Laboratory Technician

Position SummaryThe Laboratory Technician provides technical and operational support to a high-complexity molecular diagnostics laboratory, assisting with daily laboratory activities to ensure accurate, timely, and reliable testing. This position works closely with the General Laboratory Supervisor, Technical Supervisor, Laboratory Director, Quality Manager, and other laboratory personnel to support molecular testing workflows, maintain laboratory equipment, troubleshoot technical issues, and ensure compliance with established standard operating procedures (SOPs) and quality management system requirements.The ideal candidate has hands-on experience in molecular diagnostics, nucleic acid extraction, real-time PCR (qPCR/RT-PCR), and other molecular testing methodologies. This role is primarily focused on hands-on technical assistance, workflow support, quality documentation, equipment maintenance, and laboratory troubleshooting. The position also assists with inventory management, staff training, and continuous quality improvement initiatives under the direction of laboratory leadership.Key Responsibilities1. Molecular Laboratory OperationsAssist with daily laboratory operations to maintain efficient and uninterrupted testing workflows.Perform assigned molecular diagnostic testing in accordance with approved SOPs, established quality standards, and applicable personnel qualifications.Assist with testing workflows involving qPCR, RT-PCR, NGS, pharmacogenomics, oncology, infectious diseases, and other molecular diagnostic assays, as applicable.Assist with specimen receipt, identification, processing, tracking, and storage in accordance with laboratory protocols.Monitor workflow progress and communicate technical issues, delays, or testing concerns to the General Laboratory Supervisor.2. Technical Troubleshooting Assist in identifying and troubleshooting instrument errors, assay failures, quality control issues, and other technical problems.Perform routine equipment checks, maintenance, cleaning, and calibration activities as authorized and documented in applicable procedures.Maintain accurate equipment maintenance logs, service records, and troubleshooting documentation.Support the evaluation and implementation of new laboratory technologies, reagents, and testing platforms.Communicate effectively with laboratory leadership regarding operational challenges, testing issues, and opportunities for improvement.3. Quality Assurance and Regulatory ComplianceFollow laboratory quality management system requirements and established policies and procedures.Identify and report nonconformances, deviations, unexpected results, and potential quality concerns to the appropriate supervisor.Assist with investigations, root-cause analysis, corrective and preventive actions (CAPA), and follow-up activities.Maintain accurate and complete laboratory records, worksheets, logs, and other required documentation.Support laboratory readiness for CLIA, CAP, CMS, OSHA, HIPAA, and applicable state regulatory inspections.Follow laboratory safety, infection prevention, chemical hygiene, and applicable biosafety requirements.4. Laboratory Equipment, Inventory, and DocumentationMonitor laboratory supplies, reagents, consumables, and inventory levels to support uninterrupted testing.Assist with ordering, receiving, organizing, and tracking laboratory materials.Monitor reagent expiration dates, storage conditions, and lot information.Maintain organized and up-to-date laboratory documentation, equipment records, and reagent logs.Assist with laboratory information system (LIS) workflows, data entry, instrument connectivity, and basic technical troubleshooting as assigned.Help maintain a clean, organized, and efficient laboratory environment.QualificationsEducationAssociate degree or bachelor's degree in biology, molecular biology, biotechnology, microbiology, medical laboratory science, or a related life science field.An equivalent combination of education and relevant laboratory experience may be considered, subject to applicable regulatory requirements.ExperienceHands-on experience in a clinical molecular diagnostics, molecular biology, or high-complexity laboratory preferred.Experience with nucleic acid extraction, PCR, qPCR, RT-PCR, and molecular assay workflows preferred.Experience with laboratory equipment maintenance, technical troubleshooting, quality control, and laboratory documentation preferred.Familiarity with CLIA and CAP requirements and laboratory quality management systems is desirable.Technical SkillsWorking knowledge of molecular diagnostic techniques and laboratory workflows.Ability to identify technical problems and assist with troubleshooting assay and instrument issues.Strong attention to detail in specimen handling, testing procedures, documentation, and quality control.Ability to follow SOPs and maintain accurate, traceable laboratory records.Basic proficiency with laboratory information systems and standard computer applications.Ability to organize multiple tasks and work effectively in a fast-paced laboratory environment.