Molecular Diagnostics Technologist

General Summary/Purpose:

Under the general supervision of the laboratory manager, performs a variety of both routine and complex clinical laboratory tests in accordance with established standards and procedures. Attention to defined lab procedures and safe manipulation of lab equipment will be required. Duties require a professional level of knowledge to properly execute and analyze results, especially where results are abnormal or atypical. Independent responsibility for accomplishing routines will be assumed after proficiency has been required. Specific duties may vary according to rotation assigned.

Specific Duties and Responsibilities:

• Performs a variety of both routine and complex clinical and/or research laboratory tests in accordance with established standards and procedures.
• Prepares and determines suitability of solutions, reagents and stains, following defined formulas and procedures.
• Performs separation of human blood cells, isolation of DNA/RNA from human tissues, nucleic acid biochemistry, electrophoresis; polymerases chain reaction technology also important.
• Pays attention to defined laboratory procedures and safe manipulation of laboratory equipment.
• Performs critical analysis and uses principles of scientific inquiry to solve both technical and non-technical problems.
• Participates in the training of new employees, students, residents and physicians in laboratory methodology, and provides additional training as assigned.
• Documents and reports test results, and accurately record laboratory observations both written and verbally.
• Completes required logs and supporting documents.
• Maintains and troubleshoots equipment, routine repairs or notifying service personnel when more complex problems occur.
• Performs related general duties such as ordering supplies, general lab housekeeping, and maintaining safety records.

Minimum Qualifications (Mandatory):

• Bachelor’s degree in Medical Technology or related science (Clinical Laboratory Science, Biology, Chemistry, etc).
• One year of work experience in a laboratory environment.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Molecular Pathology ASCP certification or NCA molecular pathology certification (CLsp).

Special Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Problem solving skills, integrating and interpreting data, finding solutions to technical problems.
• Precision and attention to detail.
• Strong written communication and interpersonal skills.
• Able to read and interpret direction, both oral and written.
• Able to organize and prioritize work and follow through on assignments.
• Able to work successfully as part of a team in a high volume, dynamic laboratory.
• Analytical ability to operate technical equipment, perform tests with the highest degree of accuracy and to relate tests results to a normal, healthy state and to the presence of disease.
• Ability to perform successfully despite sudden deadlines and changing priorities, maintaining personal composure in high stress situations.
• Ability to exercise initiative and judgment.
• Ability to work independently, determining appropriate procedures and methods to obtain test results.
• Ability to maintain effective communication within the department and with other health-care professionals.

Technical Qualifications or Specialized Certifications:

• Molecular Pathology ASCP certification or NCA molecular pathology certification (CLsp) preferred.

Equipment, Machine, or Tool Requirements:

• Computer experience including MS Office, database, and email. Telephone and Fax. Experience with laboratory tools and equipment including centrifuge, spectrophotometer, PCR machines, genetic analyzers.

Work Environment while performing the duties of this job:

• While performing the duties of this job, the employee may remain in a stationary position (sitting or standing) up to 85% of the time. Occasionally required to traverse throughout the laboratory or to retrieve equipment, supplies, or specimens from other locations on campus. The employee is required to operate computer keyboard, laboratory instruments, and small laboratory tools such as pipettes, cutting instruments, glass tubes, dishes, and/or slides. Constantly repositions self to perform duties at laboratory work stations, gathering specimens, and loading equipment.
• Prolonged vision requirements including viewing computer screen, paper reports/documents, charts and results. Visual acuity is required to distinguish fine gradation of color or structure and closely examine specimens (including via a microscope).
• Laboratory environment - Exposure to toxins and infectious agents exist, but potential for personal injury or harm is minimized if established safety and health precautions are followed. Working in laboratory where there may be discomforts due to odors, noise, temperature fluctuations, and working around lab equipment.
• May transport equipment and supplies usually less than 40 pounds from one area to another (in the laboratory or on campus). May be required to lift and/or move up to 50 pounds with proper training, or precautions/lifting aides (example: supply boxes or Formalin cubes). In some areas work space is confined.
• Staff may be required to complete annual competency review, and must insure compliance with Hospital Policy, Laboratory Policy and Procedure, Health, Safety and Environment regulations, and all applicable privacy and confidentiality laws/practices.
• Many department laboratories operate 24/7 with schedules on day, evening, or night shift. Rotating schedules which may include weekend work and holiday assignment. (Overtime possible when authorized/needed to meet business and patient needs.
• (This is a Required Attendance position. In the event of unexpected university closings including inclement weather, the employee in this position is required to report to work and/or remain at work.)

Classified Title:Molecular Diagnostics Technologist
Working Title: Molecular Diagnostics Technologist ​​​​​
Role/Level/Range: ACRP/03/MC
Starting Salary Range:$45,195 - $62,225 per year
Employee group: Full Time
Schedule: M-F 8:30a-5:00p
Exempt Status: Exempt
Location: 04-MD:School of Medicine Campus
Department name: 10003060-SOM Pat Molecular Diagnostics Lab
Personnel area: School of Medicine

The successful candidate(s) for this position will be subject to a pre-employment background check.

If you are interested in applying for employment with The Johns Hopkins University and require special assistance or accommodation during any part of the pre-employment process, please contact the HR Business Services Office atjhurecruitment@jhu.edu. For TTY users, call via Maryland Relay or dial 711.

The following additional provisions may apply depending on which campus you will work. Your recruiter will advise accordingly.

During the Influenza ("the flu") season, as a condition of employment, The Johns Hopkins Institutions require all employees who provide ongoing services to patients or work in patient care or clinical care areas to have an annual influenza vaccination or possess an approved medical or religious exception. Failure to meet this requirement may result in termination of employment.

The pre-employment physical for positions in clinical areas, laboratories, working with research subjects, or involving community contact requires documentation of immune status against Rubella (German measles), Rubeola (Measles), Mumps, Varicella (chickenpox), Hepatitis B and documentation of having received the Tdap (Tetanus, diphtheria, pertussis) vaccination. This may include documentation of having two (2) MMR vaccines; two (2) Varicella vaccines; or antibody status to these diseases from laboratory testing. Blood tests for immunities to these diseases are ordinarily included in the pre-employment physical exam except for those employees who provide results of blood tests or immunization documentation from their own health care providers. Any vaccinations required for these diseases will be given at no cost in our Occupational Health office.

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