Chemist II

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.

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Works under general supervision of the Clinical Chemistry Branch Manager in conjunction with the Team Leaders. Performs complex clinical laboratory procedures for blood lead analysis on human specimens. Reviews and reports test results. May train personnel. Responsible for making significant decisions on the accuracy of laboratory tests on human specimens. Complies with the DSHS Laboratory, local, state and federal safety guidelines. Duties are independently performed with moderate latitude for use of scientific knowledge and independent judgment. 

Essential Job Functions (EJFs):

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. Performs testing to determine elemental lead (Pb) levels in human blood. Performs sampling of whole blood specimens for lead analysis. Simultaneously calibrates and operates multiple instruments. (35%)

EJF 2. Analyzes complex laboratory data to determine validity. Completes documentation of all required information. Verifies that quality control data meet procedure criteria. Uses technical knowledge to determine specimen acceptability. Notifies technical leadership and initiates retesting when abnormal results are encountered. Initiates resolution of problems with specimens submitted for analysis. (25%)

EJF 3. Performs computer operations in a timely and accurate manner, ensuring data are entered correctly, merges are completed, and results are printed and reviewed, without interruption in the laboratory workflow. Releases test results to medical providers and approves quality control data on final worklists. Answers routine customer inquiries, as needed. (20%)

EJF 4. Performs preventative maintenance of equipment. Identifies equipment problems, performs troubleshooting, and completes repairs. Performs supply and reagent inventory and all aspects of quality control material and reagent preparation so that supplies and reagents are available, as needed. Based on the work area, consistently complies with the DSHS Laboratory, local, state and federal guidelines to ensure a safe functioning laboratory. (10%)

EJF 5. Documents technical issues and proposes solutions. Participates in the investigation of circumstances surrounding a deviation from the normal work process. May train other personnel in laboratory testing and operations. (5%)

EJF 6. Other duties may be assigned, including but 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 and Abilities (KSAs):

Knowledge of:

• Knowledge of principles, techniques, and terminology pertaining to clinical and analytical chemistry, quality

control, and quality assurance.

• Knowledge of quantitative clinical laboratory tests including blood lead and total hemoglobin.

• Knowledge of laboratory safety, including specimen handling techniques.

Skill in:

• Skill in the use of specialized laboratory equipment, in the performance of complex clinical laboratory tests,and in the use of laboratory information management systems.

Ability to:

• Ability to learn and keep abreast of new techniques in clinical laboratory procedures.

• Ability to determine deterioration or change in reagents or equipment which might influence test results.

• Ability to detect specimens that are hemolyzed, decomposed, clotted, and insufficient in volume.

• Ability to determine specimen pre-analytic and analytic volume requirements.

• Ability to detect minute changes in instrumentation setup, and to process extremely small specimen/reagent

volumes.

• Ability to accurately follow written and verbal instructions (including laboratory procedures).

• Ability to communicate effectively verbally and in writing.

• Ability to work as part of a team in a structured, high volume, fast-paced, deadline-oriented environment.

• Ability to work on multiple projects with rapidly changing deadlines.

• Ability to interact effectively and work in harmony with staff, internal, and external customers.

• Ability to train laboratory personnel.

Registrations, Licensure Requirements or Certifications:

N/A

Initial Screening Criteria:

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 Standards.

EXPERIENCE

Prefer experience in the following:

• Full time analyst in a clinical/analytical chemistry laboratory

• Operation of complex analytical/chemistry instrumentation (i.e. ICP-MS, GFAA, GC, MS)

• Human blood analysis

• Blood lead analysis

• Training laboratory personnel

• Use of personal computer operations and software applications (such as but not limited to Microsoft applications and Laboratory Information Management Systems.) 

Additional Information:   

IMPORTANT, PLEASE READ THE FOLLOWING INFORMATION PRIOR TO SUBMITTING AN APPLICATION FOR THIS POSITION:

Applicants must provide information relevant to the required experience for this position. Answer all questions and completely summarize your experience including technical and managerial responsibilities and any special training, skills, and qualifications for each position you have held in the employment history section of application.

All fields on the application must be filled-in completely. This includes, but is not limited to, previous salary, previous supervisor, and reason for leaving previous position.

Hepatitis Risk - High. Required Hepatitis B and Tetanus/Diphtheria immunizations are provided.

Must wear provided personal protective equipment including face shield, gloves, laboratory coat, and safety glasses, as required by testing/safety procedures.

List on application college course work and hours completed in microbiology, chemistry, and other sciences. Please note the job posting requisition number on all faxed information.

Interviews are scheduled after screening. Applicants who are selected for interviews are expected to bring a copy of their official transcript with them to the interview.

Applicants with diplomas awarded in countries other than the U.S. must have them evaluated for equivalency by an approved credentialing agency, www.naces.org. The equivalency of credentials documentation must be provided.

Work hours and laboratory assignments may vary.

Applicants accepted for the position are expected to work flexible hours before/during holidays or weekends. When necessary, advance notice will be given. Additionally, time off during the holidays is rotated between all staff based upon seniority; staff are not permitted to book trips or airplane fares before time off is officially approved. This is to ensure that an appropriate level of coverage is maintained in order to meet deadlines.

In addition to the salary information noted in this posting, a candidate’s qualifications will dictate the final salary offer.

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