Genomics Technician, Molecular Diagnostics Lab - Full-Time, Day Shift

Be a part of a world-class academic healthcare system, UChicago Medicine, as a Genomics Technician in the Molecular Diagnostic Lab department. This role is a 100% onsite opportunity based in the greater Chicagoland area. Eligible for a sign-on bonus up to $1,500.

About the Role

In this position, you will perform pre-analytic procedures including receiving, accessioning, and preparing specimens for clinical testing in the Molecular Diagnostics Laboratory.

Responsibilities

• Receives and accessions specimens on fresh, archived, and outreach specimens; resolves issues in a timely manner.
• Uses both the laboratory and Genomics laboratory information systems.
• Utilizes policies and procedures for requisition and specimen requirements to determine whether the submitted specimen can be processed for analysis.
• Assures proper storage and procedures for specimens that cannot be immediately analyzed.
• Prepares DNA and RNA samples for sequencing, including extraction, quantification, and quality assessment.
• Performs clerical duties including filing, ordering supplies, preparing statistics, and other activities as assigned.
• Evaluates specimens for acceptability.
• Isolates DNA from various specimen types or performs tissue culture including set-up, feeding, and harvesting.
• Performs molecular testing for a variety of kit-based CLIA-waived assays.
• Operates and performs daily maintenance on a variety of instruments.
• Follows procedures to assure patient safety, prevent PCR contamination, and achieve high-quality results.
• Helps with troubleshooting technical issues related to sample prep, amplification, or sequencing runs.
• Analyzes quality control logs and instrument maintenance records for errors, inconsistencies, and deviations.
• Actively participates in troubleshooting and problem-solving to resolve issues.
• Communicates quality-related process issues and information to the laboratory team and supervisors proactively.
• Prepares and maintains adequate stock of reagents, standards, and control materials for testing; notifies supervisor of any shortages or problems.
• Assists in training new employees, students, pathology residents, fellows, and others.
• Assists in new testing, procedures, and equipment validation and implementation.
• Participates in process improvement initiatives as invited by the supervisor.
• Participates in educational and training activities to acquire new skills, maintain technical relevance, and improve proficiency.
• Follows laboratory protocols in accordance with all regulatory agency requirements to provide results of the highest quality.
• Provides patient-focused care in a clinical setting through accurate performance of routine and assigned tasks through the pre-analytic, analytic, and post-analytic stages.
• Answers inquiries regarding specimen handling, receiving, accessioning, and specimen storage.
• Supports staff, supervisor, manager, and medical directors as assigned.
• Communicates pertinent information or problems with laboratory staff and supervisors respectfully and proactively.

Requirements

• Must satisfy CLIA’88 qualification requirements for testing personnel performing high complexity testing.
• Associate’s degree in medical technology.
• Excellent organizational and communication abilities.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a related field from an accredited college or university (preferred).
• Certification or eligibility as a medical technician (preferred).
• Previous clinical laboratory experience (preferred).
• Experience in Epic Beaker or similar clinical laboratory/hospital information systems (preferred).
• Ability to operate molecular laboratory equipment (preferred).

Schedule

• Full-Time/1.0 FTE, approximately 40 hours per week.
• Day shift, approximately 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM.
• No on-call shifts anticipated.
• 100% onsite at the Hyde Park campus.
• Schedule varies during the week, with weekends (Saturday and/or Sunday) worked every 4th weekend.

Benefits

UChicago Medicine is committed to transparency in compensation and benefits. The pay range provided reflects the anticipated wage or salary reasonably expected for the position, based on a full-time equivalent (1.0 FTE) and current market data. Review the full complement of benefit options for eligible roles at Benefits - UChicago Medicine.