Virology Technician

Harris County; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 38,000 - 56,000; Full time

Job summary

Harris County Public Health in Houston, Texas seeks a Virology Technician to assist the Virology team with vector-borne disease testing and related laboratory tasks. The role supports treatment and intervention strategies to protect residents from vector-borne diseases.

Under Virology Manager supervision, you will handle sample prep, molecular assays, and equipment maintenance, while ensuring biosafety and quality controls. Requires biology exposure and a Texas driver's license upon hire.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Basic Science or related field required.
• Experience in microbiology or biology useful for testing.
• Strong documentation and organizational skills.

Responsibilities

• Assists with preparation and testing samples to isolate arthropod-borne diseases.
• Process mosquito and other arthropod vectors for microbiological detection using ELISA, qPCR, and Ramp test methods.
• Maintains and ensures compliance with laboratory biocontainment, biosafety, laboratory protocols, policies, and regulations.
• Responsible for the quality assurance and quality control of laboratory equipment, records, reagents and other chemical while maintaining inventory of all laboratory supplies, media, and reagents.
• Ensures that all laboratory equipment are cleaned, disinfected, and organized daily.
• Performs daily temperature checks of incubators, refrigerators, freezers, and ensure laboratory instruments are calibrated and maintained.
• Prepare laboratory supplies and make ready for testing.
• Maintains the virology database.

Education

Bachelor's degree in Basic Science or related field

High School Diploma/GED or Higher

Tools

qPCR

ELISA

Job description

If you're looking to be a part of a collaborative environment where your skills can make an impact, explore our current opportunities in creating a better future for public health.

About Harris County Public Health

Harris County Public Health (HCPH) includes a network of more than 1,100 public health professionals working together to improve health outcomes for the third most populous county in the United States. HCPH provides a multitude of services such as medical and dental services, community programming, and health education for the approximately 2.3 million people in unincorporated Harris County. Through its core values of innovation, engagement, and health equity, HCPH strives to bring meaningful solutions to public health issues while keeping Harris County healthy and vibrant.

Our Values

HCPH embraces a foundation of progressive work anchored by the department’s cornerstone values guiding our work to improve the community’s health and well-being.

• Transparency - We share information openly and honestly so that staff, partners, and the community understand our actions and the reasons behind them.
• Integrity - Our actions reflect strong ethical principles, ensuring we remain trustworthy, accountable, and consistent with our mission.
• Respect - We foster a supportive environment by valuing diverse perspectives, listening intentionally, and treating people with dignity in every interaction.
• Impact - We focus our efforts on activities that improve health, reduce disparities, and create meaningful, measurable outcomes for the communities we serve.
• Collaboration - We actively partner across teams, disciplines, organizations, and communities to align our efforts toward common goals

Position Overview

Under the supervision of the Virology Manager, the Virology Technician will assist the Virology team with tasks and responsibilities related to vector-borne disease testing. The results of testing will guide treatment and intervention strategies to protect the residents of Harris County from vector-borne diseases.

Duties & Responsibilities

• Assists with preparation and testing samples to isolate arthropod-borne diseases transmitted by mosquitoes, birds and ticks.
• Process mosquito and other arthropod vectors for microbiological detection using various molecular assays to include ELISA, qPCR, and Ramp test methods
• Maintains and ensures compliance with laboratory biocontainment, biosafety, laboratory protocols, policies, and regulations.
• Responsible for the quality assurance and quality control of laboratory equipment, records, reagents and other chemical while maintaining inventory of all laboratory supplies, media, and reagents.
• Ensures that all laboratory equipment are cleaned, disinfected, and organized daily.
• Performs daily temperature checks of incubators, refrigerators, freezers, and ensure laboratory instruments are calibrated and maintained.
• Prepare laboratory supplies and make ready for testing.
• Maintains the virology database.

Harris County is an Equal Opportunity Employer

https://hrrm.harriscountytx.gov/Pages/EqualEmploymentOpportunityPlan.aspx

If you need special services or accommodations, please call [phone] or email [e-mail]

Education

• High School Diploma/GED or Higher

Experience

• At least six (6) months of biological science.

Certifications/Licenses

• Current Texas Driver's License (upon hire)

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Experience in molecular biology such as qPCR or ELISA.
• Excellent aseptic technique and microbiological skills common to a bio-containment laboratory.
• Strong documentation and organizational skills.
• Ability to communicate effectively and professionally in a team with diverse backgrounds.
• Understands the organizational mission.
• Ability to adapt to change and work under pressure.
• Ability to work well independently with limited supervision for completion of test procedures.

Core Competencies

• Data Analytics and Assessment Skills: Ability to use data to analyze community health needs and support decisions that improve community health outcomes.
• Communication Skills: This competency focuses on using clear and effective communication to engage audiences, address misinformation, and build trust, supporting informed decisions and stronger public health outcomes.
• Health Advancement Skills: This competency focuses on applying principles of equity, diversity, and inclusion to public health, addressing systemic barriers, and promoting fair access to resources for healthier communities.
• Community Partnership Skills: This competency focuses on collaborating with communities to address the systems and policies affecting health, fostering engagement, shared ownership, and sustainable improvements in well-being.
• Public Health Science Skills: This competency focuses on using public health science and evidence-based approaches to develop and improve policies and programs, ensuring effective delivery of the 10 Essential Public Health Services.

NOTE

Qualifying education, experience, knowledge, and skills must be documented on your job application. You may attach a resume to the application as supporting documentationbut ONLY information stated on the application will be used for consideration. "See Resume" will not be accepted for qualifications.

Education

• Bachelor's degree in Basic Science or related field from an accredited college or university

Experience

• At least one (1) year of microbiological experience.

Position Type and Typical Hours of Work

• This is a Regular Full-Time position.
• 40 hours per week.
• Days and hours may vary based on the operation needs.

Work Environment

• This job operates in a professional laboratory and office environment.
• This role routinely involves using standard office equipment such as computers, phones, photocopiers, filing cabinets and fax machines.

Physical Demands

• Must be able to lift 35 lbs.
• This position might also require bending & standing for periods at a time.

Work Location

• Harris County Public Health: Mosquito & Vector Control Division - 3330 Old Spanish Trail, Houston, Texas 77021.

Employment may be contingent on passing a drug screen and meeting other standards.

Due to a high volume of applications positions may close prior to the advertised closing date or at the discretion of the Hiring Department.