"Lab Supervisor - Molecular"

Job Details

Overview

Under the general direction of the Senior Scientist or designee, the Supervisor is responsible for all of the day-to-day technical and administrative activities of the molecular laboratory within the newborn screening program. Supervises all technical processes related to the molecular laboratory's testing of newborns, from specimen receipt through analysis with validated protocols and documentation of testing. Develops, evaluates and implements new DNA- or RNA-based methodologies to improve current screening, as well as add new capabilities. Implements quality assurance and safety activities inclusive of written protocols, selection of appropriate equipment and instrumentation, LIMS relationships, employee training, competency assessment, operations improvement, and proficiency testing. Serves as a significant expertise resource to the Newborn Screening Program (bringing new information and technology into the Program from outside sources, by reading and evaluating literature, and networking with colleagues), and independently contribute to development of molecular technologies applicable to our high throughput screening services.

Responsibilities

• Oversees the scheduling and work activities of all Laboratory Analyst staff in a manner that ensures accurate and timely clinical testing and reporting.
• Oversees the instruction of all molecular-laboratory analyst staff, ensuring a diversity of competencies in molecular genetic theory, practice, assay development and expertise in the programming and application of the robotics necessary to accomplish daily work.
• Performs (under the guidance of the scientist), supervises and documents laboratory activities for the technical development, validation, performance and troubleshooting of laboratory assays (both laboratory-developed tests as well as kit assays) used in the screening procedures.
• Performs (with or without assistance from the scientist), supervises and documents laboratory activities for the validation, troubleshooting the performance of and management of instrumentation used in the screening procedures.
• Performs (with or without assistance from the scientist), supervises and documents laboratory activities for the validation, troubleshooting and monitoring of the instrumentation relationships with the Laboratory Information Management System.
• Maintains laboratory documentation of quality assurance, quality control, and competency data in accordance with Program policies and CLIA requirements.
• Maintains and implements written policies and standard operating procedures approved by the scientist.
• Participates in the establishment of, and follows safety, privacy and compliance protocols relevant to the laboratory section.
• Ensures that laboratory analysts are compliant with established safety, privacy and compliance protocols relevant to the laboratory section.
• Performs laboratory assays (clinical or research) with appropriate documentation, as an integral member of the section’s laboratory analysts, following validated protocols.
• Manages lab supply budget and inventory, and assists the Scientist in the preparation and validation of reagents, materials and kits used in the laboratory.
• Reviews literature and recommends improvements to test interpretations and methodologies for use in the laboratories.
• Makes independent contributions to the development and implementation of new testing capabilities.
• Participates (under the guidance of the scientist) in the research and development of new methodologies.
• Makes significant contributions to the writing of publications, presentations, and other means of disseminating knowledge gained from screening operations in the laboratory section.
• Perform other duties as required.

Qualifications

REQUIRED EDUCATIONMaster’s degree in chemical, life or clinical sciences; or equivalentGraduate-level coursework yielding expertise in the theory of general molecular biologyREQUIRED WORK EXPERIENCE5 – 7 years of relevant experience including at least 1-2 years in a clinical laboratory 5 – 7 years of Assay Design, Implementation and TroubleshootingIn-depth experience and expertise in Primer Design, Probe Design, LNA design, Multiplex RealTime PCR design, Nested PCR design, copy-number assay design such that the supervisor is a recognized expert in the following: • clinical development and application of PCR-based assays, inclusive of the prevention and containment of amplicon contaminants, • the development and implementation of clinical detection systems for the generation of human genotypic data using a variety of techniques (Luminex Lab developed tests, Real-Time lab developed tests), and • the development and implementation of clinical assays for the evaluation of the presence/absence and quantification of molecular markers (RealTime and Digital Droplet PCR or equivalent), such that the development yields low-cost laboratory developed tests.

5 – 7 years of Development of High-throughput Clinical Molecular Assays• Expert-level practical experience in the isolation of nucleic acids from small-volume (3 µL) dried blood spots or other similar human specimens. • Expert-level practical experience with high-throughput processing of clinical specimens (e.g. integrated flow chart development)• Expert -level practical experience with robotics programming for high-throughput processing of clinical specimens3 – 5 years of experience with BLAST and gene homology tools available through NIH and commercial vendors3 – 5 years of experience with database and spreadsheet tools for use with quality monitoring and data management3 – 5 years of experience with Sanger sequencing and related informatics1 – 2 years of sufficient familiarity with Next Gen Sequencing theory to maximize efficiencies of high-throughput screening assays to be interfaced with NextGen sequencing.

