Microbiologist II

Your Texas Benefits; Austin (TX); On-site; USD 54,000 - 62,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

State benefits package

Job summary

DSHS in Austin, TX, seeks a Microbiologist II to perform complex microbiological work, receive and process specimens, identify parasites, and support QA and training activities.

Under supervision of the Branch Manager and Team Leader, responsibilities include maintaining digital imaging library, preparing reports, and providing technical consultation by telephone. Regular schedule with weekend shift and non-telework.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in lab science required.
• Knowledge of microbiology and parasitology.
• Experience with microscopy and parasite staining.
• Ability to work with digital imaging systems and maintain records.
• Strong attention to detail and ability to follow procedures.

Responsibilities

• Detect parasitic infections by microscopic examination of specimens.
• Enter and review test results in the Laboratory Information System.
• Maintain supplies and quality control per procedures.
• Assist in training staff and developing training materials.
• Perform duties with independence and adapt to changing priorities.

Skills

Parasitology knowledge

Microbiology knowledge

Microscopy

Laboratory quality control

Digital imaging system

Education

Bachelor's degree in chemical, physical, biological or clinical laboratory science, or a medical laboratory technology from an accredited institution

Tools

Digital imaging system

Job description

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 .

Job Details

• Functional Title: Microbiologist II
• Job Title: Microbiologist II
• Agency: Dept of State Health Services
• Department: Microbiology
• Posting Number: 21901
• Closing Date: 11/04/2026
• Posting Audience: Internal and External
• Occupational Category: Life, Physical, and Social Science
• Salary Range: $4,815.12 - $5,537.39
• Pay Frequency: Monthly
• Salary Group: TEXAS-B-19
• Shift: Regular Weekend Day
• Additional Shift: Days (First)
• Telework: Not Eligible for Telework
• Travel: Up to 5%
• Regular/Temporary: Regular
• Full Time/Part Time: Full time
• FLSA Exempt/Non-Exempt: Nonexempt
• Job Location City: AUSTIN
• Job Location Address: 1100 W 49TH ST (DBGL)
• MOS Codes: 230X,43BX,43TX,71A,SEI12

Brief Job Description

Under general supervision of the Zoonotic Disease Branch Manager and with the coordination of the Medical Parasitology Team Leader, performs complex to highly complex microbiological work. Following standard protocols, receives and processes clinical specimens; performs complex microscopic examinations of preparations of feces, blood and other bodily fluid specimens; identifies parasitic organisms to meet weekly deadlines. Performs and documents quality assurance activities with accuracy. Provides technical consultation by telephone. Participates in training activities by preparing specimens, delivering lectures, and performing demonstrations. Contributes to the creation and maintenance of a digital image library and training modules. Assists with research studies and preparation of technical reports. Duties are performed with considerable latitude to interpret standard protocol and with moderate use of scientific knowledge, initiative, and independence.

Essential Job Functions (EJFs)

Attends work on a regular and predictable schedule in accordance with agency leave policy and performs other duties as assigned.

• EJF 1. Detects parasitic infections by performing microscopic examinations of feces, blood or other body fluid specimens submitted for testing. Processes and performs complex examination of clinical specimens including but not limited to human blood, feces, and other bodily fluid using various parasite staining and concentration methods. Processes, examines, and identifies worms and other miscellaneous parasite specimens. (45%)
• EJF 2. Coordinates with the Senior Microbiologist and the Team Leader to ensure that work is prioritized and completed in a timely manner. Enters, reviews, and releases test results accurately into the Laboratory Information System. Provides customer service and technical consultation by telephone as appropriate; refrains from making customer service decisions that are not approved by the Team Leader or Branch Manager. Coordinates with the Senior Microbiologist and Team Leader to assure that sufficient supply of test reagents and other required materials are maintained. Performs quality control and preventive maintenance procedures per the Team's procedure manual and maintains records as required. Assists in updating and maintaining the Team’s digital imaging library. (25%)
• EJF 3. Performs quality assurance activities and assists the Team Leader with other tasks as assigned. Assists other staff in their duties to maintain the sections high quality and quantity of productivity. Documents problems identified with specimen acceptability, processing, and/or reporting and submits to the Team Leader for review. Consults with the Team Leader to determine remedial actions to correct problems when deviations are identified. Implements approved changes according to instructions provided by the Team Leader. Interacts effectively with staff and works in harmony with other team members. Performs other tasks and cross-training within the branch as assigned by the Branch Manager. (20%)
• EJF 4. Participates in the training of laboratory staff, visiting technologists, students, and interns. Assists with the preparation of training materials. Presents and assists with training exercises, workshops, and tours as required. Assists in special projects and the development of new procedures under the direction of the Team Leader, provides input to optimize efforts, and documents all development work thoroughly. Participates in continuing education opportunities on a regular basis including talks, satellite conferences, scientific conferences, or other appropriate opportunities to update and learn new techniques to be able to perform state of the art diagnostic work. (5%)
• EJF 5. Based on the work area, consistently complies with DSHS Laboratory, local, state, and federal guidelines to ensure a safe functioning laboratory. Completes other duties as assigned. 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. Participates in weekend, holiday, and after-hours testing as needed. (5%)

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSAs)

Knowledge of parasitology and microbiology principles and techniques. Knowledge of laboratory quality control and assurance activities. Knowledge and ability to use brightfield, dissecting, and fluorescence microscopes. Skill in manipulating standard laboratory equipment with speed, accuracy and safety. Ability to use a computer for word processing, spreadsheet and database analysis, and results reporting. Ability and willingness to handle infectious clinical specimens including feces, blood, sputum, urine, and other body fluids. Ability to give meticulous attention to detail, follow standardized procedures, and trouble-shoot problems that occur during testing. Ability to effectively communicate technical instructions and professionally interact with staff and students. Ability to teach testing procedures and the use of various items of laboratory equipment. Ability to work independently and make technical decisions based on professional knowledge and experience. Ability to consistently work in harmony with team members, even under stress. Ability to stay focused on a repetitive task for extended periods of time, but also to multi-task when necessary. Ability to distinguish color differences as required for testing procedures. Ability to communicate effectively, orally and in writing, and to follow written and verbal instructions in English.

Registrations, Licensure Requirements or Certifications

N/A

Initial Screening Criteria

• Bachelor's degree in chemical, physical, biological or clinical laboratory science, or a medical laboratory technology from an accredited institution, required.
• Knowledge and experience in microbiology and parasitology, preferred but not required.
• Experience with microscopy and using a digital imaging system in a laboratory setting, preferred but not required.
• Experience in a laboratory processing or testing human clinical specimens including but not limited to feces, blood, sputum, urine, and other body fluids, preferred but not required.
• Experience in a laboratory setting handling specimens and/or chemicals under a fume hood, preferred but not required.
• Must be willing to work hours other than 8:00am-5:00pm as needed, required.
• Must be willing to Participate in weekend and holiday work as needed, required.
• Must be willing to occasionally travel to participate in continuing education opportunities including trainings, talks, scientific conferences, or other opportunities to update and learn new techniques, required.

Additional Information

Depending on work area, selectee will be immunized against rabies virus and other highly infectious agents. DSHS will provide and arrange for immunization. Selectee must have no color vision problems, functional color vision assessment prior to employment. Degree must be from a U.S. accredited college or university, or foreign degree determined to be equivalent by an acceptable education evaluator.

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 [e-mail] .

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