Microbiologist

Join to apply for the Microbiologist I role at Texas Department of State Health Services

Date:
Jan 9, 2026

Location:

AUSTIN, TX

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.

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. Review our Top 10 Tips for Success when Applying to State of Texas Jobs.

Functional

Title:

Microbiologist I
Job Title: Microbiologist I
Agency: Dept of State Health Services
Department: Microbiology
Posting Number: 12492
Closing Date: 01/23/2026
Posting Audience: Internal and External
Occupational Category: Life, Physical, and Social Science
Salary Group: TEXAS-B-17
Salary Range: $4,106.30 - $4,927.56
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)

Under moderate supervision of the Clinical Bacteriology Group Manager and the Conventional Bacteriology & MALDI Team Lead and following standard protocols, performs basic and 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 initial processing of incoming specimens, quality control, and preventive maintenance for the Clinical Bacteriology Group.

Duties are performed with adherence to standard protocol, with limited latitude to interpret standard protocol, and with limited 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.

• Under technical guidance of the Team Lead, performs basic and moderately complex procedures for the isolation and identification of bacteria from both referred cultures and clinical specimens. Performs initial processing of incoming specimens. Performs bacterial isolation procedures to obtain a pure culture on referred cultures for confirmation and identification using standard protocol. Inoculates pure culture isolates to a battery of physiological tests;
  
  reads, interprets and records biochemical test results. Performs antimicrobial susceptibility testing or serotyping as needed. 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. Participates in proficiency testing program and demonstrates proficiency in testing work. Ensures that all testing is performed within turnaround time.
  
  (40%)
• Performs quality control and preventive maintenance. 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. Documents technical performance issues. Identifies any aberrant quality control results, notifies the Team Lead for corrective actions with a clear description of what occurred. (10%)
• Evaluates test results and assures accuracy and completeness. Enters test results into laboratory information system for reporting. Identifies abnormal results and refers to Team Lead. Files completed reports according to standard protocol. (10%)
• Assists in supporting the Clinical Bacteriology Group in maintaining an adequate supply of reagents, media, and supplies. Reviews on a monthly basis the expiration dates of reagents and places requests for reagents when supply is below desired level. Reviews supplies for completeness of information, reviews each shipment received and records condition, expiration dates, and reviews any changes in the instructions for use.
  
  Participates in and helps coordinate semi-annual SAO inventory. (10%)
• Performs preventative maintenance and basic troubleshooting on instruments. Recognizes problems and deviations and refers to supervisor or team lead. Participates in the disposal of biohazardous waste. (10%)
• Participates in training program by reading procedures, listening, taking notes, and asking questions. Takes responsibility for ensuring that the knowledge and…