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: 15557
Closing Date: 04/16/2026
Posting Audience: Internal and External
Occupational Category: Life, Physical, and Social Science
Salary Range: $5,110.03 - $5,876.54
Pay Frequency: Monthly
Salary Group: TEXAS-B-21
Shift: Day
Additional Shift: Days (First)
Telework: Not Eligible for Telework
Travel:
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

This position is funded through 7/31/2027.

Brief Job Description:

Under the limited supervision of the Clinical Bacteriology Group Manager and under the technical guidance of the Conventional Bacteriology and MALDI Team Lead, following standard or developmental protocols, performs highly complex and advanced microbiological testing and quality control activities involving isolation and characterization of pathogenic bacteria cultured from wastewater samples. Coordinates wastewater testing activities and provides technical training to team members. Ensures standard protocols and proper quality controls are followed for all the tests performed in the lab and TAT are met. Assists in evaluating the quality of reagents and in managing material resources. Provides consultation with medical personnel, epidemiologists, public health and other laboratories, and federal partners regarding test application and interpretation. Conducts process improvement, research, and development activities, including validation studies of new technologies and procedures. Make recommendations to improve or replace existing procedures. Coordinates with supervisors to ensure that the Quality Assurance Plan is implemented and followed. Coordinates with supervisors to ensure that a sufficient supply of test equipment, reagents, and materials are maintained. Assist supervisors in developing, drafting, preparing, and maintaining written standard operating procedures. Duties are performed with considerable latitude to interpret standard protocol, with significant use of scientific knowledge and judgment.

Essential Job Functions (EJFs):

EJF1: Serves as a senior microbiologist and subject matter expert for wastewater testing in the team. Communicates and coordinates the receipt of concentrated wastewater from the molecular microbiology team. Performs initial processing of samples received using developmental and/or standard methods. Submits target organisms cultured from concentrated wastewater for DNA extraction. Communicates and coordinates testing workflow within the team and between teams by monitoring daily work schedule and making assignment adjustments in response to staffing and workload changes in the laboratory. Coordinates with Team Lead to ensure that work is prioritized and equitably distributed among trained staff and performed in an accurate and timely manner. (30%)

EJF2: Plans and conducts analysis of specimens and performs isolation and identification of bacteria from wastewater by processing specimens in accordance with current protocols and regulations and identification by MALDI-TOF (mass spectrometry) or conventional biochemical testing techniques. Manages the process of each sample, ensuring that delays are avoided, and enters, reviews, and validates results into the laboratory information management system. (30%)

EJF3: Reviews quality control/quality assurance documentation to ensure established performance parameters are maintained throughout testing procedures. Investigates quality assurance/quality control problems, recommends and implements approved corrective actions. Initiates troubleshooting of diagnostic tests and instruments and completes routine adjustments as directed by Team Lead/Group Manager. Proposes solutions to problems, implements approved changes according to direction from Team Lead/Branch Manager. Evaluates daily quality control records, performs preventive maintenance on laboratory equipment, and ensures all records are updated daily. Prepares solutions, reagents, and other components as needed/assigned. Ensures an accurate and updated inventory of the team’s unique supplies and reagents is available and notifies Team Lead/Group Manager of any needs. (15%)

EJF4: Researches current scientific literature, selects, interprets, and shares information for adaptation in the lab. Performs evaluation/validation studies and presents data to Team Lead/Group Manager. Assists Team Lead/Branch Manager in drafting and reviewing standard operating procedures (SOPs). Assists in providing consultation and services to internal and external customers regarding specimen requirements, test methods, test results, and interpretation. Answers questions regarding laboratory testing. Serves as one of the primary liaisons between the State Public Health Laboratory and the partnering network laboratories. Updates computer data files, software programs and SOPs as directed by Team Lead/Group Manager. Prepares summary reports on all wastewater specimens tested. Participates in cross training program as both a student and an instructor by teaching and/or demonstrating bacterial isolation/identification techniques to other laboratory personnel, volunteers, students, and documenting training for staff. (10%)

EJF5: Analyzes specimen and test data to identify unusual patterns of either specimen submission or test results. Evaluates test results, reviews and releases outgoing reports. Assesses atypical test results, notifies Team Lead/Group Manager and orders re-tests as directed. Assists Team Lead/Group Manager with the determination of circumstances surrounding an incorrect report and with the initiation of a corrective action to ensure accurate and consistent results are reported to customers. (10%)

EJF6: Performs other duties as assigned by the Team Lead/Group Manager. 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. Based on your work area, consistently comply with DSHS Laboratory, local, state, and federal guidelines to ensure a safe functioning laboratory. (5%)

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSAs):

Knowledge

Comprehensive knowledge of highly advanced microbiological principles, techniques, and terminology used in diagnostic bacteriology laboratory; Comprehensive knowledge of the expected reactions of most bacterial culture media with known quality control organisms; Knowledge of Quality assurance and Quality control functions of a diagnostic bacteriology laboratory; Knowledge of laboratory safety including sample-handling techniques.

Skill

Skill in the operation and maintenance of diagnostic bacteriology laboratory equipment and in the use of a computer and applicable software.

Ability

Ability to see and distinguish color; Ability to conduct microbiological specimen processing, bacterial isolation, identification, and characterization, and antimicrobial susceptibility testing with speed, accuracy and safety; Ability to identify a wide spectrum of pathogenic and non-pathogenic bacteria; Ability to follow standard operating procedures and protocols accurately; Ability to keep accurate, detailed records; Ability to maintain an efficient inventory of stock and insure acquisition of necessary supplies and knowledge of material management procedures; Ability to teach bacteriological procedures and use of various items of laboratory equipment with speed, accuracy and safety; Ability to work as part of a team adhering to structured deadlines for completion of critical laboratory procedures that are performed in high volume; Ability to communicate technical instructions, interact effectively with staff, work in harmony with other team members, and lead co-workers by setting a positive work-ethic example; Ability to organize, multi-task, and self-motivate as appropriate to complete tasks without close supervision; Ability to work independently and make technical decisions based on review of study data, professional knowledge and experience; Ability to use a computer for word processing, spreadsheet and database analysis, and results reporting; Ability to communicate effectively in English, both orally and in writing.

Registrations, Licensure Requirements or Certifications:

N/A

Initial Screening Criteria:

Additional Information:

This position is funded through 7/31/27.

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