Histocompatibility Specialist - Per Diem

Children's Hospital of Philadelphia•Philadelphia, PA

25d•$15 - $507•Onsite

About The Position

The Immunogenetics Clinical Laboratory is part of the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia Division of Genomics Diagnostics and the Department of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine. The Immunogenetics lab performs high complexity diagnostic testing supporting the Solid Organ, Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplant Programs, and Disease Association testing of the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia as well as its Outreach clients. The Immunogenetics Clinical lab focuses on the role of Human Leukocyte Antigen (HLA) molecules and the Major Histocompatibility Complex (MHC) in autoimmunity and transplantation. We are interested in the detailed characterization of the MHC by high throughput DNA sequencing technologies and the identification of polymorphisms important for many HLA associated diseases, compatibility, and rejection processes in transplantation. The Per Diem Histocompatibility Specialist works with Laboratory and Clinical Transplant staff on-call (evenings and/or weekends) to perform and report critical histocompatibility testing for deceased donor transplants. They demonstrate a solid understanding of testing methods, instrumentation, and software programs related to Histocompatibility and Immunogenetics.

Requirements

Bachelor's Degree Biology, Medical Technology, or another science-related field - Required
At least six (6) months of clinical HLA Laboratory experience on-call - Required
Exhibits the ability to work with computer programs and computer controlled equipment (Required proficiency)
Exhibits the ability to handle and interpret data, multitask, and maintains confidential material (Required proficiency)
Exhibits good laboratory technique and safety practices (Required proficiency)
Exhibits good communication, technical and organizational skills (Required proficiency)
Experience and/or training in multiple laboratory sections and high complexity testing (advanced tech skill inventory) (Required proficiency)

Nice To Haves

At least one (1) year of clinical HLA Laboratory experience on-call - Preferred
Exhibits the ability interpret scientific literature & regulatory compliance and apply to laboratory policy & procedure improvement or development (Preferred proficiency)
Certified Histocompatibility Technologist (CHT) - American College of Histocompatibility and Immunogenetics (ACHI) - - Preferred
Certified Histocompatibility Specialist (CHS) - American College of Histocompatibility and Immunogenetics (ACHI) - - Preferred

Responsibilities

Accurately performs diagnostic tests, procedures, and data analysis of the highest complexity as assigned in HLA Typing and Solid Organ Testing (SOT)
Molecular HLA typing by NGS, RT-PCR, SSO, and SSP
Luminex based HLA Class I and II Antibody Screening
Flow Cytometry & CDC-AHG based crossmatching
Virtual Crossmatch and Epitope analysis
Participates in on-call rotation (24/7/365) for deceased donor testing for Renal, Cardiac, and Lung programs
Reports critical value results to Clinicians and Transplant Coordinators
Maintains transplant immunology specific skill set to accurately evaluate when communication of problematic events requires consult with Director/Manager
Initiates and affects problem solving in emergent situations
Maintains knowledge of lab regulations for ASHI, CAP, CLIA, State of PA, and standards of Joint Commission accreditation agencies with the ability to train, guide and support newer Histocompatibility Specialists
Participates in lab initiatives, and mandatory and additional education opportunities.
Identifies and pursues technical learning needs
Maintains competency assessment as per the requirements of ASHI, CMS, state, Joint Commission and CAP
Collaborates with all members of the Transplant team by actively communicating and reporting pertinent patient care information and data in a comprehensive manner.
Takes initiative in problem-solving equipment failures and communicates unresolved issues to Technical Supervisor or Manager
Assists with the completion of quality records of reagents/instrumentation for technical area
Completes and records all appropriate quality control documentation timely and accurately
Activates troubleshooting procedures when necessary
Self-motivated to independently manage time effectively and prioritize tasks.
Maintains a safe environment within the Laboratory, following all policies and procedures for safety, hazardous materials, security, and emergency preparedness
Complies with personal protective equipment (PPE) and other laboratory and hospital safety standards 100% of the time
Responsibly controls and maintains inventory