Microbiologist : Specimen Receiving and Pre-Analytical Processing

Career Opportunities:
Microbiologist I:
Specimen Receiving and Pre-Analytical Processing (20918)

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.

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 .

Functional

Title:

Microbiologist I:
Specimen Receiving and Pre-Analytical Processing
Job Title: Microbiologist I
Agency: Dept of State Health Services
Department: Quality Assurance
Posting Number: 20918
Closing Date: 09/18/2026
Posting Audience: Internal and External
Occupational Category: Life, Physical, and Social Science
Salary Range: $4,316.62 - $4,964.11
Pay Frequency: Monthly
Salary Group: TEXAS-B-17
Shift: Regular Weekend Day
Additional Shift: Days (First);
Weekends
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)
Other Locations: None
MOS Codes: 230X,43BX,43TX,71A,SEI
12

Brief

Job Description:

Works under the moderate supervision of the Newborn Screening (NBS) Specimen Receiving Group Manager, with limited latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment. Receives and processes specimens received by the Public Health Laboratory Division (PHLD). Reports problems and assists team leader in investigating causes for errors/discrepancies. Assists in training and mentoring other laboratory employees. Provides customer service. Performs other duties as assigned, including Continuity of Operations (COOP) activation.

Essential Job Functions (EJFs):

EJF 1.Receives and processes specimens and samples received at the laboratory, including but not limited to microbiological, clinical chemistry, and environmental specimens/samples. Sorts, determines pre-analytical acceptability, and assigns lab numbers for all specimens/samples that are suitable for DSHS laboratory testing. Ensures all requisition forms are properly completed. Checks and verifies accuracy of work performed by others. Completes specimen and form processing by deadlines set forth in Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) Manuals (30%)

EJF 2. Assists with training employees, as assigned. Duties include but are not limited to ensuring trainee is properly trained according to SOP. Ensures all documentation is properly completed and forwarded to Team Lead/Group Manager when training is complete. Informs Team Lead/Group Manager of training progress and/or issues as they occur. Provides suggestions that may improve work efficiency and quality. May participate in interviewing process with Group Manager.

(30%)

EJF 3.Performs assigned tasks including but not limited to processing unsatisfactory specimens, abnormal specimens, and packaging/delivery of specimens. Uses various Laboratory Information Management Systems (LIMS) to enter test requests, search for patient demographic information, and track information for cataloging and auditing purposes. Completes and documents all required quality control (QC) steps, reports, and documents, as defined in SOP for assigned check-in procedures.

(10%)

EJF 4.Reports workload problems, processing problems, and incorrect reports to the Team Lead or Group Manager as they occur. Assists Team Lead in investigating causes for errors, discrepancies, and computer system issues. Helps in maintenance of equipment and instruments in the laboratory. (10%)

EJF 5.Provides customer service. Ensures that customer needs are met regarding the handling of specimens. Greets customers and records packages received by carriers, USPS, or hand deliveries. Provides information to providers and submitters according to SOPs. Assists Team Lead/Group Manager to solve logistical and technical problems. (10%)

EJF 6.Tasks require the ability to lift, push, pull, and carry packages, boxes, and/or coolers up to 50 lbs. repeatedly throughout the day. For all packages over 50 lbs., assistance is required. Deliver or pick up packages, boxes, and/or coolers via state-owned vehicle or personal vehicle. Safe operation of a…