Molecular Analyst I/II

Heritage Lab Services LLC•Pittsburgh, PA

20h•$31 - $34•Onsite

About The Position

Heritage Lab Services is seeking a dedicated, detail-oriented Molecular Analyst I/II (Medical Laboratory Scientist or equivalent) to join the on-site laboratory team at Three Rivers Diagnostics. This role supports patient care through laboratory medicine in a fast-paced clinical laboratory setting. Training required for the position will be provided. The Molecular Analyst processes patient specimens, performs authorized molecular and other laboratory testing, reviews and reports results, and maintains accuracy while following laboratory standard operating procedures, policies, and safety requirements. The role includes preanalytical specimen processing, sample preparation and extraction, preparation of reagents and quality-control materials, operation of manual, semi-automated, and automated testing platforms, and review and certification of results for reporting. The position also supports quality control and assurance, proficiency testing, accurate records and data integrity, instrument maintenance and troubleshooting, validation experiments, workflow studies, and continuous improvement. The analyst performs end-of-shift duties, follows molecular workflow guidance to mitigate contamination, communicates with laboratory leadership, and meets CLIA Testing Personnel qualifications and responsibilities. Other job-related duties may be assigned.

Requirements

Associate or bachelor's degree in chemical, physical, or biological science, medical laboratory science, or equivalent education and training acceptable under CLIA and accreditation agencies for high-complexity testing.
Molecular laboratory proficiency, including performing molecular diagnostic tests across different body-fluid types, specimen collection and handling, quality-control procedures, operation of molecular laboratory equipment, data analysis, and adherence to safety protocols.
Attention to detail and excellent communication skills.
Ability to operate and troubleshoot technical issues across testing platforms, including molecular extraction and qPCR instruments.
HIPAA.

Nice To Haves

At least two years of laboratory experience is preferred.
One year of molecular (PCR) experience is preferred.
MLS(ASCP) certification is preferred.

Responsibilities

Process patient specimens, perform authorized tests, review and report results accurately, and follow laboratory standard operating procedures and policies.
Understand the scientific principles relevant to the molecular testing performed.
Perform preanalytical duties, including labeling, accessioning, centrifuging, and pouring off specimens.
Run samples on manual, semi-automated, and automated molecular and other laboratory platforms and test systems.
Prepare samples for molecular extractions and perform related molecular testing sample-processing tasks.
Prepare reagents, quality-control materials, and standard solutions for extraction and molecular diagnostics testing.
Perform on-instrument, data, and administrative reviews, and certify results for reporting according to policies and procedures.
Review and enter patient results in the laboratory information system (LIS) as appropriate to maintain accuracy and data integrity.
Perform assigned downtime tasks when the LIS or other systems are unavailable or malfunctioning.
Follow safety protocols when handling human samples, including urine and oral fluid.
Follow laboratory quality-control and quality-assurance policies and procedures; identify and respond to QC trends, shifts, and failures according to established procedures.
Maintain accurate records for instrument maintenance, troubleshooting, temperature checks, calibrator or QC failures, lot-to-lot checks, patient sample handling and tracking, and communication logs.
Handle and analyze proficiency-testing samples to the same standards and manner used for patient specimens, and maintain supporting records.
Participate in validation experiments and workflow studies and contribute ideas for improving laboratory efficiency and practices.
Complete end-of-shift or end-of-day duties, including restocking supplies, cleaning sections, organizing, and emptying waste.
Follow molecular workflow guidance and perform tasks in a way that mitigates sample or section contamination.
Communicate with laboratory leadership promptly through established channels.
Support ongoing changes professionally and contribute to a positive work environment and the laboratory team.
Perform other job-related duties as assigned.
Meet CLIA Testing Personnel qualifications and responsibilities.