Microbiologist II

Department-of-State-Health-Services; Austin (TX); On-site; USD 54,000 - 62,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

State benefits plan

Job summary

Dept of State Health Services is seeking a Microbiologist II in Austin to perform complex parasitology work, process clinical specimens, and contribute to QA and training efforts. The role involves microscopic identification of parasites, accuracy in reporting, and collaboration with the team to meet weekly deadlines.

Responsibilities include maintaining the digital image library, providing telephone consultations, and supporting research projects while following standard protocols and safety

Qualifications

• Knowledge of parasitology and microbiology principles and techniques.
• Ability to perform microscopic examinations and identify parasites.
• Experience with quality control and documentation in a lab setting.

Responsibilities

• Perform complex microscopic examinations of specimens and identify parasites.
• Enter and review results in the Laboratory Information System and provide technical consultation by telephone.
• Participate in training activities and maintain digital imaging library and training modules.
• Assist with research studies and prepare technical reports.
• Adhere to safety guidelines and ensure accuracy and quality in work.

Skills

Parasitology knowledge

Microscopy

Laboratory quality control

Customer consultation by phone

Training and teaching

Tools

Brightfield microscope

Fluorescence microscope

Laboratory Information System

Job description

Posting ID21901-Posted09/30/2026-Dept of State Health Services-Microbiology-Life, Physical, and Social Science-Not Eligible for Telework- Additional Shifts available (1) -b. $3000 - $4999 per month

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 .

Functional Title: Microbiologist II
Job Title: Microbiologist II
Agency: Dept of State Health Services
Department: Microbiology
Posting Number: 21901
Closing Date: 10/14/2026
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
Facility Location:
Job Location City: AUSTIN
Job Location Address: 1100 W 49TH ST (DBGL)
Other Locations: None
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.