Clinical Laboratory Scientist 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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Brief Job Description:

Under general supervision of the Enzyme & Immunoassay (EIA) Screening Group Manager uses considerable knowledge to independently perform highly complex immunofluorometric testing including Immunoreactive trypsinogen (IRT), 17-hydroxyprogesterone (17-OHP), thyroxine (T4), and thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH), and galactose 1-phospate uridyl transferace (Galt) analysis on high volume neonatal screening specimens. Utilizes considerable working knowledge of all procedures to participate in maintaining analytic accuracy.  Responsible for independently performing specimen preparation and analysis,  quality control and assay acceptability, data and work list evaluation, result entry, and maintenance and troubleshooting of equipment.  Responsible for making significant decisions on the accuracy of laboratory tests on human specimens based on Standard Operating Procedures (SOP). Actively participates in the safety program.  Supervisor will assign some of the employee’s daily work providing general instruction for routine tasks and detailed instructions for non-routine tasks.  Supervisor will monitor non-routine tasks.  Duties are independently performed with considerable latitude, adherence to  standard protocol and with use of scientific knowledge and independent judgment.

Work hours/days and laboratory assignments may vary, all staff members will be required to work on   Saturdays as part of a rotating schedule.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS (EJF): 

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

EJF 1.   Performs highly complex immunofluorometric IRT, 17-OHP, T4 and TSH, and Galt analysis on high volume neonatal screening specimens. Completes all documentation with required information.  Recognizes delays in completion of specimen testing, result reporting, and other essential functions and notifies the supervisor immediately. Identifies problems with atypical test results, consulting with upper-level personnel.  (20%)

EJF 2.  Performs high volume sampling (punching) of filter paper specimens for all newborn screening tests and standards and controls for IRT, 17-OHP, T4 and TSH, and Galt tests. Uses technical knowledge to determine specimen acceptability.  (35%)

EJF 3. Evaluates and interprets highly complex data. Processes reports that are associated with worklist duties. Uses the Newborn Screening Laboratory Information computer system. Completes all documentation with required information.  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.  (25%)

EJF 4.  Performs routine and specialized preventive maintenance of highly complex equipment. Identifies equipment problems, performs troubleshooting and makes routine adjustments as instructed.

(15%)

EJF 5.  Promotes workflow through cooperative interaction, reassignment of duties, and teamwork with supervisors, co-workers, and internal and external customers. Based on your work area, consistently comply with DSHS Laboratory, local, state and federal guidelines to ensure a safe functioning laboratory. Actively participates and/or serves 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. Performs other duties as assigned. (5%)

Registrations, Licensure Requirements or Certifications:

N/A

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES REQUIRED: 

List the knowledge, skills, and abilities critical to performance in this position:

• Knowledge of general laboratory, clinical chemistry, quality control, immunofluorometric 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 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 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 prioritize and organize detailed tasks to maintain required sreening timeframes.
• Ability to complete routine tasks without supervision.
• Ability to maintain work area instruments and automated testing equipment.
• Ability to recognize work area problems.
• Ability to prepare diagnostic (analytical) reagents and/or controls accurately.
• Skill to manipulate standard laboratory equipment with speed, accuracy, and safety.

Initial Screening Criteria:

• Bachelor's degree in a chemical, physical, biological, or clinical laboratory 60 semester hours or equivalent from an accredited institution that, at a minimum, includes either 24 semester hours of medical laboratory technology courses, OR 24 semester hours of science courses that include six semester hours of chemistry, six semester hours of biology, and 12 semester hours of chemistry, biology, or medical laboratory technology in any combination. Laboratory training including either completion of a clinical laboratory training program approved or accredited by the ABHES, NAACLS, or other organization approved by HHS (note that this training may be included in the 60 semester hours listed above), OR at least three months documented laboratory training in each specialty in which the individual performs high complexity testing. Science or medical technology from an accredited institution; or associate degree in laboratory science (chemical or biological science); or medical laboratory technology from an accredited institution; or equivalent laboratory training and experience meeting the requirements defined in the CLIA regulation.

  Experience: Preferred but not required: clinical laboratory testing including procedures in newborn screening or clinical chemistry or high volume workload or complex analysis or complex laboratory instrumentation.

• Must work hours outside of 8-5, Saturdays, and holidays on a rotational schedule with the potential for shift differential pay.

  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. Standard working hours can be outside of 8-5. Work hours/days and laboratory assignments may vary, all staff members will be required to work on Saturdays and holidays as part of a rotating schedule with the potential to earn shift differential pay.

  Must be able to pass a functional color vision assessment in order to carry out essential job functions. The functional color vision assessment will be administered at the time of the interview.

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