Cancer Genomics Technical Specialist

Overview

Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center is an independent, nonprofit organization providing adult cancer treatment and groundbreaking research focused on cancer and infectious diseases. Based in Seattle, Fred Hutch is the only National Cancer Institute-designated cancer center in Washington.

With a track record of global leadership in bone marrow transplantation, HIV/AIDS prevention, immunotherapy and COVID-19 vaccines, Fred Hutch has earned a reputation as one of the world's leading cancer, infectious disease and biomedical research centers. Fred Hutch operates eight clinical care sites that provide medical oncology, infusion, radiation, proton therapy and related services, and network affiliations with hospitals in five states. Together, our fully integrated research and clinical care teams seek to discover new cures to the world's deadliest diseases and make life beyond cancer a reality.

At Fred Hutch we value collaboration, compassion, determination, excellence, innovation, integrity and respect. Our mission is directly tied to the humanity, dignity and inherent value of each employee, patient, community member and supporter. Our commitment to learning across our differences and similarities make us stronger. We seek employees who bring different and innovative ways of seeing the world and solving problems.

Perform cancer genomic laboratory procedures leading to the formation of accurate clinical reports using the International System for Cytogenomics Nomenclature.

Works under the direction of the Technical Supervisor (or section director as defined in CAP.GEN.53400/CYG.50000) with supervision from the lab operational leadership team to ensure lab accomplishes complex initiatives. Works independently with routine and non-routine tasks, exercising excellent judgment and strong decision-making skills.

At Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, all employees are expected to demonstrate a commitment to our values of collaboration, compassion, determination, excellence, innovation, integrity, and respect.

This position will be 1.0FTE/full-time day shift, routine Saturday and/or Sunday shift required.

Responsibilities

• Perform benchwork, analysis, and reporting of genetic or genomic assays consistently with a high level of accuracy and efficiency
• Perform pre-director tech checking of straightforward and complex cases and reports in areas of high competency
• Contribute significantly to operations beyond routine testing (quality management, methods development, revising or writing SOPs, variance review).
• Assist with design and implement validation efforts or improved processes in area
• Work with members of lab management to improve operations, investigate and implement new technologies, streamline workflow strategies, organize, and evaluate QM records
• Assist with daily planning to handle workload according to available resources; make solid decisions regarding workflow in the absence of lead
• Be a primary resource for complicated technical issues and processes within area of expertise; be able to offer guidance to proceed. For areas outside personal expertise, provide solid guidance and identify additional resources
• Troubleshoot routine and non-routine equipment or assays issues with minimal assistance. Assure troubleshooting methods employed by others are thorough and sound
• With minimal assistance, frequently gather and analyze data for lab use or for potential publication
• Instruct clinicians and staff in cancer genomic techniques, history and clinical relevance, and the genetic and chemical basis for lab procedures
• Contribute to the continuing education of staff either through directly presenting material or investigating other resources
• Assist with orientation and training of lab staff
• Perform as assigned:
• Document training or competency assessments of other techs to assure all are properly trained and perform to a consistent standard
• Represent the lab at Fred Hutch meetings to address interdepartmental issues, especially technical issues
• Review specimen preparation and testing plans, communicate with clinicians regarding testing recommendation and determine compliance with Pathways algorithms
• Provide input to supervisors regarding staff performance and development

Qualifications

Required:

• Bachelor's degree in a chemical, biological, clinical or medical laboratory science, or medical technology from an accredited institution or a Bachelor's degree and equivalent education and training as defined in 42CFR493.1489(b)(3)(ii).Must meet the CLIA education requirements for a high complexity general supervisor in Cytogenetics and/or Molecular Pathology.
• 8 years' experience in a Cytogenetics/genomics lab OR completion of a formal certified training program in Cytogenetics/genomics and 7 years' work experience which must include:Cytogenetics: Minimum of two years of experience in clinical cytogenetics under a qualified director. Must meet the CLIA training and experience requirements for a high complexity general supervisor in Cytogenetics and/or Molecular Pathology: Minimum of four years of experience (including two years in high complexity testing, one of which in molecular pathology methods) under a qualified section director. Must meet the CLIA training and experience requirements for a high complexity general supervisor in Molecular Pathology. Proof of laboratory training or experience must be furnished within 90 days of hire and must be generated by an individual other than the person attempting to meet CLIA personnel qualification requirements.
• Certification as CG(ASCP)CM or MB(ASCP)CM or international equivalent with on-going documentation of CE comparable to ASCP programs
• Applied knowledge of CAP guidelines
• Advanced knowledge of Cancer Genomics of hematological disorders, related diagnostic testing, and the biology of cancer
• Expert Troubleshooting Skills
• Strict Attention to Detail
• Strong Computer Skills
• Ability to apply general guidelines and knowledge to unique situations to make sound decisions
• Ability to inspect/critique other's work
• Strong Communication Skills, including Presentation Skills
• Mature Judgment
• Works independently on routine and non-routine tasks
• Strong ability to apply general guidelines and knowledge to unique situations to make sound decisions
• Demonstrates initiative
• Solid background knowledge of all areas of the lab (though may not have advanced technical proficiency in all areas)
• Solid knowledge of and the appropriate application of techniques required for translational clinical assay development
• Ability to identify, triage, and escalate issues appropriately
• Solid mentoring skills
• Strong knowledge of and the appropriate application of techniques required for translational clinical assay development
• Strong ability to synthesize large amounts of data, draw appropriate conclusions and effectively communicate findings and recommendations
• Independently follows through on commitments and consistently holds themselves accountable to deadlines. Takes accountability for their quality of work and the impact on the lab
• Perform effectively amidst stress, continuous change, and ambiguity
• Must be able to differentiate between colors and pass a standardized color vision screen to perform this role

Preferred:

• Master's degree or formal post-bac education in related fields beneficial
• Dual certification as CG(ASCP)CM and MB(ASCP)CM
• Working knowledge of relevant broader organizational resources and operations

The hourly pay range for this position is from $47.03 to $70.52 and pay offered will be based on experience and qualifications.

This position may be eligible for relocation assistance.Although Fred Hutch is not sponsoring most H-1B visas at this time, candidates who already hold an H-1B sponsored by another organization and are currently in the U.S. may be eligible for this position.Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center offers employees a comprehensive benefits package designed to enhance health, well-being, and financial security. Benefits include medical/vision, dental, flexible spending accounts, life, disability, retirement, family life support, employee assistance program, onsite health clinic, tuition reimbursement, paid vacation (12-22 days per year), paid sick leave (12-25 days per year), paid holidays (13 days per year), paid parental leave (up to 4 weeks).