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.