Position Overview 

The Clinical Lab Technologist position will be responsible for processing medically relevant biological samples through extraction and/or high throughput next-generation DNA sequencing assays. This role will work within a team of Laboratorians in a fast-paced, high production setting to process research and clinical diagnostic samples to provide test results to patients, oncologists and other medical practitioners and researchers. As such, high attention to detail and clinical mindedness are crucial to success in this role. Adaptive’s clinical laboratories are CLIA/CAP/NYS/FDA certified, and as such this position needs to adhere to and uphold all applicable regulatory requirements. 

Working schedule: Tuesday - Friday 2:30pm - 11:00pm, Saturday 10:00am - 6:30pm

Position level I, II, or III is determined by candidates’ education, experience, and competencies as defined below: 

Scope/Impact 

Level I 

• Performs and provides general support for DNA extractions, PCR amplification, or high-throughput sequencing assays on DNA libraries in accordance with standard laboratory processes and procedures. 
• Operates and maintains laboratory equipment such as liquid handling robotics and DNA sequencers. 
• Completes tasks as assigned (e.g. routine clinical or research sample processing, validations, reagent QC runs, or special projects) accurately while following strict methodologies. 
• Provides guidance to less-experienced staff. 

Level II 

All of the above with some guidance, as well as: 

• Performs training and/or competency assessments for Clinical Laboratory Technician/Technologist team members on high complexity molecular methods.  

Level III 

All of the above with independence, as well as: 

• Suggests changes to existing laboratory procedures and processes to improve efficiency and results. 

Complexity 

Level I 

• Performs protocols under compliance with regulatory agencies, models appropriate clinical, regulatory and safety practices.  
• Makes decisions that impact quality, timeliness, and effectiveness of the team. 
• Resolves basic problems that may involve uncommon variations of issues.  
• Identifies and uses up to date, accurate information for problem solving and analysis. 
• Ensures compliance with lab regulatory agencies (GxP, FDA, ISO). 
• Keeps accurate and detailed records for all workflows following Good Documentation Practices. 

Level II 

All of the above with some guidance, as well as: 

• Suggests improvements to existing laboratory procedures and processes to improve the efficiency of the team. 
• Works on assignments requiring considerable clinical judgement and initiative. 
• Understands implications of their work performance and when to escalate issues upward. 

Level III 

All of the above with independence, as well as: 

• Identifies and uses knowledge of how supporting teams function with own team. 

Knowledge/Level of Expertise 

Level I 

• Demonstrates excellent clinical judgment and integrity by possessing specialized skills through job-related training and considerable on-the-job experience. 
• Explains technical information within the team. 
• Demonstrates understanding of underlying scientific principles of analytical methods and provides relevant information to Supervisor or Lead Technologist to assist with troubleshooting assay or instrument issues leading to appropriate corrective actions. 
• Has strong communication skills to present problems or issues to Supervisor or Lead Technologist. 
• Handles sensitive information confidentially. 

Level II 

All of the above with considerable knowledge/skills in a range of laboratory procedures. 

Level III 

All of the above with deep knowledge/skills in a range of laboratory procedures. 

Interactions, Supervision and Discretion 

Level I 

• Exhibit clear and effective communication to facilitate effective handoff procedures. 
• Follows standardized laboratory processes and procedures with some guidance on daily work. 
• Uses clinical discretion to make recommendations for improving work procedures and processes to improve efficiency. 

Level II 

All of the above with minimal guidance, as well as: 

• Provides guidance to more junior team members. 

Level III 

All of the above with independence, and frequently applies educated discretion in decision making. 

Regulatory Responsibility 

Level I, II, and III: 

• Maintain continuing education credit requirements.  
• Record nonconformances for all appropriate errors.  
• Enter and track data in a laboratory information database (LIMS)  
• Operate and maintain laboratory equipment such as liquid handling robotics and DNA sequencers.  
• Regulatory responsibilities per Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP)  
• Regulatory responsibilities per Good Clinical Practices (GCP)  
• Regulatory responsibilities per Good Laboratory Practices (GLP)  
• Regulatory responsibilities of “Testing Personnel” for high complexity testing as defined by 42CFR493.1495 
• All other duties as assigned 

Position Requirements (Education, Experience, Other) 

Required  

• Molecular biology skills (e.g. DNA Extraction, Purification, PCR, qPCR, next-generation DNA sequencing) and related technical knowledge. 
• Experience working with human specimens (e.g. blood, tissues and/or cells) and biohazardous material.  
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, ability to collaborate across teams and disciplines. 

As well as: 

Level I Must meet ONE of the following: 

• Bachelor’s or higher in medical technology or laboratory science from an accredited institution, OR: 
• Bachelor’s or higher in one of the chemical or biological sciences from an accredited institution + 6 months of high-complexity molecular experience and/or training in a clinical laboratory (holding a CLIA Certificate of Compliance/Accreditation) 

Level II 

Must meet ALL of the following: 

• Bachelor’s or higher in medical technology or laboratory science, chemical science, or biological science from an accredited institution. 
• Minimum of 1 year of experience and/or training in a clinical laboratory (holding a CLIA Certificate of Compliance/Accreditation) meeting the definition of “high-complexity”. 
• Minimum of 3 years of pertinent molecular laboratory experience. 
• Minimum of 2 years with a Master’s or higher. 