Must satisfy CLIA requirements for high complexity testingSkilled in the knowledge, performance, and interpretation of lab tests and techniquesSkilled in computer file management and general software usageCommunications and writing skills for scientific reports, oral presentations, SOPs, internal communicationsSkilled in clear communications and maintenance of good working relationships with co-workersFlexibility in work schedule as required by laboratory section (i.e. weekend and holiday rotations).PREFERRED WORK EXPERIENCEPrevious supervisory experienceA thorough understanding of regulatory issues (e.g. CLIA, OSHA) as they apply to clinical laboratory testingPractical knowledge of human molecular genetics

Organization

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The University of Massachusetts Medical School (UMMS), the Commonwealth's only public medical school, is proud of our role in serving the people of Massachusetts. Although, its the inside workings of UMMS that makes the difference.

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UMMS, the state’s first and only public academic health sciences center, educates physicians, scientists and advanced practice nurses to heal, discover, teach and care, with compassion. UMMS is a world-class institution with opportunities to match.

Competitive Compensation – UMMS offers salaries that are competitive with Worcester-area employers. When combined with our generous benefits, perks, and paid time off, many job seekers are surprised to find a total rewards package that matches or exceeds their current situation.

Targeted Hiring Process – At UMMS, there are actually multiple hiring processes for different segments of our workforce. In nearly all cases, UMMS hiring process is decentralized, with qualified candidates screened and referred to an academic officer or manager with hiring authority.

24/7 Access to Employment Opportunities – iCIMS is our online job search and application system. iCIMS is available 24/7 to provide you with a convenient and up-to-date view of the available employment opportunities across our campuses. Updates are made daily and include all faculty and non-faculty position listings from every school and department within the UMMS. When you identify a position you are interested in and qualified for, apply online. New opportunities become available frequently so it pays to check back often!

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With outstanding benefits, competitive pay, extensive learning opportunities, and a stimulating and attractive work environment, UMMS may be exactly the employer you’ve been looking for.

• Superior Benefits - UMMS offers a wide range of benefits and perks that invite comparison with the best employers in the Worcester area – and with academic institutions anywhere. UMMS provides superior medical and dental coverage for you and your family, fully funded retirement plans, generous time off, a Tuition Assistance Plan – and much more.
• People Centered - UMMS is an employer, but it is also a community. Its comprehensive medical and dental benefits, retirement plans, and even paid holidays reflect an institution built around people, with a deep respect for their differences and needs.
• Commitment to Healthy Living - UMMS provides resources to help you balance work and life and encourages healthy living through great programs and discounts for fitness, physical activity, weight management, nutritional counseling and general wellness available through our health insurance plans.
• Breadth of Offerings - Above all, the breadth of UMMS offerings set the School apart and makes it an environment favored by all sorts of smart, career-savvy people.

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A History of Making Vital Improvements - UMASS Medical School Milestones

1962: Legislation establishes University of Massachusetts Medical School 1970: First medical students begin classes in Shaw Building 1974: First class graduates 16 MDs 1979: PhD program begins 1986: Graduate School of Nursing opens 1986: PhD program becomes Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences 1994: Graduate School of Nursing initiates PhD program 1998: UMass Clinical System and Memorial Health Care merge to form UMass Memorial Health Care 2001: Lazare Research Building opens 2002: Campus Modernization begins on the University Campus 2004: Graduate Entry Pathway Program established at the Graduate School of Nursing 2005: PhD Program in Clinical & Population Health Research established at the Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences 2005: Massachusetts Biologic Laboratories opens new manufacturing and filling facility in Mattapan 2006: Craig Mello, PhD, Blais University Chair in Molecular Medicine and Howard Hughes Medical Institute Investigator, is awarded the Medical School's first Nobel Prize. Dr. Mello shared the 2006 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine with Andrew Fire, PhD, of Stanford University, for their discoveries related to RNA interference. 2007: Michael F. Collins, MD, is named chancellor and Terence R. Flotte, MD, is named dean of the School of Medicine. 2009: Groundbreaking for the Albert Sherman Center, a 500,000-square-foot research and education facility slated for completion in 2012. 2010: Ambulatory Care Center opens 2012: The Albert Sherman Center, a 500,000-square-foot research and education facility, completed and opens