Technical Specialist - Clinical Genomics

We are searching for a Technical Specialist -- someone who works well in a fast-paced setting. In this position, you will oversee workflow and perform quality assurance duties. This role may also serve as team leader, scheduler, and primary trainer.

Think you’ve got what it takes?

Job Duties & Responsibilities

· Performs specimen extraction and testing (NGS panels for DNA and/or RNA), quality control, instrument maintenance, and troubleshooting on all Clinical Genomics Laboratory testing workflows.

· Work with the Genomic Medicine Division (GMD) supervisor to create a schedule for the Clinical Genomics Laboratory technical staff.

· Performs test procedures with accuracy, consistency, and timeliness according to the policies & procedures, recognizing and troubleshooting questionable orders and results. Assists with all test validation studies and other projects in collaboration with technical and professional staff and other personnel as negotiated by the Medical Director; collaborates with the Medical Director as appropriate in applied research and publications

· Work with the GMD leadership and staff to ensure that the cases are accessioned, extracted, and ready for testing in a timely and accurate manner.

· Work with the GMD leadership and staff to ensure testing and completion of the research samples promptly

· Performs and assists with the performance and documentation of quality control procedures and monitors and submits timely reports to the supervisor and/or assistant director, and maintains validity of processes/results

· Assists with the development of processes/written procedures required for the implementation of new or modified testing and quality program essentials

· Performs or supervises performance and documentation of scheduled and unscheduled maintenance on the instruments and equipment in the section; maintains a record-keeping system

· Acts as lead trainer in the section, assisting the supervisor or designee in creating and producing training materials and assessment tools, assisting the supervisor or designee in creating and performing annual competency testing, and ensuring 100% of staff are assessed

· Takes inventory, performs basic lab maintenance tasks such as ordering laboratory reagents, oligonucleotides, and other lab supplies, keeps detailed lab records in Material Management’s system, and monitors expiration dates

· Ensure that the technologist's competencies are up to date through the creation of blind samples and direct observations, as applicable.

· Ensure timely and accurate processing of the CAP and Alternate Proficiency samples, including accessioning, extraction, testing, and completion of the document and submission of the survey.

Skills & Requirements

· Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with co-workers, managers, and professional staff. Excellent oral and written communication skills, and critical problem-solving abilities.

· Bachelor’s degree in clinical laboratory science, chemical, physical, or biological science, or applied administration required

· A master’s degree or higher in biological, chemistry or laboratory science may substitute for one year of the required experience

· BB-ASCP, C-ASCP, CLSP-NCA, H-ASCP, HT-ASCP, HTL-ASCP, M-ASCP, MB-ASCP, MLS-ASCP, MP-ASCP, MT-AMT, MT-ASCP, MT-NCA, or MT-STATE certification preferred

· One of the above certifications may substitute for one year of the required experience

· 3 years of wet lab experience performing molecular biology procedures

About Texas Children’s

Since 1954, Texas Children’s has been leading the charge in patient care, education and research to accelerate health care for children and women around the world. When you love what you do, it truly shows in the smiles of our patient families, employees and our numerous accolades such as being consistently ranked as the best children’s hospital in Texas, and among the top in the nation by U.S. News & World Report as well as recognition from Houston Business Journal as one of this city’s Best Places to Work for ten consecutive years. 

Texas Children’s comprehensive health care network includes our primary hospital in the Texas Medical Center with expertise in over 40 pediatric subspecialties; the Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute (NRI); the Feigin Tower for pediatric research; Texas Children’s Pavilion for Women, a comprehensive obstetrics/gynecology facility focusing on high-risk births; Texas Children’s Hospital West Campus, a community hospital in suburban West Houston; Texas Children’s Hospital The Woodlands, the first hospital devoted to children’s care for communities north of Houston; and Texas Children’s Hospital North Austin, the new state-of-the-art facility providing world-class pediatric and maternal care to Austin and Central Texas families. We have also created Texas Children’s Health Plan, the nation’s first HMO focused on children; Texas Children’s Pediatrics, the largest pediatric primary care network in the country; Texas Children’s Urgent Care clinics that specialize in after-hours care tailored specifically for children; and a global health program that is channeling care to children and women all over the world. Texas Children’s Hospital is affiliated with Baylor College of Medicine, one of the largest, most diverse and successful pediatric programs in the nation. 

 To join our community of 15,000+ dedicated team members, visit texaschildrenspeople.org for career opportunities.

 Texas Children’s is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All applicants and employees are considered and evaluated for positions at Texas Children's without regard to mental or physical disability, race, color, religion, gender, national origin, age, genetic information, military or veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status or any other protected Federal, State/Province or Local status unrelated to the performance of the work involved.