Microbiologist 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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Job Description:

Works under limited supervision of a Microbiologist IV with moderate latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment. Receives and process samples for AFB smear and culture following established procedures. Stains, reads, and results for AFB fluorescent staining, calling and documenting all positive results to the submitter.  Prepares buffer and media used for acid fast bacteriology.  Performs and monitors Quality Control on a daily basis and participates in Proficiency Testing Program.  Performs and records routine maintenance on all equipment.  Maintains accurate Quality Control records and Preventive Maintenance. Performs advanced and highly complex procedures in Mycobacteriology to include processing of samples, Nucleic acid amplification test (NAAT) testing, and antimicrobial susceptibility testing. Performs, interprets, and reports Antimicrobial Susceptibility Testing (AST’s) on both, MGIT and Agar proportion methods, and calls resistant results to submitter. Reviews, weekly cultures for growth on 7H11 Middlebrooks and Lowenstein-Jensen media and documents and reports results on worksheets. Setup, interpret and report agar conventional and MGIT susceptibilities when indicated. Must be certified on infectious agent packaging and shipping. Practices all safety and emergency procedures and adheres to universal precautions and uses personal protective equipment adequately in performing highly infectious microbiological procedures.

Essential Job Functions:

EJF 1. Receives samples (e.g., sputa, urines, bronchial lavages) submitted for Acid Fast Bacilli smear and culture from tuberculosis elimination programs such as County and City Health Departments, DSHS-Region 11 health clinics, local hospitals, and bi-national project to provide diagnostic results. Performs processing techniques using the recommended decontamination, digestion, and concentration procedure before inoculation to appropriate culture media for the isolation of Mycobacteria. Prepares AFB smears and sets up to culture media to incubate under adequate conditions of temperature and CO2. Adheres to universal precautions and uses personal protective equipment adequately in performing highly infectious microbiological procedures working with MDR tuberculosis.

EJF 2. Performs interpretation of Truant’s Fluorochrome smears for the detection of acid-fast organisms. Reports daily AFB smears in LabWare and calls all positive results to appropriate medical authorities. Prepares AFB culture media, stains, and reagents used for the culture and identification of Mycobacteria. Occasionally may lift up to 10 lbs. during normal laboratory operations, such as restocking reagents and supplies

EJF 3. Participates in all internal and external Quality Control (QC) procedures such as daily QC requirements, equipment preventive maintenance, proficiency testing, and quality assurance (QA) in order to monitor, assess and maintain a high quality of laboratory results, as well as to comply with the College of American Patjhologist Standards for laboratory accreditation requirements.

EJF 4. Monitors Bactec MGIT 960 instrument, removes positive cultures, prepares smears, and stains them using Ziehl-Neelsen procedure to identify cultures as positive or negative. Orders tests, creates daily smear batch, and enters results using Labware PHLIMS. Determines further studies needed such as definitive identification by GeneXpert NAAT procedure or antimicrobial susceptibilities according to patient testing history. Reading and interpretation of Mycobacterial cultures and susceptibilities.

EJF 5. Performs advanced and highly complex procedures in Mycobacteriology, which include definitive identification of Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex through NAAT testing from direct sputum sediments and AFB smear positive MGIT broth cultures using the GeneXpert system for the detection of Mtb complex DNA and Rifampin Resistance associated mutation.

EJF 6. Maintains infectious packaging and shipping certification. Sends first time M. tuberculosis isolates to DSHS-Austin Lab for Genotyping, document and keep log updated. Submits culture isolates unable to be identified at South Texas Laboratory to DSHS-Austin Lab for definite identification by HPLC testing.

EJF 7. Enters Mycobacteriology Sample Patient Demographics in PHLIMS. Assists with faxing requested TB reports to TB submitters

EJF 8. Maintains cross-training up to date on the Glassware and Sterilization to perform duties in the absence of the Laboratory IV Technician.

EJF 9. Other duties as assigned include but 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. Safe operation of either a state-owned vehicle or personal vehicle is required to conduct state business and an acceptable driving record must be maintained in accordance with DSHS Policy OS-3901, Fleet Operations and Management & Procedures and standards developed by the Texas Department of Public Safety.

Licensure, Certification or Registration:

Must possess a valid Class C Texas driver’s license, or equivalent license from another state.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

Knowledge in principles of Mycobacteriology.

Knowledge and skills in principles of microbiology, to be able to perform high complexity tests and procedures.

Skills in Mycobacteriology techniques such as DNA Technology, NAAT, and use of BACTEC/MGIT technology.

Skills in the use of specialized laboratory equipment such as Biological Safety Cabinets, centrifuges and in performing complex laboratory tests.

Ability to report findings in a comprehensive manner and to detect errors or unusual results.

Ability to communicate effectively in both written and verbal communication.

Skills in using computer software for word processing, spreadsheets, and database analysis.

Skills in sample receiving, result reporting and troubleshooting using a Laboratory Information System.

Ability to work in a specialized section of general work which contributes toward a teamwork environment.

Ability to work in a specialized section of general work which contributes toward a teamwork environment.

Initial Screening Criteria:

1. Bachelor’s Degree in Medical Technology or Clinical Laboratory Science or Medical Laboratory Science from an accredited institution.
2. Preferred 2 years’ work experience in a Health Care Facility performing clinical microbiology or mycobacteriology procedures.
3. Experience performing quality control with corrective action documentation.
4. Experience with specialized equipment such as Biological Safety Cabinets, centrifuges, Sterilizers and performing preventative maintenance function verification.
5. Experience with performing proficiency testing.            

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