Molecular Genetics Technician

Job Summary:

Under immediate supervision work rotations are performed in all areas of a full service genetic lab for a specialized Molecular GeneticS laboratory including: DNA and RNA extraction, Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR), Reverse Transcriptase PCR, Southern Blotting, agarose gel electrophoresis, restriction digest, Capillary Electrophoresis, Sanger Sequencing, Probe Hybridization, Bead Capture technology, Microarray technology and more.

Essential Responsibilities:

• Patient Procedures and Activities. Follow universal guidelines for the handling of body fluids.
• Laboratories:
• Clean and fill specimen jars with solutions. Perform quality assurance procedures. Sort, number and label specimens in specified sequence. Centrifuge and separate specimens and decant serum. Check media solutions for quality standards. Develop film and make prints. Examine reagents for contamination, impurities or instability. Centrifuge specimen. Reject unsatisfactory specimens. Scan and examine specimens. Set up specimen tests and controls and interpretation. Dispose properly of laboratory specimen and waste material. Operate autoclave, drying over or dishwasher. Wash laboratory glassware and instruments. Assign identification number to specimens. Pick up/deliver blood and other specimens from/to laboratory. Prepare and pack samples for shipment to outside laboratories. Receive, sort and transport laboratory specimens.
• Technical:
• Work with all types of Molecular Biology techniques including: DNA and RNA extraction, Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR), Reverse Transcriptase PCR, Southern Blotting, agarose gel electrophoresis, restriction digest, Capillary Electrophoresis, Sanger Sequencing, Probe Hybridization, Bead Capture technology, Microarray technology and more. Batch received specimens, perform nucleic acid extractios (manual and automatic), prepare agarose gels, set up all Molecular Biology reactions, Operate automated Genetic testing instruments, perform quality assurance checks, collect and report quality indicator data, Evaluate test results, prepare final reports, release reviewed reports in to the LIS system, and more.
• Record Patient Information.
• Complete forms and records. Look up and report test results as requested. Prepare lab worksheets. Report negative/positive specimens.
• Equipment and Instruments.
• Load paper and tape into computer printer. Prepare and process packs, supplies, equipment and instruments. Clean and sterilize instruments, supplies and equipment.
• Materials and Supplies.
• Dispose of used syringes and contaminated materials. Inventory equipment and supplies. Maintain solutions, chemicals and automatic equipment. Replenish supplies and equipment.
• Administrative and Other.
• Orient and train new or less experienced personnel. Attend conferences, meetings and in-service training programs. Maintain current licensure/certification. Maintain proficiency in clinical skills. Answer telephone and take messages.
• Other Activities and Responsibilities.
• Assume other activities and responsibilities from time to time as directed.