Microbiologist II

Date:
Jan 6, 2026

Location:

AUSTIN, TX

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Functional

Title:

Microbiologist II

Job Title: Microbiologist II

Agency: Dept of State Health Services

Department: Microbiology

Posting Number: 12468

Posting Audience: Internal and External

Occupational Category: Life, Physical, and Social Science

Salary Group: TEXAS-B-19

Salary Range: $4,539.50 - $5,447.40

Pay Frequency: Monthly

Shift: 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,SEI
12

Under general supervision of the Clinical Bacteriology Group Manager and Team Leads and following standard protocols, performs moderately complex microbiological work for the isolation and identification of pathogenic bacteria from both referred cultures and clinical specimens using a battery of physiological, serological and identification tests. Performs quality control, preventive maintenance, and inventory for the Clinical Bacteriology Group. Duties are performed with adherence to standard protocol, with general latitude to interpret standard protocol, and with general use of initiative, scientific knowledge, and independent judgment.

Safe operation of either a state-owned vehicle or personal vehicle is required to conduct state business, and an acceptable driving record must be maintained in accordance with DSHS Policy OS-3901, Fleet Operations and Management & Procedures and standards developed by the Texas Department of Public Safety.

• EJF 1. Under technical guidance of the Team Lead, performs moderately complex procedures for the isolation and identification of bacteria from both referred cultures and clinical specimens. Performs bacterial isolation procedures to obtain a pure culture on referred cultures and some clinical samples for confirmation and identification using standard protocol. Performs identification by MALDI‑TOF and/or inoculates pure culture isolates to a battery of physiological tests;
  
  reads, interprets, and records biochemical test results. Performs antimicrobial susceptibility testing. Completes the testing process, accurately records all test reactions, and confirms the identification of the organism by interpretation of appropriate identification keys. Recognizes problems or deviations and refers to supervisor or team lead. Initiates troubleshooting and proposes solutions to problems to supervisor. Participates in proficiency testing program and demonstrates proficiency in testing work.
  
  (40%)
• EJF 2. Routinely prepares and evaluates the quality of reagents used in tests by tracking expiration dates, performing required quality control, and documentation of quality control results. Initiates quality assurance corrective action;
  Documents technical performance issues. Identifies any aberrant Quality Control results, performs troubleshooting, and makes recommendations to Team Lead for corrective actions. Assists Team Lead with preparation of Quality Assurance documents including data graphs, problem and corrective action logs, competency documentation, training documentation, review of quality control records, and turnaround time statistical analysis. (10%)
• EJF 3. Evaluates test results and assures accuracy and completeness. Enters test results into laboratory information system for reporting. Identifies abnormal results and refers to…