning skills to provide the necessary resources for the team. Initiates a proactive approach to identifying needs and solving problems. Informs the Branch Manager of deviations, concerns, and issues when they are observed. Brings critical issues to the Branch Manager’s attention immediately. (35%)

EJF 2. Conducts quality assurance reviews of team activities. Ensures that parameters indicating acceptable quality of test procedures designed to detect parasites are maintained; resolves technical problems. Reviews and maintains documentation of test results, preventive maintenance records, standard operation procedural manuals, and personnel training activities in order to maintain a high quality of parasitological examinations within the team. Maintains Corrective Action Logs detailing all QA issues, investigating root causes, and the corrective action taken to resolve the problem. Submits quarterly QA reports to Branch Manager at the end of each quarter. Evaluates test results and assures accuracy and completeness. Takes necessary action when abnormal results are identified. Enters, reviews, and releases results in the Laboratory Information System following the teams Standard Operating Procedures to meet turnaround times. Maintains CAP/CLIA regulatory testing standards, prepares for, and participates in regulatory audits as required. (30%)

EJF 3. Performs administrative functions and customer service necessary for the effectiveness of the team, to include management of material resources; participation in personnel interviews; participates in technical coaching of team; provides training and documentation for team members; and consults with public health and clinical laboratory personnel on technical matters necessary to provide quality service to all customers. Consults with programs or health officials in order to provide quality service in Parasitology. Maintains communication logs detailing communications with external partners. Consults with clients relative to technical procedures used in parasitology; appropriate number and type of specimens for submission for detecting specific parasites; and interpretation of results of all parasitology tests.  (15%)

EJF 4. Participates in cross-training program by teaching or demonstrating parasitology techniques in accordance with standard operating procedures. Documents all training and delivers to the Branch Manager after completion. Evaluates the competency of team members and submits competency evaluations to the Branch Manager. Prepares scientific discussions and publications based upon data relative to parasitological testing, techniques, or investigations. Conducts parasitology workshops, trains students in medical parasitology and oversees the maintenance of resources necessary for training activities. 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 in an effort to perform state of the art diagnostic work. Performs other tasks and cross-training within the branch as assigned by the Branch Manager. (10%)

EJF 5. Plans for the evaluation and implementation of new techniques. Reviews professional journals and technical bulletins regularly for topics applicable to the Team. Evaluates new systems or techniques and makes proposals for cost-effective implementation. Develops and completes written protocols for new techniques or changed procedures before implementation and documents as necessary. Oversees implementation into standard protocol. (5%)

EJF 6. Based on the work area, consistently complies with DSHS Laboratory, local, state, and federal guidelines to ensure a safe functioning laboratory. Participates in weekend, holiday, and after-hours testing as needed. Completes other duties as assigned including 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 interact effectively with staff and work in harmony with other team members. 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 a chemical, physical, biological or clinical laboratory science, or a medical laboratory technology from an accredited institution and at least one year of experience in high complexity clinical laboratory testing. (Required)

Experience performing laboratory testing on clinical specimens. (Required)

Experience and/or knowledge of parasitology, microbiology, and molecular biology principles. (Preferred)

Experience with administrative functions such as providing personnel feedback, delegating tasks, ordering supplies and conducting interviews. (Preferred)

Experience with quality assurance functions, quality control, and CAP/CLIA regulations and audits. (Preferred)

Experience training others in laboratory procedures and techniques. (Preferred)

Experience using various items of laboratory equipment and the ability to troubleshoot the equipment. (Preferred)

Experience performing validation studies. (Preferred)

Experience following, writing, and implementing standard operating procedures. (Preferred)

Must be willing to work hours other than 8:00am-5:00pm. (Required)

Must be willing to participate in weekend and holiday work as needed. (Required)

Must be willing to occasionally travel to participate in continuing education opportunities including trainings, talks, scientific conferences, or other opportunities to update and learn new techniques. (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