"Junior Laboratory Technologist (Entry-Intermediate Level) - Rheumatology"

Description

University of Colorado | CU Anschutz Medical Campus

School of Medicine | Department of Medicine | Division of Rheumatology

Official Title: Research Services Laboratory Science Professional (Open Rank)

Working Title: Junior Laboratory Technologist (Entry-Intermediate Level) - Rheumatology

Position #00805219 – Requisition #28450

The School of Medicine's Department of Medicine, Division of Rheumatology has an opening for a full-time University Staff (unclassified) Junior Laboratory Technologist position.

Nature of Work

Laboratory Science Professionals perform duties in a regulated clinical testing lab and handle a variety of chemicals, specimen types and will have the potential of "wet" hazards. Laboratory Science Professionals perform duties in laboratories where chemicals, drugs, or other materials or biological matters are tested and analyzed.

Exsera BioLabs is a clinical lab standing at the intersection between research and clinical care. Individuals in the position at Exsera BioLabs perform a variety of testing for patient diagnostics, clinical research and for industry involved in the new drug development. With this testing the successful candidate will contribute to giving patients and their families answers and bring new therapeutics to market. As an open posting, it is open to entry level applicants as well as applicants with substantial experience in research or clinical testing. This work is performed under the regulatory compliance with the US FDA Clinical Laboratories Improvement act (CLIA) as administered by the College of American Pathologist, as well as under US FDA regulation for Good Laboratory Practices (21 CFR Part 58) as well as applicable Good Clinical Practices; training in these regulations will be provided. In addition to the testing, all technologists are expected to integrate into the team and become part of an environment of quality in the laboratory. A junior laboratory technologist is expected to work at acquiring a greater understanding of the biology behind the testing as a senior technologist is expected to do with the added expectation of managing the laboratory compliance with CAP and CLIA. With the type of work Exsera does, this position affords an opportunity to gain experience with pharmaceutical and clinical work, while retaining an academic position.

Examples of Duties Performed

Entry to Intermediate Level, with increased independence at the Intermediate Level:

• Collaborate with and support Laboratory Director and other stakeholders with laboratory and testing functions
• Utilize a variety of laboratory techniques required for research projects
  1. Participate in proficiency testing (PT) and external quality assessment (EQA) as assigned, testing patient diagnostics specimens for both without violating PT or EQA policies or regulations
• Perform testing and interacting with the laboratory information management system
• Support analytical testing process using standard lab support knowledge in the collection and review of conditions, including preserving samples, completing sample preparation, documenting and communicating results
  1. Ability to perform high complexity testing per CLIA 88.
• Perform analytical and post analytical test process and evaluate results produced
  1. Independently facilitate new test development and management of timelines for completion of projects and studies
• Prepare lab for daily operations, including stocking materials, equipment, safety, cleanliness, and related areas
  1. Report to laboratory leadership on any pending shortages of reagents or supplies.
  2. Participate in equipment maintenance for assay families.
  3. Perform assigned all laboratory "up-keep", quality control and routine duties as needed to maintain proper operation and compliance
• Pick up, transport, and maintain results, samples, documents, materials and other items as needed
• Dispose of laboratory materials and samples using well established guidelines and instructions
• Review, complete and process logs, documents, databases, and related materials and information
• Provide support researching issues and developing recommendations to resolve process, unit and related issues
• Review and implement lab support policies, practices and programs to meet organizational, operations and management needs
• Ensure compliance with applicable laws, rules and regulations; receive guidance and direction or escalate when required
  1. Familiarity and demonstrated ability to comply with applicable regulatory, government and agencies, including: CAP, CLIA 88, FDA GLP, and ICH E6.
• Independently and creatively identify quality improvements and report potential errors and improvements to supervisor
• Adhere to laboratory quality systems and Quality Management Plan, including but not limited to performance of regular QC, good documentation practices and participation in non-conformity investigations.
  1. Participate in the laboratory Preventative Action/Non-Conformity Issue process, including bringing items forward to aid in root-cause analysis
• Knowledge of and adherence to the SOPs of the laboratory with full participation in review and drafting.
• Attentive to any items of non-conformity or deviation, so they can be brought forward to laboratory leadership without delay.
• Independently and creatively identify laboratory solutions
• Independently Review, develop and implement new or modified laboratory techniques required for research projects
• Assist Team Leads, Supervisors and/or management with creation and implementation of processes and procedures and quality improvement initiatives
• Assist and train junior team members

Additional Duties & Responsibilities:

• Participate in annual competency assessment in all necessary areas.
• Seek out and participate in continuing education opportunities
• Fill in for other team members during absences or at times of excess workload
• Aid in costing of testing including review of reagent costs, calculations and estimates of the cost of technologists' time.

Minimum Qualifications

Entry Level:

• Bachelor's degree in biology, molecular biology, chemistry, genetics, or related field
  • A combination of education and related technical/paraprofessional experience may be substituted for the bachelor's degree on a year for year basis

Intermediate Level:

• Bachelor's degree in biology, molecular biology, chemistry, genetics, or related field
  • A combination of education and related technical/paraprofessional experience may be substituted for the bachelor's degree on a year for year basis
• One (1) year professional level research experience

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's degree in biology, molecular biology, chemistry, genetics, or related field
• One (1) to two (2) years of experience in an experimental or wet laboratory

Competencies, Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Documented competency in at least 80% of the testing offered by the assigned labs with Exsera BioLabs.
• Proficient knowledge of laboratory techniques including safety procedures and techniques
• Ability to analyze and solve complex problems
• Ability to communicate effectively, both in writing and orally
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with employees at all levels throughout the institution
• Outstanding customer service skills
• Demonstrated commitment and leadership ability to advance diversity and inclusion
• Knowledge of basic human anatomy, physiology medical terminology
• Ability to interpret and master complex research protocol information
• Proficient level knowledge of immunology testing

Salary and Benefits

The salary range (or hiring range) for this position has been established at the following:

Entry Level: $40,280 - 51,236

Intermediate Level: $43,834 - $55,757

The salary of the finalist(s) selected for this role will be set based on a variety of factors, including but not limited to, internal equity, experience, education, specialty, and training.

Benefits

Special Instructions to Applicants

Required Application Materials: To apply, please visit: http://www.cu.edu/cu-careers and attach: 1. A letter of application which specifically addresses the job requirements and outlines qualifications 2. A current CV/resume 3. List of three to five professional references (we will notify you prior to contacting both on and off-list references)

Application Materials Required: Cover Letter, Resume/CV, List of References

Application Deadline: Applications are accepted electronically ONLY at www.cu.edu/cu-careers. Review of applications will begin immediately and will continue until the position is filled.