SCID-SMA Group Manager

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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: SCID-SMA Group Manager 
Job Title: Lab Mgr IV 
Agency: Dept of State Health Services 
Department: NBS/Med Scrning QI/Test Supp 
Posting Number: 13322 
Closing Date: 02/13/2026 
Posting Audience: Internal and External 
Occupational Category: Life, Physical, and Social Science 
Salary Group: TEXAS-B-25 
Salary Range: $6,500.00 - $7,475.00 
Pay Frequency: Monthly
Shift: Regular Weekend Day 
Additional Shift:  
Telework:  
Travel:  
Regular/Temporary: Regular 
Full Time/Part Time: Full time 
FLSA Exempt/Non-Exempt: Exempt 
Facility Location:  
Job Location City: AUSTIN 
Job Location Address: 1100 W 49TH ST (DBGL) 
Other Locations:  
MOS Codes: 0203,0207,0302,0520,0602,0802,1802,5502,6302,6502,7202,7208,7210,7220,111X,112X,113X,114X,16GX,41AX 
611X,612X,631X,632X,641X,648X,86M0,86P0,8U000,9G100,SEI15 
 
 

Brief Job Description:

Under minimal supervision of the Newborn Screening Molecular Branch Manager, oversees the planning, implementation, coordination, monitoring and evaluation of the resources and activities of the Newborn SCID/SMA Analysis Group. Directs the daily operations of critical molecular testing services for selected human genetic disorders. Oversees the ongoing functionality of test systems, equipment, and personnel to maintain continuous processing of specimens. Ensures testing protocols provide rapid and accurate case detection. Ensures adherence to standard operating protocols and quality assurance regulations and guidelines. Supervises group personnel through monitoring, coaching and evaluating. Prepares, monitors, and manages material resources and budget expenditures. Coordinates the development of short-term and long-term goals and objectives. Supervises development and implementation of new technologies. Consults with customers to determine their needs and resolve customer concerns. Works cooperatively and meets regularly with other Newborn Screening Group Managers to plan and ensure integrated and cohesive Newborn Screening Laboratory operations.  Acts for the Branch Manager when needed. Duties are performed with extensive latitude for use of professional knowledge, initiative and independent judgment.

Essential Job Functions (EJFs):

EJF 1.  Directs, reviews, and monitors testing, logistics, and quality assurance activities of the Group. Directs the daily operations of NBS critical testing services to screen infants for early detection of severe combined immunodeficiency (SCID) and spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) and to maintain continuous processing of specimens at a rate of approximately 2,500 NBS specimens per day in a 6-day workweek testing schedule. Develops and directs procedures to assure quality testing results are reported in a timely manner. Reviews, monitors, and evaluates QA activities and documentation to ensure compliance with CLIA regulations, CAP requirements, and other standards and to identify, review, and improve areas needing improvement. Optimizes testing performance to ensure timely and accurate case detection to prevent death, and other catastrophic medical consequences in infants born in Texas. (45%)

EJF 2.  Performs and directs personnel management in the Group. Performs and supervises personnel activities and training through monitoring, coaching and evaluating.  Directs work assignments and all personnel functions delegated to the Group to meet work requirements. Ensures that the performance evaluation process is conducted according to guidelines from Human Resources. Maintains frequent and effective communication to update employees on laboratory progress and current issues. Responds to employee concerns about policy, work scheduling, and safety in their work environment.  Ensures personnel are in compliance with Department, Section, Unit, and Branch policies.  Encourages employees to participate in training courses to promote their professional growth. (15%)

EJF 3.  Performs and provides direction, guidance, and assistance to customer services activities. Effectively communicates with management and staff at all levels in the Laboratory. Consults with customers to determine their needs and resolve concerns. Supplies educational materials, information, training, residual specimens, and associated data and conducts tours of the Newborn Screening Laboratory. Consults with medical and public health professionals regarding specimen criteria, test results and their interpretation. Interacts with Clinical Care Coordination and consulting physicians to review and optimize the performance of newborn screening tests. Trains Group staff to be customer-oriented through their words and deeds.  Investigates all complaints and documents all problems and the follow-up actions taken. Represents the Newborn Screening Group at meetings, conferences, seminars and committees. Presents scientific-based data at local and national meetings. (15%)

EJF 4.  Develops goals, oversees implementation, and manages resources. Prepares and manages purchasing, maintenance contracts, and the development of a Group budget and Capital Equipment Procurement Plan. Ensures purchases, delivery, and inventory for adequate supplies are made to meet testing needs. Provides Group’s personnel, expendable supplies and services, and equipment needs to the Branch Manager. Conducts strategic planning activities to attain Group’s short-term and long-term goals and objectives. Assures cost effective testing methods and efficient workflow by overseeing and facilitating development and implementation of new analytical procedures, techniques, and policies. Maintains technical knowledge and proficiency through study of peer-review journals and attendance at scientific meeting. (20%)

EJF 5. 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. Consistently complies with DSHS Laboratory, local, state and federal guidelines to ensure a safe functioning laboratory.and/or location.  (5%)

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSAs):

Advanced knowledge of laboratory, newborn screening, and molecular technology, techniques, and terminology.

• Extensive knowledge of quality control and quality assurance principles.

• Knowledge of laboratory safety including sample-handling techniques.

• Considerable knowledge of the pathology of newborn screening disorders and the ability to apply this knowledge towards optimizing services for case detection.

• Knowledge of statistics and their application to biological data; ability to review and make recommendations based on study data.

• Ability to detect and troubleshoot analytical problems that could influence test results such as problems with reagents, equipment, test calibration, and employee performance.  

• Ability to follow standard operating procedures and protocols accurately.

• Ability to use a computer for word processing, spreadsheet and database analysis, and results reporting.

• Ability to work independently and make technical decisions based on professional knowledge and experience.

• Skill to manipulate standard laboratory equipment with speed, accuracy, and safety.

• Ability to plan, assign, and supervise personnel and maintain work schedules for completion of critical laboratory services on a high volume of specimens.

• Ability to communicate technical instructions and to interact effectively with staff.

• Ability to work in harmony with other team members.

• Ability to lead co-workers by setting a positive work-ethic example.

• Ability to recognize and solve work area problems.

• Ability to teach work area procedures to subordinates and guests.

• Ability to conduct personnel interviews and evaluations.

• Knowledge of human interaction dynamics and their use in building effective work teams. 

• Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing to both internal and external customers.

• Ability to follow written and verbal instructions and to keep accurate, detailed records.

• Ability to interact with customers on a variety of concerns including complaints.

• Ability to establish goals and objectives for work teams and to monitor progress of teams. 

• Knowledge of budgetary and material management procedures.

Registrations, Licensure Requirements or Certifications:

N/A

Initial Screening Criteria:

Have earned a bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral degree in chemical, physical, biological, or clinical laboratory science from an accredited institution with at least two years of experience in laboratory testing; have at least one year of supervisory experience in laboratory testing, required. 

Experience performing molecular testing for human disease, required.

Experience in newborn screening, preferred but not required.

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