Clinical Lab Technologist
Position: Clinical Lab Technologist
Job Type: Full-Time
INSTITUTE OVERVIEW
The HudsonAlpha Institute for Biotechnology (www.hudsonalpha.org) is a non-profit organization with the mission to use biotechnology and basic biological research to make important discoveries, improve human health, stimulate economic development, inspire young people to seek careers in science and teach members of the public the importance of science in their everyday lives. Located in Cummings Research Park in Huntsville, Alabama, one of the world's leading science and technology parks, HudsonAlpha's campus contains state-of-the-art laboratories for biological research and development, as well as education, in the areas of genomics, genetics and personalized medicine.
DEPARTMENT OVERVIEW
The Clinical Services Lab, LLC is a CLIA-certified, CAP-accredited laboratory that offers personalized genomic services. Our goal is to provide the most complete clinical genomic services by incorporating HAIB's scientific discoveries into clinical care for improved technical, informatic and interpretive processes. The CSL serves as a resource for patients, healthcare providers, systems, and, payers about the appropriate use of genomic services.
POSITION SUMMARY
The Clinical Lab Technologist demonstrates an understanding of the scientific principles of clinical laboratory testing in addition to the technical, procedural, safety, and problem-solving aspects. The Clinical Lab technologist carries out clinical protocols as determined by the Laboratory Supervisor, following procedures exactly as outlined, ensuring the consistency of clinical results; and verifies the validity of test results through monitoring of quality controls, standards, etc. The clinical Lab Technologist also maintains patient, specimen, and tracking data using laboratory-specific computer systems while preserving patient privacy. The Clinical Lab technologist assumes responsibility for professional development and for maintaining competency in laboratory processes.
JOB SPECIFIC TASKS
- Performs hands-on laboratory work according to clinically approved protocols and in compliance with CLIA and CAP regulations
- Immediately reviews initial test outcomes and takes action regarding quality control and quality assurance issues
- Utilizes good judgment, analytical and troubleshooting skills when assessing test outcomes
- Accurately documents quality control activities, instrument, and procedural calibrations and maintenance
- Participates in general lab maintenance such as cleaning freezers, shared lab space and equipment, and stocking shared reagents and consumables
- Participates in continuing education and required competency assessments
- Other duties as assigned
EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE AND REQUIRED SKILLS
- Bachelor's degree in chemical, physical, biological, or clinical laboratory science or medical technology
- Experience with next-generation sequencing is preferred
- Attention to detail, both in laboratory practice and in documentation
- Critical thinking skills, decisive judgment, and the ability to work unsupervised
- Excellent laboratory skills, including proficiency in pipetting, sterile techniques, measurement conversions, etc.
- Ability to understand protocols, clarify as needed, and perform protocols with consistency, as demonstrated through previous laboratory experience
- Ability to multitask, prioritize and manage multiple projects effectively
- Ability to operate laboratory equipment and troubleshoot basic problems
- Good computer skills including proficiency in word processing, spreadsheets, Internet and email
Physical Demands/Environmental Factors/Mental Functions
ADA Requirements The physical demands, work environment factors, and mental functions described below are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential function of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Disclaimer - All job requirements are subject to possible revision to reflect changes in the position requirements or to reasonably accommodate individuals with disabilities. Some requirements may exclude individuals who pose a threat or risk to the health and safety of themselves or other employees. This job description in no way states or implies that these are the only duties which will be required in this position. Employees will be required to follow other job-related duties as requested by their supervisor/manager (within guidelines and compliance with Federal and State Laws). Continued employment remains on an "at-will" basis.
Physical Demands
- Must be able to remain in a stationary position (sit or stand) for prolonged periods (50% of the time).
- Frequently moving between work areas.
- Frequently moving, transporting, and positioning materials up to 30 pounds.
- Vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, and depth perception.
- Frequent operation of common office equipment (e.g. computers, mobile devices, calculators, copiers, scanners) and laboratory equipment.
- Frequently position self (e.g. stoop, crouch, crawl, bend) and pull/push, grasp/squeeze, wrist flexion/extension, reach to operate and maintain laboratory equipment.
Environmental Factors
- Exposure to chemical, mechanical and electrical hazards, and hazardous physical substances and fumes, and airborne particles.
- Noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.
Mental Functions
- Continuous mental and visual attention, requiring sustained attention and observation.
- Excellent fine motor skills and hand control in order to pipette accurately.
- Ability to visually observe results and record outcomes on lab logs and/or PC.
- Basic computer skills are required.
- Extensive documentation skills, good attention to detail, and exceptional organizational skills are required.
- Communicate effectively, both orally and in writing, in the English language.
- Requires the ability to adapt to change efficiently.
- Capacity to work productively within functionally diverse teams as well as collaborate with external investigators and partners in academic and industrial settings.
- Ability to prioritize issues and use sound judgment to recognize when additional consultation and/or help is needed.
- Comfortable working on multiple projects at one time.
- Positive, flexible, and professional attitude.
It is the policy of HudsonAlpha Institute for Biotechnology, in accordance with all applicable laws, to recruit, hire, train, and promote persons in all job titles without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, disability, genetic information, sexual orientation, veteran status, or any other basis prohibited by applicable law.