Technical Lead, Molecular Technologist

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At Exact Sciences, we’re helping change how the world prevents, detects and guides treatment for cancer. We give patients and clinicians the clarity needed to make confident decisions when they matter most. Join our team to find a purpose-driven career, an inclusive culture, and robust benefits to support your life while you’re working to help others.

Position Overview

The 2nd Shift Technical Lead Molecular Technologist (2:00pm - 12:30am) is responsible for performing highly-skilled molecular and operational activities in a fast-paced and complex environment and will provide supervision of the laboratory staff in the absence of the supervisor. The high complexity nature of the work requires excellent attention to detail, effective written and verbal communication skills, the ability to multi-task, flexibility with schedules, the ability to work independently in a team environment, and strong adherence to quality control and quality assurance procedures and compliance with the laboratory regulations.

Essential Duties

Include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Perform processing of patient samples using molecular biology protocols governed by standard operating procedures (SOPs).
• Extract nucleic acids from sample types; including, but not limited to, human tissue, blood, and saliva.
• Construct DNA/RNA libraries and next generation sequencing (NGS).
• Operate liquid handling robots.
• Act independently to determine methods and procedures on new assignments.
• Provide guidance and oversee the activities of the lower-level personnel; provide supervision in the absence of the immediate supervisor.
• Organize and lead a cross-functional coordinated effort to identify complex process issues; analyze and problem solve complex sample and/or plate issues by utilizing data from; including, but not limited to, SOPs, the laboratory information management software (LIMS) system, data management programs, and instrument files.
• Lead and coordinate troubleshooting efforts and identify the root cause of the issue; determine the impact on samples, plates, and quarantine reagents, as needed.
• Review patient and control data, and document according to the laboratory quality procedures; identify and communicate shifts, trends, or abnormal data and provide causality and solutions; provide resolution options and recommendations with the supportive information and implement solution with minimal oversight while keeping management informed.
• Maintain sufficient inventory of laboratory supplies for daily operations; work closely with the supply chain group to support point of use (POU) supplies; identify shortages and errors, and provide best options for lab supplies.
• Lead training efforts and complete all required training documentation; provide feedback and implementable ideas to the management to improve training efficiency and effectiveness.
• Perform daily maintenance and monitor the laboratory equipment.
• Troubleshoot complex instrumentation issues by; including, but not limited to, leading and coordinating troubleshooting efforts, identifying the root cause of instrument issue, and determining the impact on samples and plates.
• Assist with the development and upkeep of SOPs.
• Document activities and results in LIMS and worksheets.
• Perform environmental health and safety functions, as needed.
• Act as a point of contact for the temperature alarm systems and respond to ensure integrity of specimens and reagents, as needed.
• Ability to troubleshoot and recover automation problems.
• Ability to integrate and apply feedback in a professional manner.
• Ability to prioritize and drive to results with a high emphasis on quality.
• Ability to work as part of a team.
• Apply strong communication skills; ability to maintain open communication with internal employees, managers, and customers.
• Apply a high attention to detail with strong quality orientation.
• Uphold company mission and values through accountability, innovation, integrity, quality, and teamwork.
• Support and comply with the company’s Quality Management System policies and procedures.
• Maintain regular and reliable attendance.
• Ability to act with an inclusion mindset and model these behaviors for the organization.
• Ability to work nights or weekends, as needed.
• Ability to work seated for approximately 20% of a typical working day. Ability to work standing for approximately 80% of a typical working day.
• Ability to lift up to 25 pounds for approximately 5% of a typical working day.
• Ability to comply with any applicable personal protective equipment requirements.
• May perform repetitious actions using lab tools; including, but not limited to, pipettes.
• Ability to use various chemicals to perform duties.
• Ability to work on a mobile device, tablet, or in front of a computer screen and/or perform typing for approximately 30% of a typical working day.
• Ability to use a computer, concentrate, and read and/or analyze data.
• May be exposed to hazardous materials and instruments with moving parts, heating and freezing elements, and high-speed centrifugation.
• Ability to use various types of laboratory equipment; including next generation sequencing instruments, liquid handling robotics, and biosafety cabinets.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in a chemical, physical, biological or clinical laboratory science or medical technology.
• 4+ years of pertinent clinical laboratory experience.
• Experience and working knowledge of molecular laboratory techniques to include polymerase chain reaction test (PCR), library construction for NGS, and sequencing.
• Demonstrated strong user level knowledge of multiple critical instruments by articulating how an instrument and/or assay works and the root cause of instrument problems.
• Technical proficiency in basic molecular or microbiology techniques and related equipment.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office programs, such as Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
• Demonstrated ability to perform the essential duties of the position with or without accommodation.
• Authorization to work in the United States without sponsorship.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience as a lead or supervisor.
• Possession of a MB (ASCP) certification or MT/MLS (ASCP) certification.

Salary Range:

Exact Sciences is proud to offer an employee experience that includes paid time off (including days for vacation, holidays, volunteering, and personal time), paid leave for parents and caregivers, a retirement savings plan, wellness support, and health benefits including medical, prescription drug, dental, and vision coverage. Learn more about our benefits.

Our success relies on the experiences and perspectives of a diverse team, and Exact Sciences fosters a culture where all employees can develop personally and professionally with a sense of respect and belonging. If you require an accommodation, please contact us here.

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We are an equal employment opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to disability, protected veteran status, and any other status protected by applicable local, state, or federal law.

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