Lab Technician I

Laboratory Technician
Job Summary: Medical Diagnostic Laboratories (MDL), a member of Genesis Biotechnology Group, is a CLIA certified clinical laboratory with multiple state licensing, specializing in state of the art, automated DNA based molecular analysis of a variety of chronic and infectious illnesses.

MDL specializes and performs Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) with a larger menu of testing available in the field of infectious disease. Our main theme of research is in the field of Gynecology, Infectious Diseases, Infectious Arthritis, Tick-borne Diseases, Mycology, and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS).

MDL is looking for a Laboratory Technician. The lab technician is responsible for accessioning and processing specimens, performing automated and manual extractions, Real-Time and Conventional PCR, gel electrophoresis, Pyrosequencing, cell culture, and Next-Generation sequencing.

Essential Functions:
Accessioning:
▪ Print labels and attach to requisitions and the corresponding specimens
▪ Properly accession multiple specimen types
▪ Take photographs of all specimens received
▪ Properly identify any discrepant information
▪ File all paperwork in order and distribute to the appropriate QC bins
▪ Properly scan accessioned requisitions
▪ Scan 2-D barcode elution tubes used for extraction
▪ Properly locate and record temperatures for all necessary stations

Manual Extraction:
▪ Perform Phenol/Chloroform manual extractions on biopsies and ticks
▪ Properly separate samples into their organic and inorganic layers via phenol/chloroform
▪ Properly perform quantitative analysis and hydrate all ticks and biopsies

Robotic Extraction:
▪ Properly extract all samples types using a provided XG sheet as a template
▪ Properly set up liquid handling robotics for each extracted XG sheet with the correct volumes of all necessary reagents
▪ Properly dispose of all waste material when required; both hazardous and non-hazardous
▪ Attend to robotics to address any user interactions and/or robotic malfunctions
▪ Manually extract all necessary samples via commercial kits

RNA Extraction:
▪ Perform manual RNA extractions via Qiagen kit for all necessary samples
▪ Perform robotic RNA extractions via VX Reagents kit for all necessary samples

PCR:
▪ Perform manual and robotic Conventional method PCR amplification
▪ Properly load and start thermocycler machines
▪ Perform manual and robotic Real-time method PCR amplification
▪ Properly load and start Rotor-gene thermocycler
▪ Perform initial analysis on completed Real-time PCR
▪ Perform Acoustic Real-Time PCR method for amplification with the aid of the ATS-100 Acoustic Dispensor
▪ Properly load and start Bio-Rad CFX thermocycler
▪ Perform initial analysis on completed Acoustic Real-Time PCR

Gel Electrophoresis:
▪ Properly identify which completed PCRs from the thermocycler require gel electrophoresis
▪ Properly identify when to make and/or use 2% versus 2.5% gels
▪ Complete blank gel template sheets to combine short PCR sheets
▪ Use dye to stain all necessary samples with the appropriate volume on a test by test basis
▪ Properly load correct agarose gel with the appropriate volume of ladder and sample; in addition properly identify the appropriate settings on which to run each gel (i.e. voltage & time)
▪ Properly capture a visual image of the gel with the use of a SYNGENE UV gel reader
▪ Be able to troubleshoot any gel box or power source errors, as well as any gel reader errors

BioPlex Amalysis
▪ Properly perform MagPlex PCR
▪ Properly remove any unused dNTPs and primers within the amplified PCR product with the use of ExoSAP-IT
▪ Properly perform Single Base, and Allele Specific Extension
▪ Properly attach samples to appropriate bead mixtures, and subsequently label samples with Strptavidin-R-phycoerythrin (SAPE)
▪ Properly load and start BioPlex machine
▪ Properly analyze all run data

Micro-Biology/Cell Culture
▪ Inoculate appropriate plate with swab media; for Candida species, Urinary Pathogens, GBS, Enterococcus species, and the Wound Panel; Streak for single colonies
▪ Properly determine specific species present, and inoculate appropriate plate with said species on a quad plate preloaded with antibiotics, or an agar plate stamped with antibiotic discs
▪ Properly analyze growth plate to determine antibiotic susceptibility or resistance
▪ For GBS Antibiotic Resistance testing, properly assemble rack and operate Anaerobic Chamber System
▪ Identify and pick colonies for PCR
▪ Perform CAMP test and analyze for zones of hemolysis

Next-Generation Sequencing
▪ Utilize the Illumina platform to test for BRCA, Pharmacogenomics, and Cystic Fibrosis
▪ Properly perform a series of nested PCRs
▪ Properly attach samples to appropriate bead mixtures
▪ Properly perform bead cleaning to remove unused dNTP’s and primers within the amplified PCR product
▪ Properly perform gel purification
▪ Properly load and operate multiple Life Technologies and Illumina equipment
▪ Perform Sanger Sequencing
▪ Properly analyze/export all run data


Additional Responsibilities:
▪ Performs other similar or related duties as required or assigned.
▪ Assures activities are conducted in a safe manner and materials are handled according to safety guidelines.
▪ Assures customer privacy is maintained at all times.
▪ Participates as a team member and is accountable for own work responsibilities.
▪ Assures information is delivered in a manner that is supportive, timely and understandable.
▪ Initiative is demonstrated to proactively diagnose and resolve problems.
▪ Productive work habits are consistently displayed.
▪ Accuracy and quality are maintained for all activities.

Job Qualifications: General Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSA’s) required
▪ 9 month Clinical Laboratory Technician training

Physical Demands: Physical, Mental and workplace Environment Conditions
▪ Ability to sit, stand, walk and perform repetitive motion (manual pipette)
▪ Proficient visual and audio skills

Working Conditions:Workplace Environment Conditions
• Laboratory setting
• Use of personal protective equipment

Education and Experience:
• Bachelor Degree in Biology, Chemistry, or related science field


We Offer:
• Competitive Salary
• Medical, Dental & Vision Insurance
• Short and Long Term Disability
• Life Insurance
• Dependent Care Flex Spending Account
• Voluntary Policies (Accident, Hospital Indemnity, Critical Illness & Supplemental STD)
• Identity Theft Protection
• 401(k) Plan
• Paid Vacation & Holiday
• Business Casual Environment


Visit us at https://www.mdlab.com/

Medical Diagnostic Laboratories is a member of Genesis Global Group, an equal opportunity employer.