Molecular Analyst I/II

About the Role

Heritage Lab Services is looking for a dedicated and detail-oriented experienced Molecular Analyst I/II (Medical Laboratory Scientist or equivalent) to join our on-site laboratory team at Three Rivers Diagnostics. This is an excellent opportunity to grow your career in a fast-paced clinical laboratory setting. Heritage Lab Services will provide the training required for the position.

Role and Responsibilities

• Process patient specimens, perform authorized tests, review and report results maintaining results accuracy while adhering to Laboratory Standard Operating Procedures and Policies.
• Understand basic and all relevant scientific principles associated with molecular testing performed.
• Perform preanalytical duties including labeling, accessioning, centrifuging, and pouring off.
• Perform all tasks associated with running samples on manual, semi-automated, and automated platforms in molecular and other platforms and test systems.
• Prepare and perform sample preparation processes for molecular extractions and other tasks associated with sample processing for molecular testing.
• Prepare and perform tasks associated with preparation of reagents, quality control, and standards solutions for extraction and molecular diagnostics testing.
• Perform all tasks associated with on-instrument reviews, data review, administrative review, and results certification for reporting as outlined in the policies and procedures.
• Review and enter as appropriate patient results in the laboratory information system (LIS) to maintain accuracy and data integrity.
• Perform downtime tasks as assigned when LIS and/or other systems are malfunctioning, nonfunctional, or temporarily not available.
• Follow all safety protocols when handling human samples, such as urine or oral fluid, to ensure compliance with laboratory safety standards.
• Follow the laboratory Quality Control (QC) and Quality Assurance set policies and procedures.
• Identify and respond as set in policies and procedures to QC trends, shifts, and failures to assess test systems are within the laboratory's established acceptable levels of performance.
• Perform and maintain accurate records for instrument maintenance, troubleshooting, temperature checks, calibrator or QC failures, lot-to-lot checks, patient sample handling/tracking, and communication logs.
• Handle and analyze proficiency testing samples with the same care and standards applied to patient specimens to ensure compliance with regulatory requirements.
• Perform and maintain records demonstrating that proficiency testing samples are tested in the same manner as patient specimens.
• Participate in validation experiments and workflow studies to enhance efficiency and contribute innovative ideas for continuous improvement in laboratory practices.
• Perform end of shift/day responsibilities to include restocking supplies as deemed appropriate, cleaning sections, organizing, emptying waste, and other duties as delegated.
• Perform all tasks assigned in conformance to Molecular Workflow guidance and in a manner to mitigate sample or section contamination.
• Respond to laboratory leadership in a timely manner with established communication channels.
• Meet the qualifications and responsibilities for Testing Personnel as described by CLIA (Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments).
• Support ongoing changes in a professional manner, contribute to a positive work environment and to the team effort of the laboratory.
• Perform other job-related duties as assigned.

Requirements

Minimum Educational Requirements: Associate or Bachelor's degree in chemical, physical or biological science or medical laboratory or equivalent education and training acceptable under CLIA and accreditation agencies to perform high complexity testing.

Minimum Experience Required: Prefer 2 years minimum of laboratory experience. 1 year molecular (PCR) experience preferred.

Skills Required: Molecular laboratory (required): proficiency in performing laboratory tests across different body fluid types for Molecular Diagnostics, specimen collection and handling, quality control procedures, operation of molecular specific laboratory equipment, data analysis, adherence to safety protocols, attention to detail, excellent communication skills, and the ability to operate and troubleshoot technical issues across testing platforms to include molecular extraction and qPCR instruments.

Professional Certifications or Licenses: MLS(ASCP) Certification preferred. HIPAA.