Job/Position DescriptionUnder general supervision of the Zoonotic Virology Group Manager and under technical guidance of the Arbovirus-Entomology Team Leader identifies arthropods, including mosquitoes for arbovirus isolation and molecular testing. Trains others on entomological procedures as needed; participates in customer service problem solving, answers routine customer inquiries according to standard operating procedures and some non-routine customer inquiries. Assist Arbovirus-Entomology Team Leader in maintaining proper workflow and stock levels of materials and supplies. Duties are performed with moderate latitude to develop and interpret protocol, and with considerable use of scientific knowledge and independent judgment.Essential Job FunctionsEJF 1. Helps coordinate the identification of mosquitoes submitted for arbovirus isolation. Ensures that adequate supplies are available to support program participants. Ensures that program participants receive correctly prepared collection and shipping materials. Ensures that specimens are handled to optimize surveillance efforts. Identifies and counts mosquitoes. Creates pools according to established parameters. Enters and validates results in laboratory information system. Maintains spreadsheets to provide a summary of mosquito submissions. Assists with mosquito insectary maintenance and insecticide resistance testing. (25%)EJF 2. Performs complex molecular testing for the identification of arboviruses from mosquitoes and equines. Performs manual and automated RNA extractions, completes real time PCR including addition of RNA and preparation of PCR plates. Analyzes Ct values, determines positive and negative results, and troubleshoots any abnormal findings. Enters test results into the laboratory information system. (25%)EJF 3. Coordinates and performs complex laboratory procedures for isolation and identification of arboviruses from mosquitoes and equines. Coordinates and processes all mosquito and equine specimens received for isolation procedures ensuring that worksheets are available to expedite workflow. Coordinates and assists with the preparation and inoculation of cell cultures for arbovirus testing including maintenance of cell lines, preparation of cell culture plates for isolation, inoculation of cell cultures, and interpretation of cytopathic effect observed in cell cultures. Reviews and interprets cell culture activity and determines and coordinates any additional work needed on the specimens and ensures that the specimens are processed appropriately. Coordinates and performs immunofluorescent antibody staining on appropriate specimens to identify virus isolates, including preparation of specimens, staining of slides with immunofluorescence reagents, and interpretation of immunofluorescence. Maintains material from all significant specimens. Provides input for each post-season evaluation. (15%)EJF 4. Enters and validates mosquito and arbovirus results in laboratory information system ensuring that all worksheets have been entered. Notifies appropriate parties of significant results via phone and e-mail. (10%)EFJ 5. Prepares media and adequate supplies of high-quality reagents needed for the routine arbovirus diagnostic work including arbovirus antigens and antisera, stock virus, and immunofluorescent reagents. Verifies stocks of reagents and schedules preparation of new reagents in close consultation with the Senior Microbiologist. Coordinates and performs quality control testing for m https://jobshrportal.hhsc.state.tx.us/ENG/CareerPortal/job_profile.cfm?szOrderID=617113 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.