Molecular Biologist IV

Dept of State Health Services • Full-time • Austin, Texas, United States • $75k - $95k / year • 4d ago

Job Description:
Under the minimal supervision of the NGS Research and Testing Group Manager, serves as the Team Lead of the Microbial Genomics Team (MGT). Plans and oversees the activities, resources, and operations of the Team. Oversees highly advanced technical testing and quality assurance activities involving Next Generation Sequencing detection and characterization of microbes. Ensures standard operating procedures and proper quality controls are in place and followed for all tests performed by the team. Monitors and documents quality assurance issues. Evaluates and determines the appropriate specifications for new and existing diagnostic tests, techniques, reagents, and equipment. Monitors and ensures adequate material resources. Plans the daily functions, activities, and leave schedules of team members and provides input for other personnel management activities. Encourages communications within the area and provides information to public health personnel as needed. Serves as an authority, technical resource, and positive role model. Duties are performed with extensive latitude for use of initiative, scientific knowledge and independent judgment.

Essential Job Functions:
EJF 1: Knowledge of clinical/molecular Testing-technical. Comprehensive knowledge of laboratory, clinical testing, quality control, quality assurance, CAP regulations and molecular genetic principles, techniques, and terminology. Ability to follow standard operating procedures and protocols accurately.

EJF 2: Knowledge of validation, training and troubleshooting procedures. Ability to perform high volume, analytical procedures, detect and troubleshoot analytical problems that could influence test results such as problems with reagents, equipment, and employee performance. Ability to teach work area procedures to subordinates and guests using laboratory technical and training skills. Ability to make technical decisions and use mature judgment in test interpretation based on professional knowledge and experience.

EJF 3: Organizational and multi-tasking. Ability to maintain, recognize and solve staff and specimen work schedules for completion of critical laboratory services. Ability to work independently, organize, multi-task and self-motivate as appropriate to complete tasks without close supervision.

EJF 4: Team/interpersonal - communications. Ability to interact effectively with staff, work in harmony with other team members and lead co-workers by setting a positive work-ethic example. Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing to both internal and external customers. Ability to keep accurate, detailed records. Ability to communicate technical information to technical and non-technical audiences.

EJF 5: Leadership/ management. Knowledge of personnel management and supervisory skills including team, interpersonal, leadership and motivational skills. Ability to work as part of a management team ensuring structured deadlines are met for the completion of critical laboratory procedures both at the analytical bench level and at the managerial/administrative task level.

Knowledge Skills Abilities:
Comprehensive working knowledge of Next Generation Sequencing and Bioinformatics.
Skill in the operation of molecular as well as general laboratory equipment and in the use of a computer and applicable software.
Ability to interpret written protocols and to develop procedures
Ability to plan and prioritize assignments, and supervise the work of others
Ability to detect malfunctions in test protocols and errors in transcribed results.
Knowledge of quality assessment and quality control functions and CLIA/CAP regulations. Knowledge of validation process as required by CLIA/CAP.
Knowledge of unidirectional workflow and aseptic techniques to reduce the potential for contamination
Ability to teach molecular biology concepts and procedures; use of various items of laboratory equipment; communicate technical instructions and interact effectively with staff.
Ability to maintain positive customer relations.
Ability to work independently and make technical decisions based on professional knowledge and experience.
Ability to conduct personnel interviews and evaluations.

Registration or Licensure Requirements:

Initial Selection Criteria:
Have an earned bachelor's, master's, or doctoral degree in a chemical, physical, biological, clinical laboratory science, or medical technology from an accredited institution and minimum of three years of working experience in the field of Molecular Biology or Microbiology.
Working experience of Next Generation Sequencing and 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.
Ability to use various items of laboratory equipment, including use of a computer for word processing, spreadsheet and database analysis and results reporting, is preferred but not required.

Additional Information:

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

HHS agencies use E-Verify. You must bring your I-9 documentation with you on your first day of work.

I-9 Form - Click here to download the I-9 form.

In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), HHS agencies will provide reasonable accommodation during the hiring and selection process for qualified individuals with a disability. If you need assistance completing the on-line application, contact the HHS Employee Service Center at 1-888-894-4747. If you are contacted for an interview and need accommodation to participate in the interview process, please notify the person scheduling the interview.

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