Molecular Biologist IV

Job Title

Molecular Biologist IV

Dept of State Health Services - Emergency Preparedness

Posting Number: 11355

Closing Date: 03/31/2026

Posting Audience:
Internal and External

Occupational Category:
Life, Physical, and Social Science

Salary Group: TEXAS-B-22

Salary Range: $5,874.80 - $6,764.00

Pay Frequency:
Monthly

Shift: Regular Weekend Day

Telework:
Not Eligible for Telework

Travel:
Up to 10%

Regular/Temporary:
Regular

Full Time/Part Time:
Full time

FLSA Exempt/Non-Exempt:
Nonexempt

Facility

Location:

AUSTIN

Job Location Address: 1100 W 49TH ST (DBGL)

MOS Codes: 230X,43BX,43TX,71A,SEI
12

Under general direction of the Public Health Laboratory Emergency Preparedness Branch Supervisor and Biothreat Lead, performs duties for the Biothreat Team. Performs highly advanced technical activities for isolation and the methods of rapid detection and identification of high consequence infectious diseases and agents used in bioterrorism. Work includes routine performance of complex molecular and microbiological methods and coordinating proficiency testing and readiness exercises to assure competency in testing methods and procedures.

Responsible for training other internal and external personnel in the procedures for detection and identification of high consequence infectious agents. As a member of the National Laboratory Response Network, plans for, evaluates, validates, and implements new procedures. Determines appropriate specifications for proficiency testing and readiness exercises performed to assure competency in testing methods. Assures availability of testing activities in the Biochemistry and Genetics Branch and Microbiological Sciences Branch.

Presents project updates to the supervisor or director. Coordinates the acquisition of appropriate supplies and the maintenance of current records, documentation, and results reporting. Consults with customers. Duties performed under minimal supervision, with considerable latitude for the use of initiative, scientific knowledge and independent judgment. Supports the creation of a laboratory-wide safety culture by serving as a liaison to the Safety Office to ensure a healthy and safe workplace.

• Attends work on a regular and predictable schedule in accordance with agency leave policy and performs other duties as assigned.
• Under supervision of the Emergency Preparedness Branch Manager and the Biothreat Team Leader, develops bacteriology skills necessary to become subject matter expert on bacteria, viruses, or toxins that could be used as a threat agent. These skills include complete knowledge of direct fluorescent antibody staining, polymerase chain reaction, enzyme immunoassays, DNA sequencing, and other emerging technologies applied to the isolation and/or identification of threat agents.
  
  These skills include being able to teach the techniques to other laboratorians in sentinel and reference Laboratory Response Network laboratories. Maintains and follows current standard operating procedures and bench manuals related to the detection and identification of agents used in biological threats, including standard and rapid molecular microbiological methods; answers technical questions and advises internal and external personnel; and under supervision of the Emergency Preparedness Branch Manager and the Biothreat Team Leader;
  
  develops and performs special projects as needed to improve detection and/or identification of biological threat agents. Within 30 days of receipt of protocols from federal partners, performs validation studies and implements protocols in the Biothreat Team as a member of the National Laboratory Response Network. Performs complex testing on specimens submitted and adjusts workloads as necessary to meet demands. (30%)
• Presents or assists with training exercises as required. Conducts training on the detection and identification of biological threat agents. Plans and presents one-on-one training and workshops to update internal personnel. Plans and administers workshops or training activities for health department and sentinel laboratory personnel. Prepares report of the outcome of training. (10%)
• Reviews publications for methods that are applicable to current procedures; develops and updates procedures and manuals as necessary; and conducts refresher training on changes as needed. Writes, updates, or revises SOPs and bench manuals to reflect current recommended practices within 30 days of completion of training with federal partners (10%)
• Conducts and coordinates proficiency testing and readiness exercises as part of the National Laboratory Response Network. Participates in the planning and assists with conducting readiness exercises for DSHS and LRN laboratories; participates in the review of exercise results, analyzes weak points and strong points, and makes recommendations for improvements; reviews all records pertaining to proficiency testing results and makes recommendations for corrective action when…