Position Overview

The Clinical Lab Technician position will be responsible for processing medically relevant biological samples through extraction and/or high throughput next-generation DNA sequencing assays. This role will work within a team of Laboratorians in a fast-paced, high production setting to process research and clinical diagnostic samples to provide test results to patients, oncologists and other medical practitioners and researchers. As such, high attention to detail and clinical mindedness are crucial to success in this role.

Adaptive’s clinical laboratories are CLIA/CAP/NYS/FDA certified, and as such this position needs to adhere to and uphold all applicable regulatory requirements.

Key Responsibilities and Essential Functions

Scope/Impact

• Performs under general supervision: DNA extractions, PCR amplification or high-throughput sequencing assays on DNA libraries.
• Operates and maintains laboratory equipment such as liquid handling robotics and DNA quantification instruments under general supervision.
• Completes tasks as assigned (e.g. routine clinical or research sample processing, validations, reagent QC runs, or special projects) in accordance with existing laboratory processes and procedures with limited ability to defer from established norms.
• Understands laboratory systems, processes and requirements and uses this knowledge to complete day-to-day tasks.

Complexity

• Performs protocols under compliance with regulatory agencies and models appropriate clinical, regulatory and safety practices.
• Identifies and resolves mostly routine and recurring problems within own work function or sub-function.
• Evaluates and selects solutions from established laboratory procedures.
• Ensures compliance with laboratory regulatory agencies (GxP, FDA, ISO).
• Keeps accurate and detailed records for all workflows following Good Documentation Practices.

Knowledge/Level of Expertise

• Demonstrate good clinical judgment and integrity by possessing established laboratory skills to perform a range of day-to-day activities and make timely decisions.
• Demonstrates understanding of underlying scientific principles of analytical methods and provides relevant information to Supervisor or Lead Technologist to assist with troubleshooting assay or instrument issues leading to appropriate corrective actions.
• Speaks clearly and concisely in groups and one-to-one.
• Handles sensitive information confidentially.

Interaction, Supervision and Discretion

• Provide coverage for staff absences in collaboration with supervisory staff and team leads.
• Follows standardized laboratory processes and procedures with regular supervision and guidance.
• Requires thorough instruction on new assignments.
• Exercises clinical discretion occasionally.
• Exhibit clear and effective communication to facilitate effective handoff procedures.

Regulatory Responsibility

• Maintain continuing education credit requirements.
• Record nonconformances for all appropriate errors.
• Enter and track data in a laboratory information database (LIMS)
• Operate and maintain laboratory equipment such as liquid handling robotics and DNA sequencers.
• Regulatory responsibilities per Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP)
• Regulatory responsibilities per Good Clinical Practices (GCP)
• Regulatory responsibilities per Good Laboratory Practices (GLP)
• Regulatory responsibilities of “Testing Personnel” for high complexity testing as defined by 42CFR493.1495

Position Requirements (Education, Experience, Other)

Required

• Meet ONE of the following:
• Bachelor’s or higher in medical technology or laboratory science from an accredited institution
• Bachelor’s or higher in one of the chemical or biological sciences from an accredited institution + 3 months of high-complexity molecular experience and/or training in a clinical laboratory (holding a CLIA Certificate of Compliance/Accreditation)
• Based on business need, 3-month requirement may be completed on site at Adaptive prior to processing clinical specimens.
• Prior experience in a laboratory environment handling biological specimens, laboratory instruments, and automated equipment.
• Effective communication and interpersonal skills, ability to collaborate across teams and disciplines.

Preferred:

• Relevant internship or laboratory work strongly preferred.
• Experience working a clinical setting or high-throughput molecular laboratory environment.
• Working knowledge of laboratory terminology, equipment, and supplies. 
• Self-motivated and can work independently, with minimal supervision, while also working as part of a team environment in a dynamic organization. Strong interpersonal and communication skills, both written and spoken.  
• Experience working with human specimens (e.g. blood, tissues and/or cells) and biohazardous material.

Working Conditions

Job involves working in a laboratory handling human biological specimens. Flexibility and willingness to work more than standard hours when necessary, including late evenings & weekends.

Physical Requirements

Individuals are required to sit or stand for much of the workday and perform data entry into computer systems.

Compensation

Hourly Rate: $21.25 - $28.75

Possible “other compensation” elements to include:

• equity grant