Job/Position DescriptionUnder limited supervision of the Zoonotic Virology Group supervisor and under technical guidance of the Arbovirus-Entomology Team Leader, helps oversee, facilitate and conduct all phases of advanced arbovirus diagnostic work while using Biosafety Level (BSL) 2 and 3 practices. Assists with managing and prioritizing laboratory workflows; checking for errors in specimen receipt, testing and reporting; and ensuring that reagents are prepared in adequate supply and quality tested for diagnostic work. Serves as a Senior Molecular Biologist in Arbovirus-Entomology, assuming duties of the Team Leader as required. Trains laboratory staff on testing workflows. Duties are performed with considerable latitude to develop and interpret protocol and with considerable use of scientific knowledge, initiative, independent judgement, and experience.Essential Job FunctionsEJF 1. As assigned, helps to oversee, facilitate and conduct complex laboratory procedures associated with the detection and identification of arboviruses from mosquitoes and equines including mosquito species identification, processing samples, nucleic acid extraction and amplification, PCR analysis, propagation of Vero and BHK cells, inoculation of cell cultures, detection of cytopathic effects, and identification of isolates by immunofluorescent antibody testing. Assists with mosquito insectary maintenance and insecticide resistance testing. Ensures that the workload is distributed and prioritized appropriately. Trains other staff on laboratory procedures. Serves as a resource for answering questions and trouble-shooting problems related to arbovirus detection, ensuring that questions and problems are addressed in a reasonable time frame. (45%)EJF 2. Assists with maintaining adequate stocks of reagents and supplies along with associated inventory databases. Verifies stocks of reagents and schedules production of new lots of these reagents. Oversees and assists with quality control testing of arbovirus reagents ensuring that new reagents perform appropriately. Summarizes and documents results from all quality control testing. Notifies appropriate parties of significant results. Reviews quality/assurance documentation to ensure that established performance parameters are maintained throughout testing procedures. Verifies reagent and supply inventory to prevent depletion of supplies. Facilitates the preparation of arbovirus reagents and infectious material for shipment to the appropriate laboratories. (20%)EJF 3. Enters, reviews and validates mosquito and arbovirus results in the laboratory information system. Notifies appropriate parties of significant results via phone and e-mail as needed. Analyzes specimen and test data to identify unusual patterns of either specimen submission or test results. Generates and reviews summary reports to ensure data quality. (15%)EJF 4. Coordinates and assists with the evaluation, development, and implementation of new procedures for vector species identification, pathogen testing, and insecticide resistance testing. Discusses status of projects and analyzes alternatives with Team Leader. Documents all development work thoroughly. Trains other employees on new techniques. Reviews the literature on a regular basis and provides summaries to other employees of new techniques or research related to vectors and vector-borne diseases. Participates in continuing education opportunities on a regular basis including training workshops, scientific conferences, https://jobshrportal.hhsc.state.tx.us/ENG/CareerPortal/job_profile.cfm?szOrderID=596885 Copy the URL in the preceding sentence to an Internet Explorer browser to apply to the job directly through the Texas Health and Human Services Career Portal.