Molecular Biologist III

TX-HHSC-DSHS-DFPS • Austin, TX

1d • Onsite

About The Position

Under limited supervision of the TB Clinical Group Manager and TB Analysis Team Lead, following standard protocols, performs highly complex and advanced molecular testing and typing using Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR). Performs DNA/RNA extractions for PCR and Whole Genome Sequencing of M. tuberculosis complex and Candida auris specimens and isolates in a BSL3 laboratory. Performs identification of mycobacteria using high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and nucleic acid amplification (NAA). Assists with the identification of Candida and Mycobacteria using MALDI-TOF. As a senior Molecular Biologist, performs administrative functions necessary for Team effectiveness in the absence of the Team Lead, as assigned. Monitors daily work schedule; assists Team Lead to prioritize and to make work assignments, and to resolve workload problems. Consults and coordinates with Team Lead to assure that the Team QA Plan is implemented and followed. 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. Initiates troubleshooting of molecular tests and instruments and completes routine adjustments as directed by Team Lead/Group Manager. Assists with the development and implementation of additional molecular and epidemiological techniques. Performs presentations and training as arranged Completes other duties as assigned. Duties are performed with adherence to standard protocol but with considerable latitude to use scientific knowledge, initiative, and judgment.

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 and have over two years of experience in high complexity laboratory testing; or
• Have earned an associate’s degree in a chemical, physical, biological or clinical laboratory science, or medical laboratory technology from an accredited institution and have at least three years of experience in high complexity laboratory testing.
• Experience and education may be substituted as defined by the Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments of 1988 (CLIA ’88) Standards.
• Molecular biology lab experience, required.
• Have at least 1 year of MALDI-TOF experience, required.

Nice To Haves

• Clinical mycobacteriology lab experience, preferred.
• Knowledge of mycology, preferred.
• Biological safety cabinet experience, preferred.

Responsibilities

• Under the technical guidance of the Group Manager/Team Lead, develops and performs highly complex (senior-level) molecular biology work in a BSL3 laboratory.
• Performs nucleic acid extractions for PCR and Whole Genome Sequencing for the detection and identification of M. tuberculosis complex species and Candida auris in human clinical samples and cultures.
• Processes specimens or cultures with various extraction methods following validation study and approved protocols.
• Performs the identification of M. tuberculosis complex and other AFB directly from clinical specimens using HPLC and NM protocols.
• Performs the identification of Candida and Mycobacteria using MALDI-TOF.
• Performs administrative functions necessary for Team effectiveness in the absence of the Team Lead.
• Monitors daily work schedule; assists Team Lead to prioritize work, make work assignments, and resolve workload problems.
• Consults and coordinates with Team Lead to assure that the Team QA Plan is implemented and followed.
• Investigates quality assurance problems, recommends, and implements approved corrective actions.
• Analyzes test data to identify unusual patterns of either specimen submission or test results.
• Assists with the performance of antimicrobial susceptibility tests, specifically minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) determinations and bacterial or fungal identification procedures.
• Assists with development and implementation of molecular and epidemiological techniques.
• Completes other duties as assigned.

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: Mid Level