Molecular Biologist Ii

Molecular Biologist II
Under general supervision of the Quality Improvement and Testing Support Manager, and with coordination of the testing area laboratory leads, following standard operating protocols, provides highly complex and highly specialized specimen handling and processing activities for the Microbiology Unit. Performs activities in a manner that assures stringent quality, accuracy, and efficiency with
moderate latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment. Coordinates flow of specimens for molecular and other infectious diseases testing including PulseNet, CaliciNet, CryptoNet, NARMS, Mtb, Candida, AR Lab Network, SARS-CoV-2, and other pathogens to ensure all specimens received are processed in a timely manner. Provides customer services and communicates with submitters to provide consultation and troubleshoot issues. Organizes and manages residual specimens. Assists in data analysis and report preparation. Duties include workflow coordination of sample preparation, testing, data analysis, data visualization, insurance of proper quality control, accuracy, and timeliness of outgoing reports, organization of residual specimens, specimen send-out to the CDC, regional laboratories, or other external facilities, instrument maintenance, and technical training of DSHS employees and personnel from other laboratories.

Essential Job Functions:
Attends work on a regular and predictable schedule in accordance with agency leave policy and performs other duties as assigned.
EFJ 1: (45%) Specimen Flow Coordination: Communicates with Specimen Acquisition daily for specimens that come in with missing or invalid or inconsistent specimen or patient demographic information and contacts submitter to request critical information. Forwards the information to Data Entry and/or bioinformaticians to allow completion of data entry and result reporting. Updates specimen submission forms or other files to ensure completion of record keeping and communicates information back to Specimen Acquisition. Facilitates specimen check-in process by sorting and assigning laboratory ID numbers for specimens that are suitable for laboratory testing. Notifies submitters of unsatisfactory specimens. Assists in the preparation of specimens for the Microbiology Unit testing laboratories. Distributes specimens and forms according to Standard Operating Protocols. Coordinates flow of infectious disease testing specimens for PulseNet, CaliciNet, CryptoNet, NARMS, Mtb, Candida, ARLN, SARS-CoV-2 positive specimens, and other pathogens between external submitters, epidemiologists, the Centers for Disease Prevention and Control (CDC), and the DSHS Laboratory.
EFJ 2: (20%) Customer Services: Works closely with the Education Specialist and provides technical support and consultation to submitters to troubleshoot and improve specimen quality and reduce the rate of unsatisfactory specimen submission due to demographic or collection form issues. Coordinates the confidential shredding or archiving of documents to meet retention requirements. Assists in testing instrument maintenance, tours, and technical training of DSHS employees and personnel from other laboratories. Works with the Program Specialist and Validation Specialist to assist in continuous quality improvement and technology upgrade or implementation projects.
EJF 3: (20%) Residual Specimen Management: Works with the technical managers or team leads of each testing area for specimen send-outs, storage, and request for release and use. Processes and handles specimens for referral, request repeats, unsatisfactory specimens, abnormal specimens, and packaging and delivery. Fills out requisition forms for specimen send-outs. Organizes and archives residual specimens into specimen or culture repositories with up-to date records of inventory and in appropriate storage conditions. Disposes residual specimens properly following retention schedule. Assists in documenting approvals for residual specimens and data requests. Pulls and prepares specimens for release and shipments if needed,
EJF 4: (10%) Data Analysis and Reporting. Assists in organizing Next Generation Sequencing data and metadata from AMD results and CDC results. Assists in result entry in Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS). Serves as a backup to monitor outgoing reports in LIMS daily to ensure timely generation of reports with proper quality control and accuracy for all specimens received. Retrieves emailed reports from the Antibiotic Resistance Laboratory Mailbox, monitors the Microbiology Mailbox, and distributes to shared folders as directed. Monitors the receipt and turnaround time of reports for referral specimens. Prepares data visualization, reports, and updates as requested.
EJF 5: (5%) Performs other duties as assigned by the Team Leader/Group 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. Based on your work area, consistently comply with DSHS Laboratory, local, state and federal guidelines to ensure a safe functioning laboratory.

Knowledge Skills Abilities:
Comprehensive knowledge and experience of molecular biology and bacteriology principles and techniques.
Knowledge of quality assurance, quality control, and CLIA/CAP/ ISO 17025/TNI/EPA regulations in a laboratory and experience in evaluating data, interpreting test results, and taking corrective actions if needed.
Ability to interact with team effectively and prioritize assignments.
Ability to communicate effectively; follow verbal and written instructions, including SOP’s.
Ability to use various items of laboratory equipment, including use of a computer for word processing, spreadsheet and database analysis and results reporting.
Skill in problem solving and working independently.
Skill in disseminating information to and eliciting information from customers.
Skill in providing customer service to medical personnel and the public via telephone, fax, and in person.
Skill in collection and handling of protected health data and other confidential records.
Skill in creating, maintaining and using electronic reports and spreadsheets.
Skill in using Word, Excel, Teams, PowerAutomate, SharePoint, Laboratory Information Management Systems, Windows, and Internet.
Skill in use of business grammar, proofreading and editing for creation of educational materials.
Ability to interpret, understand and adhere to applicable public health laws and rules relating to legislatively mandated newborn screening and associated confidential information.
Ability to follow standard operating procedures and protocols accurately.
Ability to maintain files, records, and databases accurately.
Ability to complete tasks without close supervision and use considerable discretion and mature judgment in interactions with public and interpretation of protected health data.
Ability to understand/ interpret laboratory results and public health law and regulations.
Ability to prioritize and organize detailed tasks to maintain required team timeframes.

Initial Selection Criteria:
Have an earned bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral degree in a chemical, physical, biological or clinical laboratory science or medical technology from an accredited institution.
Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Teams.
Demonstrated experience with PowerAutomate and SharePoint is preferred, but not required.
Customer service experience is preferred, but not required.
Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS) experience is preferred, but not required.
Comprehensive knowledge of molecular biology and microbiology principles and techniques Knowledge of bioinformatics, is preferred but not required.
Knowledge 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.

Additional Information:
Must be legally authorized to work in the U.S. without sponsorship. HHS agencies use E-Verify.
Applicants selected for an interview may be required to complete an in-basket exercise. Full salary range may not be offered due to budget limitation.
Work hours and laboratory assignments may vary. Must be able to work on weekends and holidays when needed.
Compliance with DSHS Laboratory Exposure Control Plan required: vaccine requirements are consistent with current Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) recommendations and other national guidelines for employee groups based upon job duties and tasks.
Education and degree must be from a U.S. accredited college or university or from a foreign degree determined to be equivalent by an acceptable education evaluator. A list of foreign credential evaluators can be found here: https://aice-eval.org/members/ or https://www.naces.org/index.
Note: Military occupation(s) that relate to the initial selection criteria and registration or licensure requirements for this position may include, but not limited to: 67B, 71A, 230X, 43TX. All active duty military, reservists, guardsmen, and veterans are encouraged to apply if qualified to fill this position. For more information see the Texas State Auditor’s Military Crosswalk at http://www.hr.sao.state.tx.us/Compensation/JobDescriptions.aspx.

MOS Code:
67B, 71A, 230X, 43TX