Clinical Laboratory Scientist II

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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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Functional Title: Clinical Laboratory Scientist II 
Job Title: Chemist II 
Agency: Dept of State Health Services 
Department: NBS/Med Scrning QI/Test Supp 
Posting Number: 7307 
Closing Date: 08/20/2025 
Posting Audience: Internal and External 
Occupational Category: Healthcare Practitioners and Technical 
Salary Group: TEXAS-B-19 
Salary Range: $4,815.12 - $5,537.39 
Pay Frequency: Monthly
Shift: Day 
Additional Shift:  
Telework: Not Eligible for Telework 
Travel:  
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 LC Mass Spectrometry Screening Group Manager and the Lysosomal Disease Screening Team Lead independently performs liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry analysis on newborn screening dried blood spot specimens.  Responsible for sample preparation, quality control and assay acceptability reviews.  Responsible for performing preventative maintenance and troubleshooting of equipment and proper record keeping.  Actively participates in the safety program.  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.

EJF 1.  Performs high-volume complex MS/MS and LC-MS/MS analysis on neonatal screening specimens adhering to standard operating protocols.  Performs sample extraction and test solutions.  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%)

EJF 2.  Performs high-volume sampling of filter paper specimens and controls for 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. (25%)

EJF 3.  Performs routine preventive maintenance of highly complex equipment.  Identifies equipment problems, performs troubleshooting and makes routine adjustments as indicated.  Monitors and performs calibration verifications of liquid handling and other equipment on a scheduled basis.  Completes logs, checklists and other record keeping documentation associated with equipment maintenance and instrument performance. (15%)

EJF 4.  Evaluates and interprets complex data. Identifies problems with atypical test results consulting with team lead or Group Manager.  Actively participates in quality control review and proficiency sample testing.   Uses laboratory information management system.  Completes and maintains proper record keeping and documentation involved with data evaluation and interpretation.    (10%)

EJF 6.  Performs other duties such as disposing biological and hazardous wastes, general housekeeping, verifying standard expiration dates and volumes, documenting supply inventories, verifying specimen preservation, verifying refrigerator temperatures and verifying laboratory hoods are functioning properly.   Employs safe laboratory practices to protect self and others in the laboratory, checks proper functioning of eyewash stations and other safety equipment.   Promotes workflow through cooperative interaction, reassignment of duties, and teamwork with supervisor, co-workers, and internal and external customers. Manages assigned work to meet specimen testing, and other essential functions in a timely manner. Consistently complies with DSHS Laboratory, local, state and federal guidelines to ensure a safe functioning laboratory.  Performs other duties not specified in the job description, if necessary, as directed by the Group Manager or Team Lead. (10%)

Registrations, Licensure Requirements or Certifications:

N/A

Knowledge, Skill and Abilities:

List the knowledge, skills, and abilities critical to performance in this position: 
•    Knowledge and skill in laboratory, clinical chemistry, quality control, quality assurance, MS/MS and LC-MS/MS principles, techniques, and terminology.
•    Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing.
•    Ability to follow written and verbal instructions.
•    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 complete tasks without close supervision and use mature judgment in test interpretation.
•    Ability to prioritize and organize detailed tasks to maintain required section timeframes.
•    Ability to use, maintain and troubleshoot work area instruments and automated testing equipment.
•    Ability to prepare diagnostic (analytical) reagents and/or controls accurately.
•    Ability to use a computer for word processing, spreadsheet and database analysis, and results reporting.
•    Skill to manipulate standard laboratory equipment with speed, accuracy and safety.

Initial Screening Criteria:
Education – bachelor’s degree in a chemical, biological, physical or clinical laboratory science or medical technology required.

Experience with analysis of human samples using complex analytical techniques preferred.
Experience using analytical techniques such as mass spectrometry, liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry preferred. Experience with operation and maintenance of liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry instruments preferred. 

'What days are you unable to work' section of application must not include that 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.

The functional color vision assessment will be administered at the time of the interview.

List on State of Texas Application in Employment History:
Analytical Instruments used
Tests/Methods Performed 
Types of samples analyzed

Education (Bachelor's, Master's, or certain course work) degree from a U.S. accredited college or university or foreign degree determined to be equivalent by an acceptable education evaluator.  Applicants with diplomas awarded in countries other than the U.S. may contact Quality Control Officer (512-458-7318) for an approved list of credentialing agencies.

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