Molecular Laboratory Technician – Generalist

West Coast Wound•Austin, TX

5d•Onsite

About The Position

West Coast Wound & Skin Care is seeking a detail-oriented and dependable Molecular Laboratory Technician – Generalist to support daily operations in its clinical molecular diagnostic laboratory in Austin, Texas. The technician performs routine laboratory procedures, processes and prepares specimens, conducts molecular diagnostic testing, maintains equipment, and helps ensure accurate and timely results in accordance with laboratory protocols, regulatory requirements, and quality standards. The role requires strong organizational skills, attention to detail, adherence to laboratory safety standards, and collaboration with the laboratory supervisor and clinical team. The employee works with biological specimens, laboratory reagents, and diagnostic equipment and must follow laboratory safety and infection-control protocols. The role also requires meeting applicable personnel qualification, training, competency, and testing requirements for the laboratory’s CLIA certification and the complexity of testing performed. Duties may be modified based on operational needs and regulatory requirements.

Requirements

Strong attention to detail and accuracy.
Ability to follow written procedures and laboratory protocols.
Strong organizational and time-management skills.
Ability to manage multiple testing tasks and meet established turnaround times.
Strong communication and teamwork skills.
Ability to identify and report testing discrepancies.
Ability to maintain confidentiality and comply with HIPAA requirements.
Ability to work independently while following supervisory direction.
Ability to stand or sit for extended periods and perform repetitive laboratory tasks.
Ability to handle laboratory specimens, reagents, and equipment safely; lift and move laboratory supplies as needed; and wear required personal protective equipment.
Must meet applicable personnel qualification, training, competency, and testing requirements for the laboratory's CLIA certification and the complexity of testing performed.

Nice To Haves

Associate degree or bachelor's degree in Medical Laboratory Science, Clinical Laboratory Science, Biology, Microbiology, Molecular Biology, or a related scientific field.
Relevant laboratory training and experience may be considered in accordance with applicable regulatory requirements.
Previous experience in a clinical, molecular, or diagnostic laboratory.
Experience with specimen processing, molecular testing, or laboratory instrumentation.
Familiarity with laboratory quality control and documentation practices.
Experience working in a CLIA-certified laboratory.

Responsibilities

Receive, verify, accession, and process incoming laboratory specimens; ensure proper identification, labeling, handling, storage, tracking, documentation, and integrity.
Prepare specimens for molecular testing according to established procedures and identify and report specimens that do not meet acceptance criteria.
Perform molecular diagnostic testing according to laboratory-approved procedures, including applicable nucleic acid extraction, amplification, and detection procedures.
Prepare reagents, controls, and specimens; operate molecular diagnostic instruments and laboratory equipment; and follow protocols to produce accurate, reproducible results.
Identify testing errors, instrument issues, or unexpected results and promptly notify the supervisor; assist with troubleshooting procedures and equipment issues.
Perform and document quality control procedures, monitor results, and report out-of-range findings.
Follow laboratory policies, procedures, applicable regulatory requirements, and CLIA, OSHA, HIPAA, and laboratory safety requirements.
Maintain accurate laboratory records and participate in quality assurance activities, proficiency testing, and competency assessments as assigned.
Follow established procedures for corrective actions and documentation of testing discrepancies.
Maintain a clean, organized, and safe laboratory; routinely clean and maintain equipment; and follow biohazard waste disposal and infection-control procedures.
Monitor inventory of supplies, reagents, and consumables; notify the supervisor of shortages or equipment maintenance needs; and assist with reagent preparation, inventory management, and expiration-date monitoring.
Assist with laboratory workflow improvements and operational efficiencies.
Complete documentation accurately and on time, including testing records, quality-control logs, maintenance logs, and specimen-tracking documentation.
Enter or transmit test results through the appropriate laboratory information system and communicate testing delays, specimen issues, and operational concerns to the supervisor.
Maintain patient confidentiality and safeguard protected health information.