Genetics Trainee

Fulgent Genetics; Alpharetta (GA); On-site; USD 48,000 - 64,000; Full time

Job summary

Fulgent Therapeutics LLC/CSI offers an entry-level cytogenetics internship focusing on cell culture, chromosome analysis, and karyotype preparation. Trainees rotate through all lab sections, learn to maintain records, and gain proficiency in microscopy and imaging techniques under supervision.

The 18-month program culminates in eligibility for promotion to Genetic Technologist I upon passing the certification exam and meeting performance criteria.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in biology or related field.
• Experience in laboratory sciences desired but not required.
• Continuing education hours required for licensure/certification maintenance.

Responsibilities

• Perform laboratory procedures under supervision across laboratory sections.
• Develop proficiency in cell culture, chromosome analysis, and karyotype preparation.
• Maintain accurate records and laboratory databases for specimens and findings.
• Operate microscopes and imaging equipment for metaphase analysis and documentation.
• Adhere to safety, quality control, and institutional policies.

Skills

Cell culture

Microscopy

Documentation

Quality control

Sterile technique

Education

Bachelor's degree in biology or related field

Tools

Microscope

GSL scanning system

Imaging equipment

Job description

Summary of Position

Under direct supervision, performs laboratory procedures at an entry-level capacity in accordance with standard procedures. Rotate through each section of the laboratory and develops proficiency in cell culture and harvest, microscope monitor analysis of chromosomes for detection of abnormalities, and the preparation of karyotypes. Adheres to laboratory policies for safety, conduct, and performance.

*This is an 18-month position. Upon passing the certification exam, the trainee will be eligible for a promotion to Genetic Technologist I.

Key Job Elements

• Cell Culture: Handle, prepare, and process various specimens; learn to identify appropriate specimens for study, and methods of collection, preservation, and transport; learn the appropriate culture techniques for a variety of specimen types; understand the principles and techniques for harvesting cell cultures of human tissue for genetic testing; apply knowledge of cell cycle for various cell types and culture conditions; understand the principles and techniques of chromosome banding and staining; develop troubleshooting skills to obtain optimal banding and staining results.
• Charts/Records: Learn to maintain necessary records and laboratory database in logbooks and computers as related to specimens. Records pertinent laboratory data on the appropriate form or chart to ensure accurate and complete documentation of laboratory findings.
• Microscopy/Analysis: Learn to properly align all optical components of the microscope to guarantee that the lamp is centered, and the condenser and field diaphragm are properly adjusted for Kohler Illumination. Learn to select suitable metaphases for analysis and become proficient in the detection of numerical and structural abnormalities. Learn to accurately record complete documentation of analytical findings. Learn how to use GSL scanning system.
• Imaging: Learn to use specialized equipment for capture and enhancement of images at optimum resolution.
• Professional Development: Attends in-services, reads professional literature, and participates in educational programs and activities to remain abreast of developments in the field of cytogenetics.
• Quality Control: Complies with quality control policies and procedures to ensure that all aspects of laboratory operation are performed in accordance with accepted standards and applicable laws for clinical laboratories.
• Reagents/Media: Establish good laboratory practice skills; learn to operate, clean and maintain all laboratory equipment and instruments needed to prepare reagents, stains, and media in accordance with laboratory protocol.
• Staining: Learn to perform staining procedures for routine and specialized analysis.
• Safety: Understand and perform universal precaution measures necessary for the handling of fresh body fluids.
• Sterile Technique: Observes principles of sterile technique in carrying out daily responsibilities including the proper cleaning and sterilization of work surfaces.
• Supplies: Assist in maintaining an adequate stock of commonly used supplies.
• Performs related responsibilities as required.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in biology or related scientific field.
• Experience in laboratory sciences desired but not required.
• Laboratory personnel participating in licensure or certification maintenance programs must complete the number of continuing education hours prescribed by their licensing or certifying agency.
• Technical laboratory personnel whose certification has been grandfathered and does not require participation in a certification maintenance program must complete at least twelve hours of continuing education annually.

Environment

Fulgent Therapeutics LLC/CSI is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer.

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. The term "qualified individual with a disability" means an individual with a disability who, with or without reasonable accommodation, can perform the essential functions of the position.

• Potential Exposure to toxic chemicals and the bio-hazards associated with handling blood, solid tissue, and body fluids.