Molecular Biologist

Guidehouse•Bethesda, MD

16h•$85,000 - $141,000•Onsite

About The Position

We are currently searching for a Molecular Biologist to provide support to the National Institutes of Health (NIH). This is a full-time, on-site opportunity based in Bethesda, MD. The role involves serving as a technical expert providing state-of-the-art molecular analyses, working with other laboratory staff on clinical specimen processing and test performance of high complexity Molecular tests. The Molecular Biologist will independently perform Molecular tests on clinical specimens using various techniques, assist with clinical research, and collaborate with investigators on projects and methods. A key aspect of the role includes analyzing test results, discussing their interpretation, reliability, validity, and significance, and working with senior staff on reporting results through the Laboratory Information System (LIS) to the Hospital Information System (HIS). The position also requires the use of bioinformatics approaches and NGS data analysis software, statistical methods, and computer programs for data management and presentation. Additionally, the Molecular Biologist will provide technical supervision and assistance to research staff, modify or adapt new methods, and follow established policies and procedures when test systems are not within acceptable performance levels. Problem identification and resolution related to test performance and reporting are crucial, as is communication with medical personnel regarding specimen collection and troubleshooting. Routine equipment maintenance and troubleshooting, overseeing laboratory safety, quality control, quality assurance, and quality improvement (QC/QA/QI) policies, and maintaining records are also key responsibilities. The role involves organizing daily workload, managing inventory, ordering supplies, collaborating on the evaluation and development of new techniques, and ensuring compliance with accrediting and inspection agency requirements.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree required.
Minimum of Four (4) years of clinical molecular testing experience.
Experience with Next Generation Sequencing; bioinformatics; quantitative PCR; DNA/RNA purification and quantitation techniques.
Knowledge of regulatory guidelines for molecular testing.
Must be able to obtain and maintain a Federal or DoD Public Trust.
Candidates must receive approved adjudication of their Public Trust prior to onboarding with Guidehouse.

Nice To Haves

Preferred fields of study: Biology, Life Sciences, or a related discipline.
ASCP (or similar) certification as a Medical Technologist (MT), Clinical Laboratory Scientist (CLS), or Medical Laboratory Scientist (MLS), preferred.
Ability to adapt to new environment and new work assignment quickly.
Excellent hand-eye coordination.
Strong communications skills, both oral and written.
Excellent organizational and time management skills.
Ability to lift 10 – 30 pounds.
Candidates with an active Public Trust or existing suitability are preferred.

Responsibilities

Serve as technical expert providing state-of-the-art molecular analyses.
Work with other laboratory staff on clinical specimen processing and test performance of high complexity Molecular tests.
Independently perform Molecular tests on clinical specimens using techniques such as Next Generation Sequencing (NGS), cell separation from blood and bone marrow, DNA/RNA isolation, conventional PCR/RT PCR/Nexted PCR, capillary electrophoresis.
Assist with clinical research when applicable using above mentioned techniques.
Collaborate with graded Investigator(s) on projects, methods and equipment aiding in meeting the lab’s clinical research goals.
Independently analyze test results and discuss the interpretation, reliability, validity and significance of the results and work with section senior staff on resulting the report to Hospital Information System (HIS) through Laboratory Information System (LIS).
Use a wide variety of bioinformatics approaches and NGS data analysis software, statistical methods and computer programs to collect, organize, and analyze data for optimal retrieval and presentation of results in a clear, concise manner.
Provide technical supervision, advice, and assistance over the research work of Clinical Staff Fellows and serve as resource to other biologist/technologists who are working in the laboratory.
Modify or adapt new methods, techniques and technical procedures to correct deficiencies and to build, improve and expand services in the specialty area of Molecular Hematology.
Follow the laboratory’s established policies and procedures when test systems are not within the laboratory’s established acceptable levels of performance.
Identify problems that may adversely affect test performance or reporting of test results; correct problems or notify staff; document all corrective actions taken.
Communicate and consult with pertinent medical personnel regarding collection procedures; troubleshoot any problems with the specimen or documentation.
Perform routine maintenance and troubleshoot problems with equipment such as Nextseq sequencers, thermocyclers (e.g. GeneAmp PCR System), 3500 Genetic Analyzers, ABI 7500 Fast and QuantiStudion 12K Real-Time PCR Systems, and QIASymphony/QIAgility instruments.
Oversee all aspects of laboratory safety, quality control, quality assurance and quality improvement (QC/QA/QI) policies and procedures.
Document all quality control activities, instrument calibrations and maintenance performed.
Maintain records that demonstrate proficiency testing samples are tested in the same manner as patient specimens.
Organize daily workload based on priorities, rotation schedule and needs of the laboratory and patients.
Manage reagents/supplies inventory in the laboratory and help to order reagents/supplies required for the specialty testing for equipment and supply contracts.
Collaborate with staff to evaluate and/or develop new techniques; perform comparative studies with older technology; perform evaluations to determine new guidelines.
Ensure compliance with accrediting and inspections agency requirements participating in activities associated with the laboratory accreditation process.

Benefits

Medical, Rx, Dental & Vision Insurance
Personal and Family Sick Time & Company Paid Holidays
Parental Leave
401(k) Retirement Plan
Group Term Life and Travel Assistance
Voluntary Life and AD&D Insurance
Health Savings Account, Health Care & Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts
Transit and Parking Commuter Benefits
Short-Term & Long-Term Disability
Tuition Reimbursement, Personal Development, Certifications & Learning Opportunities
Employee Referral Program
Corporate Sponsored Events & Community Outreach Care.com annual membership
Employee Assistance Program
Supplemental Benefits via Corestream (Critical Care, Hospital Indemnity, Accident Insurance, Legal Assistance and ID theft protection, etc.)
Position may be eligible for a discretionary variable incentive bonus