R&D Molecular Diagnostics Technician (Fountain Valley, CA)

We understand that the world we want tomorrow starts with how we do business today, and that’s why we’re inspired to make A Better World for Pets. Antech is comprised of a diverse team of individuals who are committed to each other’s growth and development. Our culture is centered on our guiding philosophy, The Five Principles: Quality, Responsibility, Mutuality, Efficiency and Freedom. Today Antech is driving the future of pet health as part of Mars Science & Diagnostics, a family-owned company focused on veterinary care.

Current Associates will need to apply through the internal career site. Please log into Workday and click on Menu or View All Apps, select the Jobs Hub app, then click the magnifying glass to Browse Jobs.

The Target Pay Range for this position is $74,000 - $93,000 annually. At Antech, pay decisions are determined using factors such as relevant job-related skills, experience, education, training, and budget.

The R&D Molecular CI Specialist is responsible for performing various molecular diagnostic protocols,  troubleshooting escalated diagnostic cases, supporting continuous improvement program and creating QC criteria for novel assays . This is a highly dynamic, interactive and fast-paced position requiring a pro-active can-do and can-solve attitude in an innovative molecular diagnostics R&D arena.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:  

• Follow and perform protocols for various molecular diagnostics techniques.
• Nucleic acid extraction with emphasis for molecular diagnostic testing.
• Perform and analyze results for real-time PCR (qPCR), digital droplet PCR (ddPCR), array technologies based on microarray or beads, sequencing protocols, other molecular protocols,
• Design and conduct experiments to investigate issues pertaining, but not limited to, reagents, tests, protocols, and assay design of molecular assays.
• Support continuous improvement program of molecular assays by investigating escalated clinical cases and identifying new genotypes.
• Create QC criteria for novel molecular assays and new reagent lots.
• Prepare color compensation kits reagents and review color compensation experiments from across multiple laboratories.
• Assist in R&D protocol transition to QA and manufacturing departments
• Maintain QA database and filling system
• Perform statistical analysis of varying data, including but not limited to, monitoring of ISC QC failures and QuanPCR rates
• Establish stability of various reagents by designing and conducting stability studies
•  Exercises judgment in evaluating and reporting results to supervisor.
• Performs equipment maintenance.
• Knowledge of lab equipment and procedures.
• Awareness of quality control and calibration.
•   Entry of samples into a central sample collection (physical) and database (computer)
• Partner with associates cross-departmentally to drive mutual business goals.
• Cross-train and develop knowledge of multiple specialties within department/lab.
• Applies job skills and lab policies and procedures to complete a variety of tasks.
• Reads, understands and follows applicable Standard Operating Procedures (SOP's), including safety and quality procedures. 
• Maintains clean and organized work area and laboratory space
• Knowledge in supply inventory and restocking as needed.
• Participates in improving lab efficiency, quality, and cooperation.
• Consult with senior peers on troubleshooting problems.  
• May be asked to participate in enterprise initiatives, special projects, and other duties as assigned.
• May be required to travel up to 25% of the time.
• Reliable and dependable attendance is an essential function of the position.  Adherence to attendance-related policies and expectations is critical to this position
• Performs other duties as assigned.

EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE

• Graduate Degree in Molecular Biology, Biology, Cell & Molecular Biology, Immunology, or related science field, preferred. 
• Bachelor’s Degree in Molecular Biology, Biology, Molecular Sciences, Biotechnology, Biochemistry, Immunology, or science field related, required. 
• Minimum 1-3 years of PCR related lab experience, required.
• 1-3 years of quality assurance experience, required.

REQUIRED SKILLS AND ABILITIES:   

• Laboratory skills, with experience with experiment design, running, interpreting data and troubleshooting molecular assays and instruments.
• General science background, including cellular biology, basic nucleic acid biochemistry, biology of disease.
• Understanding of molecular design.
• Analytical skills pertaining to scientific and laboratory activities
• Attention to detail
• Problem-solving abilities
• Organized with ability to multi-task in a fast paced R&D environment
• Ability to work independently and as part of an interactive team
• Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written
• Positive, can-do and can-solve attitude
• Knowledge of Good Clinical Practice (GCP) and Good Lab Practices (GLP) as appropriate.
•   Personal computer skills, including strong typing ability and proficient use of Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, PowerPoint)

PHYSICAL DEMANDS: 

·       Extensive standing, phone, and computer use

·       Capable of standing continuously for up to 2 hours

·       Extend and reach with hands and arms and use hands and fingers

·       Occasionally required to bend, kneel, stoop, or crouch

·       May be required to lift, move, and carry up to 50 lbs.

·       Specific vision abilities required include close vision, color vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.

·       Hearing ability to effectively communicate via the telephone and in person

·       Ability to communicate verbally on the phone and in person

·       Fluency in the English language

·       Extended hours may be needed

·       Ability to travel up to 25% of time

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

·       Laboratory environment with potential biohazards present that are mitigated by the mandatory use of PPE.

·       Works under close to moderate supervision with limited latitude for independent judgment.

·       Normally receives general instructions on routine work, detailed instructions on new assignments. 

Potential for exposure to agents known to cause zoonotic disease in humans and use of potentially hazardous chemicals as defined by the National Hazard Communication Standards. A complete list of such chemicals is

About Antech

Antech is a leader in veterinary diagnostics, driven by our passion for innovation that delivers better animal health outcomes. Our products and services span 90+ reference laboratories around the globe; in-house diagnostic laboratory instruments and consumables, including rapid assay diagnostic products and digital cytology services; local and cloud-based data services; practice information management software and related software and support; veterinary imaging and technology; veterinary professional education and training; and board-certified specialist support services.

Benefits

Antech offers an industry competitive benefits package and continues to invest in and evolve benefits programs that meet the health, wellness and financial needs of our associates.

Benefits eligiblity is based on employment status.

• Paid Time Off & Holidays

• Medical, Dental, Vision (Multiple Plans Available)

• Basic Life (Company Paid) & Supplemental Life

• Short and Long Term Disability (Company Paid)

• Flexible Spending Accounts/Health Savings Accounts

• Paid Parental Leave

• 401(k) with company match

• Tuition/Continuing Education Reimbursement

• Life Assistance Program

• Pet Care Discounts

Commitment to Equal Employer Opportunities

We are proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. For a complete EEO statement, please see our Career page at Antech Careers.

Note to Search Firms/Agencies

Antech Diagnostics, Inc. and its subsidiaries and affiliates (Antech) do not compensate search firms for unsolicited assistance unless they have a written search agreement with Antech and the requisition is position-specific. Any resumes, curriculum vitae, and other unsolicited assistance from search firms that do not have a written search agreement or position-specific requisition submitted to any Associate of Antech will be deemed the sole property of Antech and no fee will be paid in the event the candidate is hired by Antech.