Level III 

Must meet ALL of the following: 

• Bachelor’s or higher in medical technology or laboratory science, chemical science, or biological science from an accredited institution. 
• Minimum of 3 years of experience and/or training in a clinical laboratory (holding a CLIA Certificate of Compliance/Accreditation) meeting the definition of “high-complexity”. 
• Minimum of 2 years with a Master’s or higher. 
• Minimum of 5 years of pertinent molecular laboratory experience. 
• Minimum of 3 years with a Master’s or higher. 
• Competent in laboratory automation and demonstrated laboratory best practices. 

Preferred 

• ASCP(MB) certification  
• Specialized knowledge and skills: Experience in a clinical, high-throughput environment is preferred.  
• Working knowledge of laboratory terminology, equipment, and supplies.  
• Competent in laboratory automation and demonstrated laboratory best practices.  
• Experience working within an electronic Laboratory Information Management System 
• Self-motivated and can work independently, with minimal supervision, while also working as part of a team environment in a dynamic organization. Strong interpersonal and communication skills, both written and spoken.  
• Experience with Adaptive’s Sample Prep or PCR/Sequencing technologies or Methods. 

Working Conditions 

• Job involves working in a laboratory handling human biological specimens.
• Employees work on assigned shifts which may include late evenings & weekends.
• Occasional flexibility and willingness to work more than assigned hours is expected. 
• Individuals are required to sit or stand for much of the workday and perform data entry into computer systems.  

Compensation 

• Level I: $27.16 – $40.72 per hour 
• Level II: $34.33 – $51.54 per hour 
• Level III: $38.56 – $57.88 per hour 

Other compensation elements include

• Equity grant 
• Bonus eligible 

Position Overview

The Biological Sample Management Accessioning Specialist II is a developing team member who accessions samples and assists in managing samples throughout their lifecycle at Adaptive. Specialists in this role spend most of their time in the lab.

Working hours: Tuesday-Saturday 10:30am-7:00pm

Key Responsibilities and Essential Functions

Primary Responsibilities 

• Receive and accession samples into the Laboratory Information System used by BSM
• Identify problem samples/shipments and discern if issue needs to be escalated to another department or BSM leadership
• Enter, upload, and ensure accuracy and completeness of information pertaining to samples and related projects through multiple systems
• Ensure there is a record of every system transaction relating to each managed sample to evidence sample Chain of Custody (COC)
• Ensure appropriate storage and transfer of each physical sample through the entire sample management lifecycle
• Perform sample disposition management (disposal, return)
• Perform check-in and check-out of biological samples to/from BSM
• Perform sample transfers at the appropriate temperature to each department at designated times
• Work independently with a strong understanding of underlying processes and excellent time management capabilities
• Perform other duties as assigned by Supervisor or other senior BSM staff
• Follow document processes, safety protocols, and laboratory regulations including Good Clinical and Laboratory Practices (GCLP), College of American Pathologists (CAP), Clinical Laboratory Improvements Amendment (CLIA)
• All other duties as assigned

Core Competencies  

• Job knowledge: performs all functions associated in accordance with standard operating procedures, work orders, protocols, and training guides
• Quality standards: delivers high quality work, free from defects
• Productivity: may sometimes require assistance to prioritize and organize work effectively to meet assigned deadlines and turnaround times
• Dependability: carries out assigned tasks within the department. Attends all department meetings and communicates barriers to schedule availability.  
• High impact team player: identifies and presents solutions to roadblocks. Individual actively participates and provides feedback in a way that fosters a positive work environment.
• Time management: accurately updates timecard by designated due date.  Adheres to guidelines in the employee handbook. 

Position Requirements (Education, Experience, Other)

Required

• 1+ years of experience working in a clinical laboratory performing CLIA high complexity testing or working with clinical samples in a regulated laboratory 
• High School Diploma/ Associate degree

Preferred

• Earned Bachelor’s degree in Biology, Molecular Biology, Immunology or Chemistry
• Experience in a high throughput clinical, research or pathology testing laboratory
• Ability to work in an accurate and timely manner in a fast-paced, team environment
• Experience with LIMS systems, and web-based applications
• High integrity and experience with HIPAA compliance 
• Experience delivering excellent customer service
• Any additional trainings or courses relevant to the role

Working Conditions

The job involves working in a laboratory handling human biological specimens. Employees work on assigned shifts which may include late evenings and weekends. Occasional flexibility and willingness to work more than assigned hours is expected.

Physical Requirements

• Individuals are required to sit or stand for much of the workday and perform data entry into computer systems
• Individuals must be able to lift up to 30 lbs
• Individuals must be able to wear personal protective gear correctly while in the laboratory

Compensation

Hourly Rate: $22.84 - $27.79

Other compensation elements include:

• equity grant
• bonus eligible