Work Schedule:

Performs all laboratory procedures necessary for the preparation and processing of all clinical specimens for cytogenetic and molecular cytogenetic testing. Responsibilities include accessioning, culture set-up, cell harvest, slide preparation for chromosome analysis and FISH; scanning of the prepared slides on the automated system. Exercises independent judgment, communicates effectively, and works with minimal technical supervision.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Accession all clinical specimens, including but not limited to, peripheral blood, bone marrows, amniotic fluid, chorionic villus sampling (CVS), fetal tissue, and solid tumors according to the Cytogenetics Laboratory Standard Operating Procedures (SOP). Accessioning duties include, determining the acceptability of the specimen and communication with the clinicians if needed for the priority testing, verify all pertinent clinical information, assign the appropriate test billing codes, and assemble the patient folder with the appropriate labels and paperwork necessary for completing the necessary cytogenetic and molecular cytogenetic tests.
• FISH and Chromosome microarray: Follow the laboratory's SOP guidelines for Cytogenomic testing. A practical understanding and skills are required for processing specimens for fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) and SNP-CGH Microarray analyses. The skills include but not limited to, pre-/ post-FISH processing, DNA extractions, PCR amplification, and pre-/post- SNP-CGH Microarray processing.
• Chromosome analysis: Follow the laboratory's SOP in order to culture, harvest, slide preparation, staining and scanning. To this end, practical understanding and skills are required for working in biological laminar flow hoods and incubators in addition to being proficient in sterile tissue culture techniques and basic microscopy.
• Quality control: Conduct established quality control and performance improvement activities. Manage necessary records and files in order to document and monitor the Cytogenetics Laboratory's Quality Management Program. Participate in required lot-to-lot reagent QC
• Maintain all necessary equipment and instrumentation in the proper working order and be able to recognize and correct malfunctions within the scope of the operations manual and record troubleshooting activities.
• Assist the laboratory's efforts in archiving including fixed specimen pellets, slides, and laboratory and patient files. Assist and communicate in the daily laboratory operations which are designed for efficient reporting of accurate results to healthcare professionals.
• Ability to stand and work at the bench for long periods of time
• Other duties as assigned

QUALIFICATIONS:

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Education/Experience:

Entry level position with no experience necessary but must meet CLIA 88 testing personnel requirements for high complexity testing which includes an Associate, Bachelor's, Master's, or Doctoral degree in chemical, physical, biological science, medical/clinical laboratory, or medical technology disciplines.

Language Ability:

Write and read English fluently. Have the ability to analyze and interpret common scientific and technical manuals, SOPs, and journals. Understand medical and scientific terminology that relates to the clinical specimens and potential treatments.

Math Ability:

Understand and apply basic mathematical concepts like algebra, fractions, percentages, ratios, and basic statistics to practical laboratory situations.

Reasoning Ability:

Ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions. Ability to interpret an extensive variety of technical instructions in mathematical or diagram form and deal with several abstract and concrete variables.

Computer Skills:

Basic computing skills including word processing, manipulating spreadsheets, communicating with e-mails, and proficient with the Laboratory Information Systems (i.e. CoPath).

Certificates and Licenses:

No certifications needed

HNL Lab Medicine is an equal opportunity employer. In accordance with, and where applicable, in addition to federal, state and local employment regulations, Lehigh Valley Health Network will provide employment opportunities to all persons without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability or other such protected classes as may be defined by law. All personnel actions and programs will adhere to this policy. Personnel actions and programs include, but are not limited to recruitment, selection, hiring, transfers, promotions, terminations, compensation, benefits, educational programs and/or social activities.

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