Clinical Laboratory Scientist II, Assay Development

About the Role

This position works out of our Marshfield, WI location in the Cancer Diagnostics division. We’re empowering smarter medical and economic decision-making to help transform the way people manage their health at all stages of life. Every day, more than 10 million tests are run on Abbott’s diagnostics instruments, providing lab results for millions of people. Our Point of Care diagnostic portfolio spans key health and therapeutic areas, including infectious disease, cardiometabolic, informatics, and toxicology. Our diagnostic solutions are used in hospitals, laboratories, and clinics around the globe.

The Clinical Laboratory Scientist II, Assay Development, will perform high complexity laboratory testing on patient specimens, interpret and report patient results, perform quality control and quality assurance procedures, assist senior lab staff with advanced laboratory duties, and support less experienced employees. The role involves contributing to projects, maintaining high productivity and quality standards, and ensuring compliance with all applicable laboratory requirements.

Responsibilities

• Perform standard and complex tests, procedures, and analyses according to the laboratory’s standard operating procedures with minimal supervision.
• Perform verifications or validations within a team setting.
• Contribute to workflow efficiency gains and assist with troubleshooting assays.
• Perform research and development of new clinical assays, workflows, efficiency gains, and cost reduction measures, including achieving a basic understanding of assay development for paralogy targets.
• Develop genetic assays using novel testing platforms and independently make adjustments to pre-existing assays as needed.
• Meet high productivity, quality, and turnaround time (TAT) expectations.
• Generate basic reports related to business development decisions.
• Set priorities and manage multiple tasks simultaneously.
• Maintain stringent standards for quality, identifying any issues that might adversely impact test results or employee safety, and communicate these to management.
• Effectively troubleshoot basic problems that adversely affect test performance.
• Maintain competency on required laboratory tasks.
• Comply with personal protective equipment and safety requirements.
• Support and comply with the company’s Quality Management System policies and procedures.
• Assist with writing and modifying laboratory SOPs to maintain high-quality test processes and results.
• Understand and operate various laboratory equipment and reagents within the assigned department.
• Use laboratory equipment such as centrifuges, thermal cyclers, vortexers, and pipettes for extended periods.
• Participate in testing and validation of new laboratory equipment and procedures.
• Assist with implementing new technology and consumables into the department.
• Perform specialized tasks beyond standard technician duties.
• Maintain laboratory equipment and supplies by performing basic preventative maintenance and maintaining quality assurance records.
• Use software associated with laboratory procedures proficiently.
• Maintain a clean work area in accordance with standard laboratory practices.
• Assist with training new technicians and geneticist orientation to LDT procedures.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with clients and colleagues using appropriate interpersonal skills.
• Work in a team environment and uphold company mission and values through accountability, innovation, integrity, quality, and teamwork.
• Integrate and apply feedback in a professional manner and contribute to a collaborative environment.
• Apply excellent verbal, nonverbal, and written communication skills.
• Manage confidential information.
• Become proficient in new programs rapidly and apply high attention to detail.
• Learn new laboratory skills and adapt to changing technology.
• Maintain regular and reliable attendance.
• Act with an inclusion mindset and model these behaviors for the organization.
• Work the designated schedule, including nights, weekends, holidays, and overtime as needed.
• Work on a mobile device, tablet, or computer screen and perform typing for up to 90% of a typical workday.
• Work standing or seated for approximately 90% of a typical workday.
• Perform tasks requiring grasping with both hands, pinching with thumb and forefinger, turning with hand/arm, and reaching above shoulder height.
• Perform repetitious actions using lab tools.
• Use near vision to view samples at close range.
• Participate in continuing education and staff meetings, and be responsible for own professional development.

Requirements

• Associate degree in a laboratory science (chemical or biological science) or medical laboratory technology from an accredited institution or equivalent laboratory training and experience as defined:
  • 60 semester hours or equivalent from an accredited institution that, at a minimum, includes either 24 semester hours of medical laboratory technology courses, OR 24 semester hours of science courses that include six semester hours of chemistry, six semester hours of biology, and 12 semester hours of chemistry, biology, or medical laboratory technology in any combination.
• 2+ years of CAP/CLIA clinical laboratory experience.
• Authorization to work in the United States without sponsorship.
• Demonstrated ability to perform the Essential Duties of the position with or without accommodation.
• Professional working knowledge of local, state, and federal laboratory regulations.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a chemical, biological, or clinical laboratory science or medical technology from an accredited institution. For degrees not listed above:
  • 90 semester hours which must include 16 semester hours in chemistry (6 of which must be in inorganic chemistry), 16 semester hours in biology courses, and 3 semester hours of math.
• Experience in molecular biology techniques and principles.
• Experience working with laboratory information systems.

Benefits

• Career development with an international company where you can grow the career you dream of.
• Excellent retirement savings plan with a high employer contribution.
• Recognition as a great place to work in dozens of countries worldwide and named one of the most admired companies in the world by Fortune.
• Recognition as one of the best big companies to work for, as well as the best place to work for diversity, working mothers, female executives, and scientists.

Pay

The base pay for this position is $22.45 – $44.85 per hour. In specific locations, the pay range may vary from the range posted.

Schedule

Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM.