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Texas Department of State Health Services · 12 hours ago

Molecular Biologist IV

Austin, TX

Full-time

Onsite

Senior Level

$5,874.80/mo - $6,764/mo

Texas Department of State Health Services is committed to public health and is seeking a Molecular Biologist IV to join their Biothreat Team. The role involves performing advanced technical activities for the detection and identification of infectious diseases and agents used in bioterrorism, as well as training personnel and coordinating proficiency testing.

Health Care

H1B Sponsor Likely

Responsibilities

Under supervision of the Emergency Preparedness Branch Manager and the Biothreat Team Leader, develops bacteriology skills necessary to become subject matter expert on bacteria, viruses, or toxins that could be used as a threat agent. These skills include complete knowledge of direct fluorescent antibody staining, polymerase chain reaction, enzyme immunoassays, DNA sequencing, and other emerging technologies applied to the isolation and/or identification of threat agents. These skills include being able to teach the techniques to other laboratorians in sentinel and reference Laboratory Response Network laboratories. Maintains and follows current standard operating procedures and bench manuals related to the detection and identification of agents used in biological threats, including standard and rapid molecular microbiological methods; answers technical questions and advises internal and external personnel; and under supervision of the Emergency Preparedness Branch Manager and the Biothreat Team Leader; develops and performs special projects as needed to improve detection and/or identification of biological threat agents. Within 30 days of receipt of protocols from federal partners, performs validation studies and implements protocols in the Biothreat Team as a member of the National Laboratory Response Network. Performs complex testing on specimens submitted and adjusts workloads as necessary to meet demands. (30%)

Presents or assists with training exercises as required. Conducts training on the detection and identification of biological threat agents. Plans and presents one-on-one training and workshops to update internal personnel. Plans and administers workshops or training activities for health department and sentinel laboratory personnel. Prepares report of the outcome of training. (10%)

Reviews publications for methods that are applicable to current procedures; develops and updates procedures and manuals as necessary; and conducts refresher training on changes as needed. Writes, updates, or revises SOPs and bench manuals to reflect current recommended practices within 30 days of completion of training with federal partners (10%)

Conducts and coordinates proficiency testing and readiness exercises as part of the National Laboratory Response Network. Participates in the planning and assists with conducting readiness exercises for DSHS and LRN laboratories; participates in the review of exercise results, analyzes weak points and strong points, and makes recommendations for improvements; reviews all records pertaining to proficiency testing results and makes recommendations for corrective action when necessary. Plan and coordinate readiness exercises to be conducted on a quarterly basis. Completes review of readiness exercise results within 30 days of end of exercise and prepares report. (25%)

Assists with testing and analyses in the Newborn Metabolic Screening and Clinical Chemistry Groups as necessary. Assists with testing and analyses in the Microbiological Sciences Branch as necessary. (20%)

Performs other duties as assigned, including 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. (5%)

Qualification

Molecular testingMicrobiological techniquesPolymerase chain reactionDNA sequencingBacteriology expertiseImmunoassaysFluorescent microscopyProficiency testingTraining abilitiesInventory managementCommunication skills

Required

Education and experience as required under registration and licensure requirements

Experience performing microbiological techniques on potentially infectious/pathogenic agents

Experience performing molecular testing for human disease

Ability to work hours and days other than M-F; 8:00-5:00

Safe operation of either a state-owned vehicle or personal vehicle is required to conduct state business

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

CDC authorization to work with select agents is a condition of employment for this position in accordance with federal and state laws and agency policy

Employees who are required to work with select agents must successfully pass a Security Risk Assessment (SRA) conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and are subject to medical surveillance procedures

Employees that are required to work with or have access to Tier 1 select agents must undergo and pass pre-access suitability and medical assessments

Employees with Tier I requirements must be enrolled into the on-going suitability assessment program and undergo review of medical surveillance procedures as a condition of employment

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).

Company

Texas Department of State Health Services

Glassdoor3.2

Texas Department of State Health Services focuses on public health to promote and protect the health of Texans & their communities.

Founded in 2015

Austin, Texas, USA

1001-5000 employees

https://www.dshs.texas.gov/

H1B Sponsorship

Texas Department of State Health Services has a track record of offering H1B sponsorships. Please note that this does not guarantee sponsorship for this specific role. Below presents additional info for your reference. (Data Powered by US Department of Labor)

Distribution of Different Job Fields Receiving Sponsorship

Represents job field similar to this job

Trends of Total Sponsorships

2024 (2)