NGS Specialist

About the role

The position is Monday through Friday, 7.5H days, 37.5H week; core hours are 8:15am – 4:45pm (one hour lunch) but schedule can be flexible, with the possibility of a 30 minute lunch.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate and perform the full range of molecular biological examinations and analyses, recording, interpreting, and result reporting of tests on specimens which may include human body fluids, tissues (human and animal), isolates from clinical specimens, and environmental samples to the submitting physician, clinic, hospital, or public health agency.
• Develop, validate, and implement new molecular tests, prepare validation documents and SOPs, and troubleshoot existing molecular tests.
• Special emphasis on genomic sequencing, maintenance of sequencing instrumentation, and troubleshooting sequencing assays.
• Extraction of nucleic acids from specimens, isolates, and samples via a variety of manual and automated methods.
• Utilize molecular techniques such as, but not limited to, PCR, MALDI-TOF, and NGS.
• Provide technical oversight of the daily performance of high complexity testing.
• Maintain laboratory record system of submitted samples and specimens and their possible referral.
• Evaluate, interpret, validate laboratory results, and report findings.
• Conduct quality control checks on laboratory methods, materials, and equipment.
• Document all quality control activities, instrument calibrations, and maintenance performed.
• Participate in evaluation of new products used in clinical/reference laboratory work.
• Perform all related work as required.

Qualifications

• Extensive knowledge of the principles, theories and practices of molecular biology, and related sub- specialties.
• Experience with Next Generation Sequencing platforms, technologies, and procedures.
• Specialized knowledge of current scientific methods and testing procedures and the ability to apply them when seeking solutions to public health laboratory problems.
• Specialized knowledge of and ability to use a full range of standard technical equipment, complex scientific apparatus, and automated techniques of analysis.
• Extensive knowledge of laboratory safety practices and principles.
• Aware of state and federal laws, rules, regulations, and policies concerning the program area (i.e. CLIA).
• Ability to meet requirements for personnel certification as a technologist pursuant to the Clinical Laboratory Improvement Act (CLIA).
• Ability to effectively communicate technical information both verbally and in writing and maintain productive working relationships.
• Ability to satisfactorily participate in proficiency testing programs and recognize QA problems.
• Ability to compile, analyze, evaluate, and prepare laboratory reports.