Molecular Research Specialist V

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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: Molecular Research Specialist V 
Job Title: Research Specialist V 
Agency: Dept of State Health Services 
Department: Clinical Chem/Oth Med Scrning 
Posting Number: 7618 
Closing Date: 08/13/2025 
Posting Audience: Internal and External 
Occupational Category: Life, Physical, and Social Science 
Salary Group: TEXAS-B-24 
Salary Range: $5,425.33 - $6,510.42 
Pay Frequency: Monthly
Shift: 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: 0231,0531,4505,4591,8051,8825,8850,15AX,35F,38A,49A,683X,783X,IS,ISS,OSS 
 
 
 

Brief Job Description:

Under the supervision of the Medical Screening Unit Quality Improvement and Testing Support Branch manager, oversees and conducts molecular genetic testing technology and quality improvement research projects for the Medical Screening Unit. Provides consultation and technical advice and training on testing methods and techniques. Develops and reviews research guidelines, policies, procedures, work plans, and timelines for achieving program goals; evaluates and prioritizes activities; and coordinates and facilitates the development of processes with stakeholders and DSHS staff. Oversees, organizes, and performs complex data and statistical analyses, and prepares reports and presentations. Plans, implements, and oversees other research projects and activities for the Unit. Supports the creation of a laboratory-wide safety culture by serving as a liaison to the Safety Office to ensure a healthy and safe workplace.

Essential Job Functions (EJFs):

EJF1 (40%) Oversees molecular genetic testing technology and quality improvement research projects for the Medical Screening Unit. Plans, develops, and monitors research and quality improvement projects on new or updated molecular genetic testing methodologies, instrumentation, and quality parameters. Develops, evaluates, and conducts effective quality improvement procedures to review Branch programs and research projects in order to ensure the highest quality of laboratory services. Identifies areas of noncompliance, deficiencies, barriers, and quality issues with agency programs and determines solutions.

EJF2 (25%) Oversees and performs complex data extraction, statistical analyses, and report preparation of laboratory and grant activities to support Unit programs and other laboratory customers. Functions as a technical expert and consultant on statistical design, epidemiologic methodology and analysis, and interpretation of data and epidemiologic soundness. Performs complex data analyses of laboratory test volumes, test requesters, test results, testing supply cost, expenditures, and trend analyses. Utilizes, as necessary, the following: SAS, SPSS, Epi Info, R, Tableau, ArcGIS and other statistical, graphics, and spreadsheet software. Collects, compiles, and creates written reports of requested information and clinical data.

EJF3 (20%) Enforces safety policies and participates in Safety Coordinator/Safety Committee meetings, CDC online trainings, and trainings organized by the Safety Office. Serves as back-up to other Safety Coordinators, collaborating with Group managers, Branch managers, and Team Leads to monitor compliance and identify safety issues. Conducts area specific safety training for current and new employees as well as at the time of new procedure implementation. Collaborates with safety team to ensure the required safety and health documents, periodic inspections of all safety equipment, and other safety measurements are complete and up to date. Assists Safety Office in accident investigation and proposes corrective actions.

EJF4 (10%) Performs and assists with consultative and technical assistance. Effectively communicates within the DSHS Laboratory and between the Laboratory, vendors, and other state agencies on Unit activities to maintain and improve overall customer satisfaction of Unit programs. Works closely with the Laboratory Grant Coordinator and laboratory staff to write and develop grant proposals, including objectives, methodologies, evaluation plans, timelines, and budget estimates. For awarded grants, assists with developing timelines for deliverables defined in grants, ensuring grant deliverable compliance, maintaining cost accounting records, and reporting grant activities.

EJF5 (5%) 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. 

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSAs):

Knowledge and understanding of the roles of public health laboratories.

Knowledge of molecular genetics laboratory testing.

Knowledge of laboratory information management systems.

Knowledge of research methods, principles, and techniques.

Knowledge of major functions of public health.

Knowledge of statistical concepts, research methods, and their applications to public health surveillance and research.

Knowledge of sampling, survey methods and weighting.

Knowledge of the health status, socioeconomic and demographic measures used in public health.

Knowledge of population, socioeconomic and health outcomes data sources.

Knowledge of programming logic and scripting.

Knowledge of human subjects protections and issues of confidentiality.

Knowledge of dshs and hhsc policies and procedures for personnel, budget management and tracking, fiscal accounting, purchasing and contracting, travel, and grants management.

Knowledge of email, word processing, project management, spreadsheet, and database programs such as ms outlook, ms word, ms project, ms excel, ms powerpoint, and access.

Knowledge of human subject research and texas law regarding use of residual specimens.

Skill in effective customer service practices.

Skill in synthesizing and analyzing complex information for a variety of purposes.

Skill in problem-solving and conflict resolution.

Skill in verbal and written communication.

Skill in molecular genetic testing development, implementation, and evaluation.

Skill in time management and planning.

Skill in grant writing and project management.

Skill in conducting research and using statistical tools.

Skill in using Microsoft office products especially excel, and PowerPoint.

Skill in using internet publishing/graphics presentation software.

Skill in using statistical software, especially SAS, and in writing syntax to perform analyses.

Skill in analyzing nested data.

Skill in graphical presentation of data including charts, tables, and maps.

Skill in working with sensitive personal health information.

Ability to use population data for public health planning and evaluation.

Ability to organize and prioritize work and meet deadlines.

Ability to plan, assign and/or supervise the work of others.

Ability to exercise independent judgment and show initiative.

Ability to communicate effectively with data users and coworkers.

Ability to maintain effective working relationships.  

Ability to plan, organize, and oversee research projects.

Ability to interpret and publish research findings and prepare scientific manuscripts and reports.

Ability to develop and evaluate policies and procedures and plan for following action needed.

Ability to utilize computer programs for spreadsheet analysis, database analysis, word processing, and laboratory information management systems.

Ability to utilize computer programs for laboratory data analysis including trend analysis.

Ability to gather, assemble, correlate, analyze research data, and devise solutions to problems.

Ability to present complex information to a variety of audiences.

Ability to organize and manage multiple tasks, prioritize heavy workloads, and meet deadlines.

Ability to establish goals and objectives.

Ability to facilitate meetings and projects and work effectively with teams.

Ability to develop and maintain positive working relationships with managers, co-workers, and partners.

Ability to adapt to a changing work environment.

Ability to visually distinguish color differences as required for testing procedures.

Registrations, Licensure Requirements or Certifications:

N/A

Initial Screening Criteria:

1. Bachelor’s degree from an accredited 4-year college or university with coursework in statistics, epidemiology, social science, computational biology, biostatistics, or related subjects.

2. Five years of experience working in a biochemistry, chemistry, molecular biology, biology or related laboratory.

3. Two years of full-time experience in public health, disease epidemiology, or program evaluation.

Additional Information:

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