Lead Genomic Medical Laboratory Scientist

Beth Israel Lahey Health

17d•$50 - $68

About The Position

The NGS laboratory is a new initiative in the Department of Pathology at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, providing oncology diagnostic services using next-generation sequencing technology. The Lead Genomic Medical Laboratory Scientist mentors and leads the Genomic team in establishing testing, data analysis, and reporting protocols for genomic data while ensuring compliance with regulatory standards. The role performs computational analysis of next-generation sequencing data, including single nucleotide variations, somatic copy number alterations, indels, expression profiling, and biological pathways using in-house algorithms, and prepares reports for final review. It validates and implements genomic assay protocols under CLIA guidelines, CAP checklists, and safety requirements, and establishes standard operating procedures to generate and analyze precise, reliable, reproducible data in a timely manner. The position supports and trains junior laboratory scientists in molecular tasks such as nucleic acid extraction, PCR, library preparation, sequencing workflow execution, and analysis. It also oversees laboratory operations, quality control, troubleshooting, documentation, inventory, and team competency assessment. The position requires strong communication, presentation, and technical writing skills, a collaborative approach, and scientific problem-solving ability.

Requirements

Doctoral degree in biochemistry, immunology, molecular science, or a related field.
At least 3 to 5 years of molecular or genomic laboratory experience, including DNA/RNA extraction, library preparation, and NGS analysis.
Some coding knowledge in R, Matlab, and/or Python.
Ability to work in teams and good communication skills.
Influenza vaccination is required as a condition of employment.

Nice To Haves

American Board of Clinical Chemistry (ABCC) certification in Molecular Diagnostics.
Background in molecular genetic data.
Understanding of statistical methods and experience working in cloud computing and UNIX environments.
Experience with sequencing platforms such as Illumina MiSeq, NextSeq, or NovaSeq, or Oxford Nanopore.
Knowledge of bioinformatics tools.
Experience with laboratory liquid-handling automation.
Advanced skills with Microsoft applications such as Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, or Access and other web-based applications; ability to produce complex documents, perform analysis, and maintain databases.

Responsibilities

Independently define and plan project goals and design experiments.
Lead the team in designing, validating, and implementing NGS-based assays for oncology laboratory diagnosis.
Write and submit validation plans, validation summaries, and standard operating procedures for review and approval.
Provide technical support and train junior laboratory scientists in molecular assays and routine instrument maintenance, following CLIA and safety requirements.
Supervise daily laboratory operations and optimize workflow for efficient use of time.
Provide technical resources to the team for operational and instrumentation issues.
Initiate technology improvement and quality assurance projects to improve performance and services.
Conduct team competency assessments in compliance with CLIA regulations.
Analyze acquired genomic data and prepare reports for subsequent secondary review and release after verification by the bioinformatician and/or molecular director.
Perform quality control, data analysis, and troubleshooting.
Maintain accurate laboratory records and quality control and quality assurance documentation.
Manage supplies and reagent inventory to ensure availability and proper storage.