Technical Specialist - Molecular Oncology

Texas Children's Hospital•Houston, TX

About The Position

We are searching for a Technical Specialist -- someone who works well in a fast-paced setting. In this position, you will oversee workflow and perform quality assurance duties. This role may also serve as team leader, scheduler, and primary trainer. Think you’ve got what it takes?

Requirements

Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with co-workers, managers, and professional staff. Excellent oral and written communication skills, and critical problem-solving abilities.
Bachelor’s degree in clinical laboratory science, chemical, physical, or biological science or applied administration required
3 year of wet lab experience performing molecular biology procedures

Nice To Haves

A master’s degree or higher in biological, chemistry or laboratory science may substitute for one year of the required experience
BB-ASCP, C-ASCP, CLSP-NCA, H-ASCP, HT-ASCP, HTL-ASCP, M-ASCP, MB-ASCP, MLS-ASCP, MP-ASCP, MT-AMT, MT-ASCP, MT-NCA, or MT-STATE certification preferred
One of the above certifications may substitute for one year of the required experience

Responsibilities

Performs specimen accessioning and testing (DNA/RNA extraction, PCR set-up, DNA sequencing, qPCR, Microarray, FISH, etc.), quality control, instrument maintenance, and troubleshooting on all Molecular Oncology testing workflows.
Work with the Genomic Medicine Division (GMD) supervisor to create a schedule for the Molecular Oncology laboratory technical staff.
Performs routine and special test procedures with accuracy, consistency, and timeliness according to the policies & procedures, recognizing and troubleshooting questionable orders and results. Assists with all test validation studies and other projects in collaboration with technical and professional staff and other personnel as negotiated by the Medical Director; collaborates with the Medical Director as appropriate in applied research and publications
Work with the GMD leadership and staff to ensure that the cases are accessioned, extracted, and ready for testing in a timely and accurate manner.
Work with the GMD leadership and staff to ensure testing and completion of the research samples promptly
Performs and assists with the performance and documentation of quality control procedures and monitors and submits timely reports to the supervisor and/or assistant director and maintains validity of processes/results
Assists with the development of processes/written procedures required for the implementation of new or modified testing and quality program essentials
Performs or supervises performance and documentation of scheduled and unscheduled maintenance on the instruments and equipment in the section; maintains record record-keeping system
Acts as lead trainer in the section, assisting the supervisor or supervisor in creating and producing training materials and assessment tools, assists supervisor or supervisor in creating and performing annual competency testing, and ensures 100% of staff are assessed
Takes inventory, performs basic lab maintenance tasks such as ordering laboratory reagents, oligonucleotides, and other lab supplies, keeps detailed lab records in Material Management’s system, and monitors expiration dates
Ensure that the technologist's competencies are up to date through the creation of blind samples and direct observations, as applicable.
Ensure timely and accurate processing of the CAP and Alternate Proficiency samples, including accessioning, extraction, testing, and completion of the document and submission of the survey.