Microbiologist I

TX-HHSC-DSHS-DFPS • Austin, TX

2d • Onsite

About The Position

Under moderate supervision of the Consumer Microbiology Group Manager and in coordination with the Consumer Microbiology Team Leads, follows standard protocols, performs moderately complex and some complex microbiological analyses on food/dairy/shellfish products and water samples. Performs quality control procedures following FDA, TNI, ISO 17025, USDA/FSIS and EPA guidelines.  Participates in all proficiency testing, secures and maintains certification in milk, food, water, and shellfish testing, and participates in  on-site evaluations by EPA, TNI, A2LA, USDA/FSIS and FDA. Participates in the weekend rotation. Assists with any other support work.  Duties are performed with moderate latitude to interpret standard protocol, and with moderate use of initiative, scientific knowledge, and independent judgment.  Duties are performed with limited latitude to interpret standard protocol and limited latitude for the use of initiative, scientific knowledge and independent judgment. 
Attends work on a regular and predictable schedule in accordance with agency leave policy and performs other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Have earned a 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 earned an 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.
• Must be willing to work weekends and holidays in a rotational basis.
• Must be willing to work hours other than 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
• General knowledge of food and environmental microbiology, including aseptic and pure culture technique, the use of various identification keys and biochemical tests to accurately identity bacteria, and general laboratory safety. General knowledge of the expected reactions of basic culture media with known quality control organisms.
• 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.of microbiological and chemical techniques and procedures.
• Ability to interact effectively with staff, work independently, work in harmony with other team members, and follow standard operating procedures and protocols.
• Skill in manipulating standard laboratory equipment with speed, accuracy and safety.
• General knowledge of FDA, EPA, TNI, USDA, ISO 17025, CAP and CLIA requirements for testing food and environmental samples along with applicable QC procedures.

Nice To Haves

• Experience in research, clinical, or environmental testing.
• Experience working in a Food Microbiology Lab
• Experience working with Food, Water, Dairy, and Shellfish testing procedures.
• Experience with working with regulatory agencies such as FDA, USDA/FSIS, TNI, EPA, CAP, CLIA, and requirements established by ISO 17025.
• Experience with quality assurance functions.
• Experience with quality control of culture media and reagents.
• Experience with spreadsheet or database programs.
• Experience using various items of laboratory equipment.
• Experience with inventory of supplies in laboratory setting.
• Experience in validation and/or verification studies
• Skill in animal inoculation

Responsibilities

• Examines meat, shellfish and other types of food items for the presence of foodborne pathogens following FDA, AOAC, and/or USDA/FSIS approved protocols which include screening and confirmatory procedures to prepare samples, isolate and identify microorganisms.
• Examines dairy samples for quality of dairy products following FDA-approved procedures employing both manual and automatic techniques.
• Performs assigned quality control measures according to EPA, TNI, ISO 17025, USDA/FSIS and FDA regulatory guidelines. Performs Quality Control of Media and Reagents for the Laboratory Services Section.
• Performs microbiological examinations of environmental water and drinking water following TNI and EPA approved procedures. Microbiological examinations include presence/absence tests for total coliforms and Escherichia coli.
• Assists in performing laboratory evaluations of new procedures and the writing and updating of procedures to be included in procedure manuals.  Performs general laboratory procedures and other tasks in support of the assigned duties. Maintains inventory of our office supplies and orders items as necessary when needed. Reviews literature for articles pertinent to the Consumer Microbiology Lab.  Participates in weekend/holiday rotation duties. 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.

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).

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level