Microbiologist Ii Jobs

Under moderate supervision of the Clinical Bacteriology Group Manager and the Conventional Bacteriology & MALDI Team Lead and following standard protocols, performs moderately complex and highly complex microbiological work for the isolation and identification of pathogenic bacteria from both referred cultures and clinical specimens using a battery of laboratory tests. Performs quality control and preventive maintenance for the team. Duties are performed with adherence to standard protocol, but with significant use of initiative, scientific knowledge 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:
Attends work on a regular and predictable schedule in accordance with agency leave policy and performs other duties as assigned.
EJF 1. Under technical guidance of the Team Lead, performs moderately complex and highly complex procedures for the isolation and identification of bacteria from both referred cultures and clinical specimens. Performs bacterial isolation procedures to obtain a pure culture on referred cultures for confirmation and identification using standard protocols. Inoculates pure culture isolates to a battery of tests; reads, interprets and records test results. Performs antimicrobial susceptibility testing. Completes the testing process, accurately records all test reactions, and confirms the identification of the organism by interpretation of appropriate identification keys. Recognizes problems or deviations and refers to supervisor or team lead. Initiates troubleshooting and proposes solutions to problems to supervisor. Participates in proficiency testing program and demonstrates proficiency in testing work. (40%).

EJF 2. Performs quality control. Routinely prepares and evaluates the quality of reagents used in tests by tracking expiration dates, performing required quality control, and documentation of quality control results. Initiates quality assurance corrective action, Documents technical performance issues. Identifies any aberrant Quality Control results, performs troubleshooting, and makes recommendations to Team Lead for corrective actions. Assists Team Lead with preparation of Quality Assurance documents including data graphs, problem and corrective action logs, competency documentation, training documentation, review of quality control records, and turnaround time statistical analysis. (10%).

EJF 3. Evaluates test results and assures accuracy and completeness. Enters test results into laboratory information system for reporting. Identifies abnormal results and refers to Team Lead. Files completed reports according to standard protocol. Releases uncomplicated results based on SOP’s including reviewing, entering, and validating test results in the laboratory information system (Labware) for final reporting. (10%).

EJF 4. Ensures that there is an adequate supply of reagents and miscellaneous supplies and assists in supporting the HAI/VPD team in maintaining an adequate supply of media and supplies. Reviews on a monthly basis the expiration dates of reagents and places requests for reagents when supply is below desired level. Reviews supplies for completeness of information and coordinates semi-annual SAO inventory. (10%)

EJF 5. Performs preventative maintenance. Performs advanced troubleshooting on instruments. Recognizes problems and deviations and refers to supervisor with recommendations for problem solving. Assists Team Lead with revisions of preventive maintenance records, equipment standard operating procedures, and corrective action documentation. (10%).

EJF 6. Participates in cross-training program by teaching or demonstrating laboratory techniques in accordance with standard operating procedures. Documents all training and delivers to Manager/team lead within 10 days of completion. 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. (10%).

EJF 7. Assists with verification or validation studies of new products or techniques. Assists in development and revision of procedural manuals. Assists with special projects or surge capacity testing. Under technical guidance of the Team Lead, provides data for project updates. Compiles data in spreadsheet or word processing format for presentations. (5%)

EJF 8. Assists other staff in their duties and provides additional support with special projects to maintain the section’s high quality and productivity. Participates in the weekend and holiday rotations. Attends meetings, interacts and communicates with customers when applicable. Attends and/or participates in work related workshops, seminars and other training activities. Answers routine customer inquiries according to SOP’s and some non-routine inquiries as directed by supervisor. Interacts with other programs as requested. 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. (5%)

Knowledge Skills Abilities:
Comprehensive knowledge of diagnostic and public health bacteriology, including the use of identification keys and biochemical tests to accurately identify bacteria representing the entire spectrum of the pathogenic organisms. Knowledge and experience of advanced bacteria identification techniques such as MALDI-TOF. Detailed knowledge of the expected reactions of most bacterial culture media with known quality control organisms. Ability to perform antimicrobial susceptibility testing. Ability to use a computer for word processing, spreadsheet and database analysis, and results reporting. Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing; follow written and verbal instructions; teach bacteriological procedures and use of various items of laboratory equipment. Ability to effectively communicate technical instructions, ability to work independently and make technical decisions based on professional knowledge and experience. Skill in manipulating standard laboratory equipment with speed, accuracy and safety. Cannot be color blind.

Registration or Licensure Requirements:

Initial Selection Criteria:
Have an earned bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral degree in a chemical, physical, biological, clinical laboratory science or medical technology from an accredited institution; or

Have an earned associate 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

Laboratory experience in clinical bacteriology, desired but not required.
Experience with antimicrobial susceptibility testing, desired but not required.
Experience with using MALDI-TOF for bacteria identification, desired but not required.

Additional Information:
Must be legally authorized to work in the U.S. without sponsorship. HHS agencies use E-Verify.
Applicants selected for an interview may be required to complete an in-basket exercise. Full salary range may not be offered due to budget limitation.
Work hours and laboratory assignments may vary. Must be able to work on weekends and holidays when needed.
Compliance with DSHS Laboratory Exposure Control Plan required: vaccine requirements are consistent with current Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) recommendations and other national guidelines for employee groups based upon job duties and tasks.
Education and degree must be from a U.S. accredited college or university or from a foreign degree determined to be equivalent by an acceptable education evaluator. A list of foreign credential evaluators can be found here: https://aice-eval.org/members/ or https://www.naces.org/index.

Note: Military occupation(s) that relate to the initial selection criteria and registration or licensure requirements for this position may include, but not limited to: 67B, 71A, 230X, 43TX. All active duty military, reservists, guardsmen, and veterans are encouraged to apply if qualified to fill this position. For more information see the Texas State Auditor’s Military Crosswalk at http://www.hr.sao.state.tx.us/Compensation/JobDescriptions.aspx.

MOS Code:
67B, 71A, 230X, 43TX

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