Clinical Laboratory Technologist

Lighthouse Lab Services; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Collaboration opportunities

Mission-driven environment

Opportunity to impact patient care

Job summary

A precision diagnostics company in Houston is seeking a Laboratory Technologist for Fluorescence Imaging & Molecular Diagnostics. In this role, you will perform high-complexity laboratory testing and ensure accurate analysis of tumor cells. Ideal candidates will have a Master’s degree in a relevant field along with significant experience in clinical diagnostics and fluorescence microscopy. Join a mission-driven lab environment focused on scientific excellence.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in a life sciences discipline required; PhD preferred.
• 3–7+ years of experience in clinical diagnostics or related laboratory disciplines.
• Hands-on experience with multi-channel fluorescence imaging.

Responsibilities

• Perform tumor cell detection using fluorescence microscopy systems.
• Document test results and workflows in an audit-ready manner.
• Train laboratory staff on imaging systems and analytical techniques.

Skills

Clinical diagnostics

Fluorescence microscopy

Analytical skills

Attention to detail

Education

Master’s degree in Molecular Biology or related field

Tools

BioView

Zeiss

Olympus

Job description

Lighthouse is partnering with a fast-growing, precision diagnostics company advancing specialized oncology testing solutions. The organization develops proprietary clinical assays focused on detecting and characterizing tumor cells that have spread to the central nervous system. Its cerebrospinal fluid–based platform enables quantitative measurement and molecular profiling of rare tumor cells and circulating tumor DNA, helping clinicians make more informed treatment decisions. The company is currently expanding commercial operations within the United States.

Position Summary

The Laboratory Technologist – Fluorescence Imaging & Molecular Diagnostics is responsible for performing high-complexity laboratory testing in a regulated clinical environment. Working closely with Laboratory and Medical Directors, this role ensures accurate fluorescence imaging analysis, tumor cell enumeration, and comprehensive documentation aligned with CLIA and CAP standards.

This position collaborates with laboratory operations and scientific teams to maintain testing throughput, uphold quality standards, and contribute to the ongoing optimization of imaging workflows.

Key Responsibilities

Advanced Microscopy & Rare-Cell Analysis

• Perform tumor cell detection and enumeration using multi-channel fluorescence microscopy systems.
• Analyze multi-spectral fluorescent images, distinguishing authentic cellular signals from artifacts, debris, and nonspecific staining.
• Apply established interpretation guidelines and standardized reporting criteria for rare-event detection assays.
• Maintain consistency and accuracy across image analysis workflows.

Quality Assurance & Compliance

• Accurately document test results, workflows, and quality control data in an audit-ready manner.
• Escalate atypical, borderline, or unexpected findings to laboratory leadership and collaborate on case interpretation.
• Participate in inter-operator concordance studies and quality control investigations related to imaging performance.
• Adhere to CLIA, CAP, and internal quality system requirements within a high-complexity laboratory setting.

Operational & Team Support

• Review and analyze imaging batches according to laboratory schedules and throughput targets.
• Deliver precise and timely results to support clinical reporting timelines.
• Assist in training and mentoring laboratory staff on imaging systems, analytical techniques, and workflow best practices.
• Contribute to continuous improvement initiatives aimed at enhancing accuracy, efficiency, and scalability.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Molecular Biology, Biomedical Sciences, Cytotechnology, or related life sciences discipline required; PhD preferred.
• 3–7+ years of experience in clinical diagnostics, cytology, histopathology, immunocytochemistry, fluorescence microscopy, or related laboratory disciplines.
• Hands‑on experience with multi‑channel fluorescence imaging and rare‑event analysis.
• Proficiency with professional imaging platforms (e.g., BioView, Zeiss, Olympus, Celigo, or comparable systems).
• Experience working in regulated, high‑complexity laboratory environments; CLIA and/or CAP experience strongly preferred.
• Strong analytical and critical‑thinking skills with exceptional attention to detail.
• Ability to follow controlled procedures and maintain thorough, compliant documentation.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills with demonstrated ability to collaborate across teams.

This opportunity offers the chance to contribute to cutting‑edge oncology diagnostics within a collaborative, mission‑driven laboratory environment focused on scientific excellence and patient impact.

About us:

At Lighthouse Lab Services, we offer solutions to help start, grow, and run clinical laboratories. Our recruiting team has over 22 years of proven success placing job seekers in positions ranging from entry‑level Medical Technologists to seasoned Laboratory Directors. We recruit nationwide, for permanent and travel positions with clients ranging from small hospitals to large reference laboratories.

It is the policy of Lighthouse Lab Services to provide equal employment opportunity (EEO) to all persons regardless of age, color, national origin, citizenship status, physical or mental disability, race, religion, creed, gender, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, genetic information, marital status, status with regard to public assistance, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local law. Lighthouse Lab Services is committed to working and providing reasonable accommodation to individuals of all abilities, including persons with disabilities.

If at any time during the application process, you need an accommodation, please contact [e-mail] for assistance.

Lighthouse Lab Services | 844-974-1929 | https://www.lighthouselabservices.com/