Molecular Biologist I

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Employee Benefits:

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Functional Title: Molecular Biologist I 
Job Title: Molecular Biologist I 
Agency: Dept of State Health Services 
Department: Microbiology 
Posting Number: 12057 
Closing Date: 12/26/2025 
Posting Audience: Internal and External 
Occupational Category: Life, Physical, and Social Science 
Salary Group: TEXAS-B-17 
Salary Range: $4,316.62 - $4,964.11 
Pay Frequency: Monthly
Shift: Regular Evening and Weekend 
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 moderate supervision of the Virology and Immunology Branch Manager and under the technical guidance of the Clinical Virology Team Lead, performs complex procedures identify viruses following standard protocols, using Biosafety Level 2 and 3 practices and procedures. Processes and identifies viruses using molecular methods, including real time RT-PCR. Performs testing in a manner which assures stringent quality assurance, accuracy, and efficiency. Assists in monitoring and maintaining quality assurance and workflow. Duties are performed with limited latitude for the use of scientific knowledge, 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. Performs nucleic acid extractions using both manual and automated methods and real time RT-PCR for the detection of viruses. Viruses include but are not limited to Influenza, COVID-19, Mumps, Measles, Zika, Dengue, and Chikungunya. Follows standard operating procedures according to CAP and CLIA regulations for each assay. Follows appropriate safety protocols using both Biosafety level 2 and 3 practices. Determines additional testing needed and routes the specimens appropriately. Maintains accurate records of all work, documenting on appropriate worksheets, and enters the results into the lab information system (LIMS). Tracks the progress of specimens using the LIMS and other computer software such as Microsoft Excel. (45%)

EJF 2. Follows appropriate quality assurance processes to maintain a high quality of work. Performs instrument maintenance as needed following CAP and CLIA regulations. Maintains adequate supplies and reagents for virus isolation. Prepares other necessary reagents as needed including control stocks for molecular testing. Performs quality control testing on all media and reagents following CAP and CLIA regulations. Documents all quality control testing and validation performed on the media and reagents. Orders glassware as needed. (30%)

EJF 3. Assists other staff in their duties and provides additional support to maintain a high quality of work. Notifies supervisory personnel of equipment malfunctions or test failures immediately, providing an assessment of the failure and making recommendations to prevent additional failures in the future. Provides training to co-workers and guest laboratorians. Performs other tasks as assigned. (15%)

EJF 4. Assists in development of new procedures under direction from Senior Microbiologist and Team Leader, provides input to optimize efforts, and documents all development work thoroughly. Reviews the literature on a regular basis and provides summaries to other employees of new techniques or research related to virus isolation/identification. 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 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. Participates in weekend, holiday, and after-hours testing as needed on a rotational basis. (5%)

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSAs):

Knowledge of basic virology, microbiology and molecular biology.
Knowledge of the procedures and equipment used in diagnostic molecular virology.
Skill to handle laboratory equipment and perform tasks safely and efficiently. 

Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing; follow written and verbal instructions.
Ability to use various items of laboratory equipment, including use of a computer for word processing, spreadsheet and database analysis and results reporting.
Ability to interact effectively with staff, work independently, work in harmony with other team members, to maintain good records and follow standard operating procedures and protocols.
Ability to organize daily workload and set priorities to routine work.

Registrations, Licensure Requirements or Certifications:

N/A

Initial Screening 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:
Experience performing molecular testing in a clinical setting and/or laboratory.
Laboratory experience identifying viruses and/or pathogenic organisms.

Additional Information:

Military occupation(s) that relate to the initial selection criteria and registration or licensure requirements for this position may include: 230X, 43BX, 43TX, 71A, SEI12. For more information see the Texas State Auditor’s Military Crosswalk at https://hr.sao.texas.gov/Compensation/MilitaryCrosswalk/MOSC_MedicalandHealth.pdf.

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. Applicants with diplomas awarded in countries other than the US must contact Laboratory Personnel Services (512-776-7318) for an approved list of credentialing agencies.

Selectee may be immunized against rabies virus and other highly infectious agents, DSHS will provide and arrange for immunization.

Selectee must have no color vision problems.

Work schedule: 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.

HHS agencies use E-Verify. You must bring your I-9 documentation with you on your first day.

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