Microbiologist

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Date:
Jan 5, 2026

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

Functional

Title

Microbiologist

Job Title

Microbiologist II

Agency

Dept of State Health Services

Department

Microbiology

Posting Number

12401

Closing Date

02/04/2026

Posting Audience

Internal and External

Occupational Category

Life, Physical, and Social Science

Salary Group

TEXAS-B-19

Salary Range

$4,539.50 - $5,220.43

Pay Frequency

Monthly

Shift

Regular Weekend Day

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)

MOS Codes

230X,43BX,43TX,71A,SEI
12

Brief

Job Description

Under general supervision of the Zoonotic Virology Group Manager and under the technical guidance of the Rabies Identification Team Leader, uses Biosafety Level 2/3 safety practices to perform all aspects of complex rabies diagnostic work including but not limited to routine testing, microscopic examinations, RT-PCR, typing rabies strains, identification of rabies, and reagent preparation by following standard protocols. Assists in maintaining both the necropsy and general rabies laboratories.

Duties are performed with moderate latitude to interpret standard protocol and with considerable use of scientific knowledge, initiative, independent judgement, and experience.

Essential Job Functions (EJFs)

1. Attends work on a regular and predictable schedule in accordance with agency leave policy and performs other duties as assigned.

EJF 1. Specimens submitted for Rabies testing have the potential to be infected with other unknown zoonotic pathogens. Performs testing on all rabies specimens daily by fluorescent antibody techniques with 100% accuracy including preparing slides, staining slides, and interpreting immunofluorescence via microscopy for definitive diagnosis of rabies. Determines if repeat testing is needed. Enters and validates results in the laboratory information system.

Performs work in the necropsy laboratory including checking in specimens, necropsying heads, removing brains, and dissecting brain material. Performs testing on weekends, holidays, and on an emergency basis as necessary. Responds to questions, problems, and emergency requests for rabies testing after routine business hours on an on-call basis. Verifies that all the specimens are processed within the time frame specified in the procedure manual.

(45%)

EJF 2. Performs additional procedures to type or confirm rabies diagnosis including typing rabies positive specimens by monoclonal antibody immunofluorescent staining and RT-PCR testing. Prepares slides for rabies positive specimens for monoclonal typing. Identifies rabies strains by immunofluorescent monoclonal antibody typing including staining the slides and interpreting immunofluorescence typing of rabies strains via microscopy. Determines if additional testing is needed and performs additional testing procedures.

Performs and assists with RT-PCR testing. Records all additional work on work logs and enters all results in the lab information system. (20%)

EJF 3. Prepares adequate supplies of high-quality reagents for routine rabies diagnostic work including preparation of conjugates, brain diluent suspensions, and buffers. Assists in maintaining all rabies laboratory areas including but not limited to restocking supplies, sharpening knives, and autoclaving waste and tools. Performs and documents quality control testing on all new reagents including sensitivity and specificity for antibodies and conjugates.

Arranges for shipments of reagents to affiliated laboratories within one week of request. Prepares shipments of infectious material to reference laboratories for confirmatory or other testing. Prepares specimens for use by other sections or organizations such as CDC or USDA as needed including packaging appropriate specimens for shipment. (20%)

EJF 4. Assists in development of new procedures, provides input to optimize efforts, and documents all development work thoroughly. Assists with training or provides training to co-workers and guest laboratorians. Assists other staff in their duties and provides additional support to maintain a high quality of work. Notifies supervisory personnel of equipment malfunctions or test failures immediately, providing an assessment of the failure and making recommendations to…