Clinical Laboratory Chemist II

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Employee Benefits:

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Functional Title: Clinical Laboratory Chemist II 
Job Title: Chemist II 
Agency: Dept of State Health Services 
Department: NBS/Med Scrning QI/Test Supp 
Posting Number: 7465 
Closing Date: 08/23/2025 
Posting Audience: Internal and External 
Occupational Category: Life, Physical, and Social Science 
Salary Group: TEXAS-B-19 
Salary Range: $4,815.12 - $5,538.00 
Pay Frequency: Monthly
Shift: Regular Weekend Day 
Additional Shift: Weekends 
Telework: Not Eligible for Telework 
Travel: Up to 5% 
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: 8831,43EX,43TX,4B0X1,4T0X1,61CX,9S100 
 
 
 

Under general supervision of the Mass Spectrometry Screening Group Manager and the Group's Team Leads, Clinical Laboratory Chemist II uses considerable knowledge to independently perform complex tandem mass spectrometry (MS/MS) analysis on high volume neonatal screening specimens.  Utilizes general working knowledge of all procedures to participate in maintaining analytic accuracy and precision.  Responsible for monitoring and independently performing specimen preparation. Responsible for analysis, quality control and assay acceptability, data and work list evaluation, maintenance and troubleshooting of equipment, proper record keeping and training of personnel.  Responsible for making moderate decisions on the accuracy of laboratory tests on human specimens. Independently determines complex results based on Standard Operating Protocols (SOP).  Actively participates in the safety program. Group Manager or team leads will assign a portion of daily work providing general instruction for routine tasks and detailed instructions for non-routine tasks.  Group Manager or lead technologist will monitor non-routine tasks.  Duties are independently performed with moderate latitude, adherence to standard protocol and with use of scientific knowledge and independent judgment.

Essential Job Functions

Attends work on a regular and predictable schedule in accordance with agency leave policy and performs other duties as assigned.

1. Performs highly complex MS/MS analysis on high volume neonatal screening specimens adhering to standard operating protocols. Completes proper record keeping and documentation involved with analytical testing and specimen flow. Collates and files electronic and raw results according to DSHS record retention policies. (40%)
2. Performs high volume sampling of filter paper specimens, standards, and controls for all newborn screening tests adhering to standard operating protocols. Uses technical knowledge to determine specimen acceptability. Completes proper record keeping and documentation involved with specimen and standards preparation. Preserves samples and standards according to standard operating protocol. (20%)
3. Assists with the evaluation and interpretation of highly complex data. Identifies problems with atypical test results consulting with upper-level personnel. Assists with the reviews and release of final results. Uses Newborn Screening laboratory information management system. Completes proper record keeping and documentation involved with data evaluation and interpretation.  (15%)
4. Performs routine and specialized preventive maintenance of highly complex equipment. Performs calibration verifications for MS/MS, liquid handling, and other equipment on a routine basis. Identifies equipment problems, performs troubleshooting, and makes routine adjustments as indicated. Completes logs, checklists and other record keeping documentation associated with equipment maintenance and instrument performance. Verifies MS/MS and other equipment is operating properly and immediately consults with the lead technologist or Group Manager when difficult problems arise. (10%)
5. Promotes workflow through cooperative interaction, reassignment of duties, and teamwork with supervisors, co-workers, and internal and external customers. Initiates rapid communication of abnormal test results to Case Management for same day follow-up. Recognizes delays in completion of specimen testing, result reporting, and other essential functions and notifies the lead technologist or Group Manager immediately. Manages assigned work to meet specimen testing, reporting, and other essential functions in a timely manner. May assist with laboratory tours. (5%)
6.  Actively participates in quality control review, proficiency testing, equipment performance documentation, specimen workload tallies and supply inventory to ensure consistently acceptable quality assurance and test performance. Provides input to modify procedures for processing specimens to ensure the accuracy of the results and proper handling of specimens. (5%)
7. Performs other duties such as disposing biological and hazardous wastes, maintaining a clean and safe laboratory environment, verifying reagent and standard expiration dates and volumes, verifying specimen preservation, verifying refrigerator temperatures, and verifying that laboratory hoods are functioning properly.  Employs safe laboratory practices to protect self and others in the laboratory, checks proper functioning of eyewash stations, and routinely attends safety meetings. Willingly performs other duties not specified in the job description, if necessary, as directed by the 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. (5%)

Licensure, Certification or Registration

N/A

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Knowledge of general laboratory, clinical chemistry, quality control, MS/MS principles, techniques, and terminology.
• Knowledge of laboratory safety including sample-handling techniques.
• Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing.
• Ability to follow written and verbal instructions.
• Ability to use and troubleshoot various items of laboratory equipment associated with work area.
• Ability to use a computer.
• Ability to interact effectively with staff.
• Ability to work in harmony with other team members.
• 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 lead co-workers by setting a positive work-ethic example.
• Ability to follow standard operating procedures and protocols accurately.
• Ability to keep accurate, detailed records.
• Ability to use aseptic techniques when working with infectious material.
• Ability to complete tasks without close supervision and use mature judgment in test interpretation.
• Ability to prioritize and organize detailed tasks to maintain required team timeframes.
• Ability to recognize and solve work area problems.
• Ability to maintain work area instruments and automated testing equipment.
• Ability to teach work area procedures to co-workers and guests.
• Ability to prepare diagnostic (analytical) reagents and/or controls accurately.
• Skill to manipulate standard laboratory equipment with speed, accuracy, and safety.

INITIAL SCREENING CRITERIA

Education – a minimum of a bachelor's degree in a chemical, biological, or clinical laboratory science is required.
Hands-on experience with laboratory instruments is required. Experience with liquid chromatography (LC), mass spectrometers, (MS) or LC-MS for analysis of human samples is preferred.

Must be willing to work on Saturdays, the 'What days are you unable to work' section of the application must not include cannot work on Saturday.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Hepatitis Risk High.  Required Hepatitis B and Tetanus/Diphtheria immunizations are provided. Must wear provided personal protective equipment (including: face shield, gloves, laboratory coat, safety glasses) as required by testing/ safety procedures.

Interviews scheduled after screening. Work hours and laboratory assignments may vary.  Position includes regular work on Saturdays.  Position qualifies for Weekend shift differential.

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