Chemist III

Date: Mar 31, 2025

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 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.

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Functional Title: Chemist III

Job Title: Chemist III

Agency: Dept of State Health Services

Department: NBS/Med Scrning QI/Test Supp

Posting Number: 4453

Closing Date: 04/29/2025

Posting Audience: Internal and External

Occupational Category: Life, Physical, and Social Science

Salary Group: TEXAS-B-21

Salary Range: $5,434.39 - $6,249.55

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:

MOS Codes

8831,43EX,43TX,4B0X1,4T0X1,61CX,9S100

Job Description

Under limited supervision of the Mass Spectrometry Screening Group Manager uses considerable knowledge to independently perform highly complex tandem mass spectrometry (MS/MS) and liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) analysis on high volume neonatal screening specimens. Serves as an authority on test procedures in the MS/MS laboratory. Utilizes considerable working knowledge of all procedures to participate in maintaining analytic accuracy and precision. Responsible for monitoring and independently performing specimen preparation. Responsible for analysis, quality control and assay acceptability, data and work list evaluation, result entry, release of final results, maintenance and troubleshooting of equipment, proper record keeping and training of personnel. Responsible for making significant decisions on the accuracy of laboratory tests on human specimens. Independently determines and releases complex results based on Standard Operating Protocols (SOP). Actively participates in the safety program. Group Manager or lead technologist will assign a small portion of daily work providing general instruction for routine tasks and detailed instructions for non-routine tasks. Duties are independently performed with considerable latitude, adherence to standard protocol and with use of scientific knowledge and independent judgment.

Essential Job Functions (ejf)

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

EJF 1. Independently performs highly complex MS/MS and LC-MS/MS analysis on high-volume neonatal screening specimens adhering to standard operating protocols. Prepare internal standard and test solutions and performs sample extraction. Monitors and 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. (30%)

EJF 2. Performs high-volume sampling of filter paper specimens, standards, 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. (15%)

EJF 3. Performs routine and specialized 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. Provide assistance to team members on the proper operation, maintenance and documentation of instruments and equipment. Verifies equipment is operating properly and immediately consults with Team Leader or Group Manager when difficult problems arise, assisting with resolution. (15%)

EJF 4. Evaluates and interprets highly complex data. Identifies problems with atypical test results consulting with Team Leader or Group Manager and ensuring final result is captured and reported. Reviews and releases final results. Uses Newborn Screening laboratory information management system. Completes and maintains proper record keeping and documentation involved with data evaluation and interpretation. (15%)

EJF 5. Promotes workflow through cooperative interaction, reassignment of duties, and teamwork with supervisor, co-workers, and internal and external customers. Initiates and delivers rapid communication of abnormal test results to Clinical Care Coordination staff for same day follow-up. Recognizes delays in completion of specimen testing, result reporting, and other essential functions and notifies the Team Leader or Group Manager immediately. Manages assigned work to meet specimen testing, reporting, and other essential functions in a timely manner. Conducts training and tours as assigned. (10%)

EJF 6. Actively participates in quality control review, proficiency testing, equipment performance documentation, specimen workload tallies and supply inventory to ensure consistently acceptable quality assurance and test performance. Assists in developing procedures for processing specimens to ensure the accuracy of the results and proper handling of specimens. Write or revise standard operating procedures (SOP). (10%)

EJF 7. Monitors and performs other duties such as disposing biological and hazardous wastes, general housekeeping, verifying standard expiration dates and volumes, 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. Based on work area, consistently comply with DSHS Laboratory, local, state and federal guidelines to ensure a safe functioning laboratory. Performs other duties not specified in the job description, if necessary, as directed by the Group Manager or Team Lead. Other duties as assigned include but are not limited to actively participating and/or serving in a supporting role to meet the agency’s obligations for disaster response and/or recovery or Continuity of Operations (COOP) activation. Such participation may require an alternate shift pattern assignment and/or location. (5%)

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, And ABILITIES

• Comprehensive knowledge of laboratory, clinical chemistry, quality control, quality assurance, MS/MS and LC-MS/MS principles, techniques, and terminology.
• Knowledge of laboratory safety including sample-handling techniques.
• Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing.
• Ability to follow written and verbal instructions.
• Ability to interact effectively with staff.
• Ability to work in harmony with other team members.
• Ability to work as part of a team adhering to structured deadlines for completion of critical laboratory procedures that are performed in high volume.
• Ability to lead co-workers by setting a positive work-ethic example.
• Ability to follow standard operating procedures and protocols accurately.
• Ability to keep accurate, detailed records.
• Ability to complete tasks without close supervision and use mature judgment in test interpretation.
• Ability to prioritize and organize detailed tasks to maintain required section timeframes.
• Ability to recognize and solve work area problems.
• Ability to use, maintain and troubleshoot work area instruments and automated testing equipment.
• Ability to teach work area procedures to co-workers and guests.
• Ability to prepare diagnostic (analytical) reagents and/or controls accurately.
• Skill to manipulate standard laboratory equipment with speed, accuracy and safety.
  
  

INITIAL SCREENING CRITERIA

Education - bachelor's degree in a chemical, biological, or clinical laboratory science

Experience operating, validating, and/or troubleshooting liquid chromatography (LC), mass spectrometers, (MS) or LC-MS for analysis of human samples.

Must be willing to work on Saturdays, the 'What days are you unable to work' section of the application must not include cannot work on Saturday.

Additional Information

Hepatitis Risk High. Required Hepatitis B and Tetanus/Diphtheria immunizations are provided. Must wear provided personal protective equipment (including: face shield, gloves, laboratory coat, safety glasses) as required by testing/ safety procedures.

Interviews scheduled after screening. Work hours and laboratory assignments may vary. Position includes regular work on Saturdays. Position qualifies for Weekend shift differential.

The functional color vision assessment will be administered at the time of the interview.

List on Application in Employment History percent time and experience with specific laboratory instrumentation and specific duties. List types of testing performed. List on Application in Employment History daily specimen workload and types of samples tested.

Education (Bachelor's, Master's, or certain course work) degree from a U.S. accredited college or university or foreign degree determined to be equivalent by an acceptable education evaluator. Applicants with diplomas awarded in countries other than the U.S. may contact Quality Control Officer (512-458-7318) for an approved list of credentialing agencies.

Active Duty, Military, Reservists, Guardsmen, And Veterans

Military occupation(s) that relate to the initial selection criteria and registration or licensure requirements for this position may include, but not limited to those listed in this posting. All active-duty military, reservists, guardsmen, and veterans are encouraged to apply if qualified for this position. For more information see the Texas State Auditor’s Military Crosswalk at https://hr.sao.texas.gov/CompensationSystem/JobDescriptions/.

ADA Accommodations

In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), DSHS will provide reasonable accommodation during the hiring process for individuals with a qualifying disability. If reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the interview process, please notify the person who contacts you to schedule the interview. If you need assistance completing the on-line application, contact the HHS Employee Service Center at 1-888-894-4747 or via email at HHSServiceCenter.Applications@ngahrhosting.com.

Salary Information, Pre-employment Checks, And Work Eligibility

• The salary offered will follow DSHS starting salary guidelines. Any employment offer is contingent upon available budgeted funds.
• Depending on the program area and position requirements, applicants selected for hire may be required to pass background and other due diligence checks.
• DSHS uses E-Verify. You must bring your I-9 documentation with you on your first day of work. Download the I-9 form
  
  

Telework Disclaimer

This position may be eligible for telework. Please note, all HHS positions are subject to state and agency telework policies in addition to the discretion of the direct supervisor and business needs.

Nearest Major Market: Austin