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

UChicago Medicine•Chicago, IL

2d•$33 - $39•Onsite

About The Position

Be a part of a world-class academic healthcare system, UChicago Medicine, as a Genomics Technician in the Molecular Diagnostic Lab department. In this role, you will perform pre-analytic procedures including receiving, accessioning, and preparing specimens for clinical testing. This department is the Molecular Diagnostics Laboratory. This position is a 100% onsite opportunity. You will need to be based in the greater Chicagoland area. Eligible for a Sign-On Bonus up to $1,500.

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
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with understanding of clinical laboratory safety and quality practices.
Excellent communication skills needed for teamwork and cross-functional collaboration with other departments.

Nice To Haves

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

Responsibilities

Perform pre-analytic procedures including receiving, accessioning, and preparing specimens for clinical testing.
Prepare DNA and RNA isolation from a wide variety of specimen types.
Perform tissue culture procedures.
Assist in equipment maintenance, quality control procedures, and maintaining laboratory databases.
Perform clerical duties including filing, ordering supplies, preparing statistics and other activities as assigned.
May perform some kit based molecular assays as assigned.
Receives and accessions specimens on fresh, archived, and outreach specimens.
Resolves issues in a timely manner using 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.
Prepare DNA and RNA samples for sequencing, including extraction, quantification, and quality assessment.
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 kit-based CLIA waved assay 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.
Practices the proficient and safe use of all equipment necessary for the completion of all duties and responsibilities by following all maintenance, safety and quality controls policies and procedures.
Provides patient-focused care in a clinical setting through the accurate performance of routine and assigned 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 any pertinent information or problems with laboratory staff and supervisors in a respectful and proactive manner.
Promotes a culture that aligns with departmental and organizational goals grounded in trust, shared purpose, and mutual respect.
Analyzes quality control logs and instrument maintenance records for errors, inconsistencies, and deviations.
Actively participates in troubleshooting and problem solving to resolve issues.
Communicates any quality related process issues and information to the laboratory team and supervisors in a proactive manner.
Prepares and maintains adequate stock of reagents, standards, and control materials for the performance of testing at assigned workstation and 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 in order to provide results of the highest level of quality to physicians and our patients.