Molecular Technologist

White-Wilson Medical Center,P.A.•Fort Walton Beach, FL

8h•Onsite

About The Position

The molecular technologist performs and reports molecular diagnostic testing in the White-Wilson clinical laboratory. Work includes nucleic acid extraction, amplification by PCR and related methods, detection, and interpretation of results, along with quality control, instrument maintenance, and participation in assay validation. The position works under general supervision and reports results in accordance with laboratory procedures.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in medical laboratory science, molecular biology, biology, chemistry, or a related biological or chemical science from an accredited institution, or education that otherwise meets the clinical certification and Florida licensure requirements for this role.
Current molecular certification. Acceptable credentials include the ASCP Board of Certification Technologist in Molecular Biology, MB(ASCP), or Specialist in Molecular Biology, SMB(ASCP). An equivalent molecular credential from another certifying body recognized under CLIA and accepted by the Florida Board of Clinical Laboratory Personnel is also acceptable, for example a molecular diagnostics certification through the American Board of Bioanalysis (ABB).
Current Florida clinical laboratory personnel license in the specialty of Molecular Pathology at the technologist level, or eligibility for Florida licensure in Molecular Pathology with licensure obtained within the first 90 days of employment. Florida requires licensure to perform and report clinical laboratory testing under Chapter 483, Florida Statutes, and Chapter 64B3, Florida Administrative Code.
Meets the CLIA high complexity testing personnel qualifications under 42 CFR 493.1489.
Hands-on nucleic acid extraction and molecular or PCR laboratory experience is required.
Working knowledge of molecular methods, including extraction, amplification, detection, and, where applicable, sequencing and hybridization, and of contamination control principles.
Understanding of CLIA and accreditation requirements for high complexity and molecular testing.
Careful documentation habits and strong attention to specimen and data integrity.
Methodical approach to troubleshooting instruments and reagents.
Comfort with a laboratory information system and basic spreadsheet tools.

Responsibilities

Perform molecular assays from start to finish, including specimen accessioning, nucleic acid isolation, amplification such as PCR, qPCR, and RT-PCR as applicable, detection, and interpretation of results.
Set up and verify PCR plate maps, controls, and run worklists, and maintain traceability from specimen to well.
Maintain unidirectional workflow and contamination control, keeping reagent preparation, specimen addition, amplification, and detection areas and equipment appropriately separated.
Run and document quality control, calibration, and instrument maintenance. Take corrective action when quality control or system performance falls outside established limits, and record the action taken.
Participate in method validation and verification for new or modified assays, including accuracy, precision, reportable range, analytical sensitivity and specificity, and reference intervals as applicable.
Enter and release results in the laboratory information system, and communicate critical or unexpected results according to policy.
Handle proficiency testing samples in the same manner as patient samples, with no interlaboratory communication or referral before the reporting deadline.
Troubleshoot instrument, reagent, and assay problems, and escalate to the technical supervisor or director when needed.
Maintain records, reagent and control inventory, and lot-to-lot verification documentation.
Follow all safety, biosafety, and specimen handling procedures.