Position Overview

The Clinical Lab Technologist II position will be responsible for processing medically relevant biological samples through extraction and/or high throughput next-generation DNA sequencing assays. This role will work within a team of Laboratorians in a fast-paced, high production setting to process research and clinical diagnostic samples to provide test results to patients, oncologists and other medical practitioners and researchers. As such, high attention to detail and clinical mindedness are crucial to success in this role.

Adaptive’s clinical laboratories are CLIA/CAP/NYS/FDA certified, and as such this position needs to adhere to and uphold all applicable regulatory requirements.

Key Responsibilities and Essential Functions

Scope/Impact

• Performs and provides broad support for DNA extractions, PCR amplification, or high-throughput sequencing assays on DNA libraries in accordance with standard laboratory processes and procedures.
• Operates and maintains laboratory equipment such as liquid handling robotics and DNA sequencers.
• Completes tasks as assigned (e.g. routine clinical or research sample processing, validations, reagent QC runs, or special projects) accurately and following strict methodologies.
• Provides guidance to less-experienced staff.
• Performs training and/or competency assessments for Clinical Laboratory Technician/Technologist team members on high complexity molecular methods.

Complexity

• Performs protocols under compliance with regulatory agencies, models appropriate clinical, regulatory and safety practices.
• Suggests improvements to existing laboratory procedures and processes to improve the efficiency of the team.
• Works on assignments requiring considerable clinical judgement and initiative.
• Understands implications of their work performance and when to escalate issues upward.
• Ensures compliance with lab regulatory agencies (GxP, FDA, ISO).
• Keeps accurate and detailed records for all workflows following Good Documentation Practices.

Knowledge/Level of Expertise

• Demonstrates excellent clinical judgement and integrity by possessing deep knowledge/skills in a range of laboratory procedures and processes.
• Explains technical information within the team clearly and effectively.
• Demonstrates understanding of underlying scientific principles of analytical methods and provides relevant information to Supervisor or Lead Technologist to assist with troubleshooting assay or instrument issues leading to appropriate corrective actions.
• Exchanges ideas and information effectively to Supervisor or Lead Technologist.
• Handles sensitive information confidentially.

Interactions, Supervision and Discretion

• Exhibit clear and effective communication to facilitate effective handoff procedures.
• Provides guidance to more junior team members.
• Follows standardized laboratory processes and procedures with little to no instruction on daily work.
• Frequently exercises clinical discretion to suggest recommendations for improving work procedures and processes to improve efficiency.

Regulatory Responsibility

• Maintain continuing education credit requirements.
• Record nonconformances for all appropriate errors.
• Enter and track data in a laboratory information database (LIMS)
• Operate and maintain laboratory equipment such as liquid handling robotics and DNA sequencers.
• Regulatory responsibilities per Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP)
• Regulatory responsibilities per Good Clinical Practices (GCP)
• Regulatory responsibilities per Good Laboratory Practices (GLP)
• Regulatory responsibilities of “Testing Personnel” for high complexity testing as defined by 42CFR493.1495

Position Requirements (Education, Experience, Other)

Required

• Bachelor’s or higher in medical technology or laboratory science, chemical science, or biological science from an accredited institution.
• Minimum of 1 year of experience and/or training in a clinical laboratory (holding a CLIA Certificate of Compliance/Accreditation) meeting the definition of “high-complexity”.
• Minimum of 3 years of pertinent molecular laboratory experience.
• Minimum of 2 years with a Master’s or higher.
• Molecular biology skills (e.g. DNA Extraction, Purification, PCR, qPCR, next-generation DNA sequencing) and related technical knowledge.
• Experience working with human specimens (e.g. blood, tissues and/or cells) and biohazardous material.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, ability to collaborate across teams and disciplines.

Preferred

• ASCP(MB) certification
• Specialized knowledge and skills: Experience in a clinical, high-throughput environment is preferred.
• Working knowledge of laboratory terminology, equipment, and supplies.
• Competent in laboratory automation and demonstrated laboratory best practices.
• Experience working within an electronic Laboratory Information Management System
• Self-motivated and can work independently, with minimal supervision, while also working as part of a team environment in a dynamic organization. Strong interpersonal and communication skills, both written and spoken.

Working Conditions

Job involves working in a laboratory handling human biological specimens. Flexibility and willingness to work more than standard hours when necessary, including late evenings & weekends.

Physical Requirements

Individuals are required to sit or stand for much of the workday and perform data entry into computer systems.

Compensation

Hourly Rate: $30.24 - $45.34

Other compensation elements include:

• equity grant