Molecular Biologist III NGS

TX-HHSC-DSHS-DFPS•Austin, TX

14d•Onsite

About The Position

DSHS is committed to hiring skilled and dedicated individuals who share a passion for public health to pursue our vision of A Healthy Texas. If you are looking to make an impact and tackle new challenges, we encourage you to consider a career with us. 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. Review our Top 10 Tips for Success when Applying to State of Texas Jobs. Under limited supervision of the Genetic Sequencing Branch Manager and Team Lead, following standard or developmental protocols, performs highly complex and advanced molecular testing and typing using Next Generation Sequencing (NGS). Performs Bioinformatics analysis on NGS data. Assists with the development and implementation of additional molecular techniques. Ensures standard protocols and proper quality controls are followed for all the tests performed in the lab. Assists in evaluating the quality of reagents and in managing material resources. Consults with epidemiologists regarding test application and interpretation. Trains individuals on testing workflows. Serves as Senior Molecular biologist in AMD team; assumes additional duties as assigned. Duties are performed with significant latitude to develop and interpret standard protocol, and with considerable use of scientific knowledge initiative, independent judgment, and experience.

Requirements

Strong background and working knowledge of molecular biology principles and techniques such as NGS and PCR.
Skill in the operation of molecular as well as general laboratory equipment and in the use of a computer and applicable software for bioinformatics analysis.
Ability to interpret written protocols and to follow procedures
Ability to conduct advanced molecular analyses and tests, to interpret molecular biology test results, and to prepare reports.
Ability to plan and prioritize assignments
Ability to detect malfunctions in test protocols and errors in transcribed results; make recommendations /implementations for corrective action
Knowledge of quality assessment and quality control functions and CLIA/CAP regulations.
Knowledge of validation process as required by CLIA/CAP.
Knowledge of unidirectional workflow and aseptic techniques to reduce the potential for contamination
Ability to teach molecular biology concepts and procedures.
Ability to communicate technical instructions and interact effectively with staff.
Ability to maintain positive customer relations.
Ability to work independently and make technical decisions based on professional knowledge and experience.
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; orExperience and education may be substituted as defined by the Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments of 1988 (CLIA ’88) Standards.

Responsibilities

Under the technical guidance of the Branch Manager/Team Lead, performs highly complex (senior-level) molecular biology work. Plans and conducts analysis of specimens using NGS by processing specimens in accordance with current protocols and regulations.
Performs bioinformatics analysis on NGS data using various bioinformatics software or pipelines. Communicates with epidemiologists regarding findings to help investigate outbreaks.
Investigates quality assurance problems, recommends and implements approved corrective actions. Initiates troubleshooting of tests and instruments and completes routine adjustments as indicated by Team Lead/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.
Evaluates test results, reviews and releases outgoing reports. Assesses atypical test results, consults with Team Lead/Group Manager and orders retesting as directed. Assists Team Lead/Manager with determination of circumstances surrounding an incorrect report and with the initiation of corrective action to ensure accurate and consistent results are reported to customers.
Research on current scientific literature, selects, interprets, and shares information for adaptation in the lab. Performs evaluation/validation studies and presents data to Team Lead/Manager. Assists in providing consultation and services to internal and external customers regarding specimen requirements, test results, and interpretation. Answers questions regarding laboratory testing methods. Assists Team Lead/Manager in drafting and reviewing standard operating procedures (SOPs). Updates computer data files, software programs, and SOPs as directed by Team Lead/Manager. Participates in a cross-training program as both a student and instructor by teaching and/or demonstrating molecular techniques to other laboratory personnel, volunteers or students and documenting training for staff.
Performs other duties as assigned by the Team Leader/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.

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).

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