Lead Molecular Technician

The Position:

The Lead Molecular Technician’s primary responsibility is to assist analytical and post-analytical processes associated with specimen processing and test performance under the supervision and control of licensed individuals in the clinical laboratory and department leadership. This may include assisting with the processing and testing of clinical specimens, training personnel and performing competencies, supervising non-licensed personnel, implementing new processes, helping with projects, maintaining lab organization and cleanliness, adhering to quality control and quality assurance procedures.

The Lead Molecular Technician is knowledgeable with, and is a resource for others within the laboratory, the use of equipment, databases, and software applications. The person in this position must be able to coordinate the integral daily tasks which consists of making sure that non-licensed personnel are performing their duties, maintaining flexibility with regards to work schedule including section assignment, daily work shifts, and days of the week as determined by business need, in order to meet the quality needed for excellent patient care.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

The Lead Molecular Technician functions as a team lead, providing guidance and helping the supervisor coordinate workflows within the department. In addition, the main duties and responsibilities of the Lead Molecular Technician include the following, but not limited to:

• Demonstrate skill and reliability in leadership situations, including the appropriate handling of training, personnel issues, conflict resolution, and delicate subject matters. Report personnel and laboratory processing issues to management and participate/ engage in conflict resolution
• Train and perform competencies of non-licensed personnel
• Assist in the creation of training, and implementation of departmental standard operation procedures
• Assist in research and validation activities as a subject matter expert and work to translate improvements and new assays into the laboratory workflow
• Enhance existing procedures and services with quality that exceeds expectation
• Multi-task efficiently, maintain flexibility, and work as a team player to process samples according to multiple workflows and maintain established turnaround times
• Capable of identifying specimen processing problems that may adversely affect the reporting of test results and immediately notify the supervisor
• Under direct and constant supervision by a licensed individual,
  • Facilitate molecular genetic testing on clinical specimens
  • Assist in preventative maintenance, troubleshooting, and quality control activities in accordance with the laboratory’s policies and procedures
  • Preparation and storage of reagents
  • Able to follow instructions and strictly follow procedures
• Assist with maintaining inventory materials and laboratory supplies
• Assist in research and validation activities
• Complete other related administrative duties, including copying, filing, data entry, faxing, and quality control of spreadsheets
• Take ownership and accountability of ensuring the highest quality of internal/external customer service
• Understand and perform laboratory activities to all applicable regulatory and compliance requirements
• Perform all duties according to guidelines outlined within the quality systems
• Compliant with company policies, procedures, safety requirements and regulations
• Perform any other site/lab specific duties as assigned

Who You Are:

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skills and/or abilities required. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE

• High school diploma or equivalent required
• Bachelor’s degree preferred
• 3 or more years of experience in a laboratory setting, working on the bench
• Enthusiasm and an entrepreneurial spirit
• Demonstrated self-starter
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• The ability to navigate efficiently through, or have familiarity with, various laboratory information systems (LIS) and have proficiency in Microsoft Office products (Excel, Word, Access and PowerPoint)

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Repetitive movement of hands, arms and legs
• Repetitive movement of fingers (typing and/or writing)
• Sitting, with occasional walking, standing, stooping and moving about
• Exposure to general office environment conditions
• Occasionally required to lift up to 25 pounds

Location: This is a onsite position based in our San Diego, CA office. 

The schedule is Tuesday - Saturday, 12pm - 8:30pm.