Microbiologist

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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: Microbiologist 
Job Title: Microbiologist II 
Agency: Dept of State Health Services 
Department: Microbiology 
Posting Number: 4875 
Closing Date: 08/16/2025 
Posting Audience: Internal and External 
Occupational Category: Life, Physical, and Social Science 
Salary Group: TEXAS-B-18 
Salary Range: $4,539.50 - $5,220.43 
Pay Frequency: Monthly
Shift: Regular Weekend Day 
Additional Shift:  
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: 230X,43BX,43TX,71A,SEI12 
 
 
 

Brief Job Description:

Under general supervision of the Zoonotic Virology Group Manager and under the technical guidance of the Rabies Identification Team Leader, uses Biosafety Level 2/3 safety practices to perform all aspects of complex rabies diagnostic work including but not limited to routine testing, microscopic examinations, RT-PCR, typing rabies strains, isolation, identification of rabies, and reagent preparation by following standard protocols. Assists in maintaining both the necropsy and general rabies laboratories. Duties are performed with moderate latitude to interpret standard protocol and with considerable use of scientific knowledge, initiative, independent judgement, and experience.

Essential Job Functions (EJFs):

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

 EJF 1. Specimens submitted for Rabies testing have the potential to be infected with other unknown zoonotic pathogens. Performs testing on all rabies specimens daily by fluorescent antibody techniques with 100% accuracy including preparing slides, staining slides, and interpreting immunofluorescence via microscopy for definitive diagnosis of rabies. Determines if repeat testing is needed. Enters and validates results in the laboratory information system. Performs work in the necropsy laboratory including checking in specimens, necropsying heads, removing brains, and dissecting brain material. Performs testing on weekends, holidays, and on an emergency basis as necessary. Responds to questions, problems, and emergency requests for rabies testing after routine business hours on an on-call basis. Verifies that all the specimens are processed within the time frame specified in the procedure manual. (45%)

EJF 2. Performs additional procedures to type or confirm rabies diagnosis including typing rabies positive specimens by monoclonal antibody immunofluorescent staining and inoculating all appropriate specimens into neuroblastoma cell cultures. Prepares slides for rabies positive specimens for monoclonal typing either directly from the specimen or from an amplified culture. Identifies rabies strains by immunofluorescent monoclonal antibody typing including staining the slides and interpreting immunofluorescence typing of rabies strains. Determines if additional testing is needed and performs additional testing procedures. Propagates neuroblastoma cells for rabies isolation. Inoculates all appropriate specimens into neuroblastoma cell cultures. Tests cell cultures for rabies virus by fluorescent antibody procedures. Performs and assists with RT-PCR testing. Records all additional work on work logs and enters all results in the lab information system. (20%)

EJF 3. Prepares adequate supplies of high-quality reagents for routine rabies diagnostic work including preparation of conjugates, brain diluent suspensions, media, and buffers. Assists in maintaining all rabies laboratory areas including but not limited to restocking supplies, sharpening knives, and autoclaving waste and tools. Performs and documents quality control testing on all new reagents including sensitivity and specificity for antibodies and conjugates. Arranges for shipments of reagents to affiliated laboratories within one week of request. Prepares shipments of infectious material to reference laboratories for confirmatory or other testing. Prepares specimens for use by other sections or organizations such as CDC or USDA as needed including packaging appropriate specimens for shipment. (20%)

EJF 4. Assists in development of new procedures, provides input to optimize efforts, and documents all development work thoroughly. Assists with training or provide training to co-workers and guest laboratorians. Assists other staff in their duties and provides additional support to maintain a high quality of work. Notifies supervisory personnel of equipment malfunctions or test failures immediately, providing an assessment of the failure and making recommendations to prevent additional failures in the future. Performs monthly preventive maintenance duties on equipment. Reviews the literature on a regular basis and provides summaries to other employees of new techniques or research related to rabies diagnosis. Performs cross-training within the group and/or branch as assigned by the Group/Branch Manager. Participates in continuing education opportunities as available including talks, satellite conferences, scientific conferences, or other appropriate opportunities to update and learn new techniques to be able to perform state of the art diagnostic work. Processes orders for general laboratory supplies. Calls out negative results and emails non-negative results as needed to zoonosis if MIC III or Team Lead are unavailable. (10%)

EJF 5. Based on your work area, consistently comply with DSHS Laboratory, local, state and federal guidelines to ensure a safe functioning laboratory. Performs other duties as assigned by the Group/Branch 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%)  

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSAs):

Knowledge of medical virology principles and practices including laboratory safety, aseptic technique, and handling of pathogenic organisms. Knowledge of microscopy, immunological techniques, and cell culture techniques. Knowledge of rabies testing procedures and the ability to communicate that knowledge to submitters in an understandable manner. Ability to organize daily workload and set priorities to routine work. Ability to maintain accurate records and evaluate problem situations and determine appropriate actions. Ability to recall details on specimens submitted. Ability to perform all procedures in rabies diagnosis. Ability to lift heavy items such as boxes or equipment. Ability to work with sharp and dangerous tools including electric saws which weighs 6 and 10.5 pounds. Ability to manifest a high degree of dexterity (with saws as well as knives) while performing moderately complex tasks. Ability to tolerate unpleasant odors, sights, and conditions. Ability to follow laboratory procedures accurately, concentrate on minute details over an extended period of time, maintain work efficiency under heavy stress. Ability to communicate effectively in oral and written form and to follow written and verbal instructions. Ability to use various items of laboratory equipment, including a computer for word processing, spreadsheet and database analysis and results reporting. Ability to interact effectively with staff, work independently, work in harmony with other team members, and follow standard operating procedures and protocols. Skill in manipulating standard laboratory equipment with speed, accuracy and safety.

Registrations, Licensure Requirements or Certifications:

NA

Initial Screening Criteria:

Required: Bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral degree in a chemical, physical, biological or clinical laboratory science or medical technology from an accredited institution; or an earned 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 of 1988 (CLIA ’88) Standards.

Preferred but not required: Laboratory experience identifying viruses using diagnostic methods

Preferred but not required: Experience working in an animal diagnostic laboratory or veterinary animal clinic

Preferred but not required: Experience with performing immunofluorescence testing

Preferred but not required: Knowledge and experience with molecular principles and techniques

Additional Information:

Interviews will be scheduled after screening. Work hours and laboratory assignments may vary, must be willing to work hours other than 8am-5pm. Duties may include weekend/holiday work as required and occasional travel to attend and/or present at professional meetings. Selectee will be immunized against rabies virus and other highly infectious agents, DSHS will provide and arrange for immunization. Selectee must have no color vision problems, functional color vision assessment prior to employment. Degree must be 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