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.