Clinical Lab Chemist

Date:
Sep 10, 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.

Employee BenefitsDSHS 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.
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Functional

Title:

Clinical Lab Chemist
Job Title: Chemist II
Agency: Dept of State Health Services
Department: NBS/Med Scrning QI/Test Supp
Posting Number: 21071
Closing Date: 09/24/2026
Posting Audience: Internal and External
Occupational Category: Life, Physical, and Social Science
Salary Range: $4,815.12 - $5,537.39
Pay Frequency: Monthly
Salary Group: TEXAS-B-19
Shift: Regular Weekend Day
Additional Shift: Days (First)
Telework: Not Eligible for Telework
Travel
Travel 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: 8831,43EX,43TX,4B0X1,4T0X1,61CX,9S100
Brief

Job Description Under general supervision of the LC Mass Spectrometry Screening Group Manager and the Lysosomal Disease Screening Team Lead independently performs liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry analysis on newborn screening dried blood spot specimens. Responsible for sample preparation, quality control and assay acceptability reviews. Responsible for performing preventative maintenance and troubleshooting of equipment and proper record keeping. Actively participates in the safety program.

Duties are independently performed with moderate latitude, adherence to standard protocol and with use of scientific knowledge and independent judgment.
Essential Job Functions (EJFs)
Attends work on a regular and predictable schedule in accordance with agency leave policy and performs other duties as assigned.
EJF 1. Performs high-volume complex MS/MS and LC-MS/MS analysis on neonatal screening specimens adhering to standard operating protocols. Performs sample extraction and test solutions. Completes proper record keeping and documentation involved with analytical testing and specimen flow. Collates and files electronic and raw results according to DSHS record retention policies. (40%)
EJF 2. Performs high-volume sampling of filter paper specimens and controls for newborn screening tests adhering to standard operating protocols. Uses technical knowledge to determine specimen acceptability. Completes proper record keeping and documentation involved with specimen and standards preparation. Preserves samples and standards according to standard operating protocol. (25%)
EJF 3. Performs routine preventive maintenance of highly complex equipment. Identifies equipment problems, performs troubleshooting and makes routine adjustments as indicated. Monitors and performs calibration verifications of liquid handling and other equipment on a scheduled basis. Completes logs, checklists and other record keeping documentation associated with equipment maintenance and instrument performance. (15%)
EJF 4. Evaluates and interprets complex data. Identifies problems with atypical test results consulting with team lead or Group Manager. Actively participates in quality control review and proficiency sample testing. Uses laboratory information management system. Completes and maintains proper record keeping and documentation involved with data evaluation and interpretation. (10%)
EJF 5. Performs other duties such as disposing biological and hazardous wastes, general housekeeping, verifying standard expiration dates and volumes, documenting supply inventories, verifying specimen preservation, verifying refrigerator temperatures and verifying laboratory hoods are functioning properly. Employs safe laboratory practices to protect self and others in the laboratory, checks proper functioning of eyewash stations and other safety equipment. Promotes workflow through cooperative interaction, reassignment of duties, and teamwork with supervisor, co-workers, and internal and external customers.

Manages assigned work to meet specimen testing, and other essential functions in a…