Molecular Genomic Specialist I

Position: Full-time Molecular Genomic Specialist I
Location:  Clinical Lab Building on UPMC Presbyterian's Oakland Campus
Schedule: Monday - Friday, Daylight Hours (No Weekends or Holidays)

The Molecular and Genomic Pathology Laboratory (MGP) is a dynamic state-of-the-art clinical laboratory that prides itself on providing the highest quality of patient care in the fields of inherited diseases, hematological malignancies, and solid tumors utilizing cutting edge molecular testing platforms and informatics approaches exemplified by next-generation sequencing. MGP offers its staff a challenging and rewarding career by offering a wide variety of job responsibilities as well as opportunities to identify and build upon individual strengths. MGP promotes lab-wide collaboration and teamwork where each staff member is valued for their unique skillset they can offer the team.

Why Join Us?
At MGP, we offer a dynamic and supportive environment where your expertise is valued. You’ll enjoy a rewarding career with opportunities to work on a diverse range of responsibilities while continually developing your skills. Our collaborative culture encourages teamwork, and each team member contributes their unique strengths to advance the mission of the lab.

If you're ready to join a forward-thinking team dedicated to excellence in patient care, apply today to become part of the MGP Lab team!

Responsibilities:

• Independently perform clinical testing in accordance with established SOPs. Process all clinical, QC and PT specimens through clinical workflow.
• Demonstrate high-level problem-solving skills and analytical abilities to successfully perform laboratory testing.
• Accurately record relevant data and values in case folders and internal databases.
• Process samples meticulously to avoid cross-contamination.
• Meet established turn-around-time deadlines for clinical testing.
• Maintain expertise in or knowledge of molecular biology techniques, including but not limited to: nucleic acid isolation, nucleic acid quantitation, PCR/RT-PCR/qPCR, Sanger sequencing, LOH, methylation analysis, MassARRAY MALDI-TOF, next-generation sequencing, etc.
• Effectively communicate with other laboratory members including lab leadership. Maintain track of technical and professional development, including but not limited to attendance at seminars/webinars and participation in educational programs and activities.
• Identify critical, abnormal and/or unacceptable results and follow-up according to established protocol.
• Document all corrective action and follow-up with lead and/or supervisor.
• Adhere to established laboratory and hospital policies and good clinical laboratory practice in areas of procedures, quality control, quality assurance and safety and compliance.
• Operate, perform routine maintenance on, and calibrate all laboratory equipment as required.
• Identify problems with instrumentation, methodology, specimens, and/or supplies and follow-up according to established protocols.
• Maintain proficiency in appropriate Laboratory Information Management Systems (LIMS).
• Appropriately use automated and/or liquid handling machines for clinical testing.
• Accurately and precisely analyze molecular assay results for final interpretation by medical staff.

• BS degree, major in biological science field OR BS degree in chemical or physical science field with at least 1 year experience in clinical molecular laboratory AND 16 semester hours in chemistry (including at least 6 hours in inorganic chemistry), 16 semester hours in biology courses pertinent to the medical sciences, and 3 semester hours in mathematics.
• 1 year of clinical molecular laboratory experience OR 1 year of experience through training in appropriate molecular laboratory coursework.

Molecular procedures are highly complex assays that have multiple steps over a series of several days. There are Quality Control check-points at each step, but the end result of every assay requires every technologist to evaluate assay performance as a whole as well as individual sample performance. Specific to molecular laboratories, technologists must:

• Be able to pipet accurately and precisely. 
• Have scientific knowledge of molecular fundamentals and techniques, in order to understand the methodology of the assay and execute it properly both manually and using advanced instrumentation.
• Possess high-level problem-solving skills for assay, instruments, controls, samples, and reagents/enzymes so they are able to notice, understand, and act upon performance trends of every step of every assay.
• Understand basic molecular workflow principles and required proper precautions to ensure assay and specimen integrity.
• Prior clinical lab experience and specifically NGS testing experience preferred. 
  Licensure, Certifications, and Clearances:  
• Act 34

UPMC is an Equal Opportunity Employer/Disability/Veteran