Job/Position DescriptionUnder 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, isolation, 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 FunctionsAttends 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 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 inoculating all appropriate specimens into neuroblastoma cell cultures. Prepares slides for rabies positive specimens for monoclonal typing either directly from the specimen or from an amplified culture. Identifies rabies strains by immunofluorescent monoclonal antibody typing including staining the slides and interpreting immunofluorescence typing of rabies strains. Determines if additional testing is needed and performs additional testing procedures. Propagates neuroblastoma cells for rabies isolation. Inoculates all appropriate specimens into neuroblastoma cell cultures. Tests cell cultures for rabies virus by fluorescent antibody 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, media, 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. (2 https://jobshrportal.hhsc.state.tx.us/ENG/CareerPortal/job_profile.cfm?szOrderID=607907 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.