Microbial Genomics Team Lead

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 the minimal supervision of the NGS Research and Testing Group Manager, serves as the Team Lead of the Microbial Genomics Team (MGT) to plan and oversee the activities, resources, and operations of the team. Oversees highly advanced technical testing and quality assurance activities involving Next Generation Sequencing detection and characterization of microbes and prepares presentations, reports, and updates. Ensures standard operating procedures (SOPs) and proper quality controls and assurance documentation are in place and followed for all tests performed by the team. Monitors and ensures adequate material resources for continued testing and evaluates and determines appropriate specifications for new and existing diagnostic tests, techniques, reagents, and equipment. Manages the daily functions, activities, and leave schedules of team members, provides input for other personnel management activities, serves as an authority, technical resource, and positive role model, and provides excellent customer service to internal and external customers.

Essential Job Functions (EJFs):

EJF 1: Oversees the daily testing activities of the Microbial Genomics team by prioritizing work, developing workflow, and making assignments so that quality results are accurately reported to customers without interruption within established turnaround times. Reviews and validates data interpreted by technicians, performs troubleshooting of technical and equipment issues, and orders additional testing as needed. Prepares or oversees the preparation of QC materials, standards, and reference materials and notifies the Group manager of problems, either technical or personnel, that impact the functioning of the laboratory. (40%)

EJF 2: Oversees the quality assurance activities of the team by developing and updating Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) including the Quality Assurance Plan following manufacturer’s, CDC, or FDA guidelines for all the tests performed in the laboratory. Coordinates and conducts validation/verification studies and SOP development in all areas of testing as required by CAP/CLIA and performs regular reviews of quality control, quality assurance, proficiency surveys, and specimen turnaround time. Identifies discrepancies, investigates, implements, and documents corrective actions and outcomes, and oversees training and competency documentation of team members. (20%)

EJF 3: Prepares and manages Team purchasing. Reviews and submits purchase documents in a timely manner. Ensures an inventory of Laboratory's unique supplies and reagents are available as needed. (15%)

EJF 4: Conducts and coordinates research, evaluation, and development projects to assure state of the art testing and implements new procedures as appropriate. Collects and interprets data, documents findings, and prepares technical reports and project updates using advanced word processing and spreadsheet skills. Assists in grant writing and submission. (10%)

EJF 5: Provides excellent customer service to internal and external customers. Conducts technical presentations, tours, and student training. Provides consultation and services to customers regarding specimen submission requirements, test results and interpretation, and is the point of contact within for technical matters related to the work of the team. (5%)

EJF 6: Assists in staffing management by monitoring and providing feedback to supervisor on team members’ technical performance, staffing requirements, recommends appropriate training and education for staff, and provides job description updates for area positions. Coordinates and participates in interview and selection process, recommending the best applicant for positions. Communicates information to staff as necessary and encourages communication throughout the area. (5%)

EJF7: Performs other duties as assigned by the Group Manager including administrative functions as they relate to the Team. Based on your work area, consistently comply with DSHS Laboratory, local, state and federal guidelines to ensure a safe functioning laboratory. 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. (5%)

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSAs):

Knowledge of:

Next Generation Sequencing and Bioinformatics.

Quality assurance, quality control functions, and CLIA/CAP regulations.

Validation processes as required by CLIA/CAP.

Unidirectional workflow and aseptic techniques to reduce the potential for contamination.

Skill in:

The operation of molecular as well as general laboratory equipment and in the use of a computer and applicable software.

Ability to:

Interpret written protocols and to develop procedures.

Plan and prioritize assignments and supervise the work of others.

Detect malfunctions in test protocols and errors in transcribed results.

Teach molecular biology concepts and procedures; use of various items of laboratory equipment; communicate technical instructions and interact effectively with staff.

Maintain positive customer relations.

Work independently and make technical decisions based on professional knowledge and experience.

Conduct personnel interviews and evaluations.

Registrations, Licensure Requirements or Certifications:

N/A

Initial Screening Criteria:

Have an earned bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral degree in a chemical, physical, biological, clinical laboratory science, or medical technology from an accredited institution and minimum of three years of working experience in the field of Molecular Biology or Microbiology.

Working experience of Next Generation Sequencing and Bioinformatics is preferred but not required.

Understanding of quality assurance, quality control, and CLIA/CAP regulations in a laboratory and experience in evaluating data, interpreting test results, and taking corrective actions if needed, is preferred but not required.

Experience using various items of laboratory equipment, including use of a computer for word processing, spreadsheet and database analysis and results reporting, is preferred but not required.

Additional Information:

N/A

Screening Assessments:

N/A

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