NGS Lab Technician

US Oncology Inc.; Silver Spring (MD); On-site; USD 54,000 - 83,000; Full time

Job summary

Maryland Oncology Hematology seeks a skilled laboratory professional to perform high and moderate complexity testing, including DNA/RNA extraction, sequencing library prep, sequencing, and data analysis on patient samples, under Lab Manager supervision.

The role emphasizes QC, instrument maintenance, and collaboration with clinicians to integrate NGS data into patient care. Regular schedule Tue–Sat with flexible hours and start around 10:30–11:00 AM, end 6:30–7:00 PM.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Medical Technology, Clinical Laboratory Science, or related health care field.
• OR a Baccalaureate degree with major in molecular biology, genetics, biochemistry, biology or chemistry plus 30 semester hours in biology and chemistry.
• At least 1 year of hands-on lab experience operating Next Generation sequencing equipment; 3+ years is a plus.
• Experience with Illumina sequencers (NextSeq 500DX, NovaSeq 6000) is highly preferred.
• Familiarity with lab automation and molecular techniques such as PCR is a plus.
• Laboratory experience in moderate or high complexity clinical labs is highly preferred.

Responsibilities

• Participates in development, optimization, validation and troubleshooting of sequencing protocols and technologies.
• Performs CLIA moderate and high complexity testing with minimal supervision.
• Performs routine sample processing including DNA/RNA extraction, library prep, sequencing and data analysis.
• Analyzes clinical specimens and maintains records of testing and results.
• Maintains and operates sequencing instruments and performs regular maintenance.
• Ensures compliance with quality control policies and documents QC activities and calibrations.
• Documents corrective actions when test systems deviate from performance.
• Maintains documentation and prepares reagents and supplies for tests.
• Trains employees and trainees in MOH-NGS laboratory procedures.
• Collaborates with clinical staff to integrate NGS data into patient care.

Skills

Lab experience

NGS knowledge

Quality control

Team collaboration

Education

Bachelor in Medical Technology / Clinical Laboratory Science

Baccalaureate in molecular biology/ Genetics/ Biochemistry with biology & chemistry

Tools

NextSeq 500DX

NovaSeq 6000

PCR & real-time PCR

Job description

Overview

Join Our Team at Maryland Oncology Hematology!

We’re looking for passionate and talented professionals to join our team in providing exceptional cancer care. If you’re dedicated to making a difference for patients, physicians, and colleagues, we want to hear from you! With 15+ locations across Maryland and DC, we offer a dynamic and supportive environment where you can grow and thrive.

The general pay scale for this position at MOH is $26.02 - $40.03 per hour. The actual hiring rate is dependent on many factors, including but not limited to prior work experience, education, job/position responsibilities, location, work performance, etc.

Responsibilities

SCOPE: High Complexity Laboratory Testing

• Responsible for accurately performing specimen analysis, instrument maintenance, and quality control procedures including moderate and highcomplexitylaboratory
• Initiatesandfollowsqualityassuranceandsafetypoliciesand
• Performs specimen collection and assists with patient flow as needed.
• Trains employees in laboratory procedures.
• May act as primary operator for at least one laboratory instrument.
• Acts as a resource for laboratory science information.
• May oversee daily laboratory activities in absence of supervisor.
• Performs clinical tests used in the treatment and diagnosis of diseases.
• Demonstrates the clinical thinking and technical skills needed to assess the appropriateness of results and the need for retesting or equipment recalibration.
• Performs and monitors specialized diagnostic laboratory tests.
• Works within clearly defined standard operating procedures and/or scientific methods and adheres to quality guidelines.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Under supervision of the Lab Manager (or designated senior technical personnel):

• Participates in the development, optimization, validation and troubleshooting of sequencing and other clinical assay protocols, instrumentation, and technologies to ensure high-quality results. Maintain detailed records of validation procedures and results.
• Performs CLIA classified moderate and High complexity testing with minimal
• Performs routine sample processing including DNA/RNA extraction and QC, sequencing library preparation, sequencing, and data analysis on patient samples, or other samples (for validation, research etc.) as required.
• Performs analysis of clinical specimens, including blood and other bodily fluids, fresh, frozen or fixed tissue specimens, following the laboratory’s procedures for specimen handling and processing, test analyses, reporting, and maintaining records of patient
• Maintains and operates all laboratory general and specialized instrumentation, including Next Generation sequencers, such as the NextSeq 500DX and NovaSeq 6000. Performs daily, weekly and monthly instrument maintenance as
• Performs data quality analysis to ensure the accuracy and reliability of sequencing results.
• Adheres to the laboratory’s quality control policies and documents all QC activities, instrument and procedural calibrations, and instrument maintenance. Records proper lot numbers of all controls, calibrators, and reagents.
• Follows the laboratory’s policies whenever test systems are not within the laboratory’s established acceptable levels of performance. Identifies problems that may adversely affect test performance or reporting of test results and either corrects the problem or notifies supervisor. Documents all corrective actions taken when test systems deviate from the laboratory’s established performance
• Maintains proper documentation as described by the quality assurance program including accessioning logs, test report logs, quality control logs, equipment records and checklists. Verifies all critical results and documents with accurate follow-up.
• Records results on appropriate worksheet and computer system and performs file Processes specimens for send-out testing if required.
• Participates in proficiency testing by performing sample analysis and reporting results at least once a
• Adheres to/ensures compliance with clinical laboratory regulations and standards, including all OSHA compliance laws and Universal Precaution procedures, and applicable regulatory agency regimens, such as CLIA, CAP Complies with quality assurance standards.
• As assigned, participates actively in the writing and updating of laboratory Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).
• Maintains adequate inventory of supplies and ensures that all supplies are viable before using in patient Prepares reagents, stains and other chemical solutions as needed. Restocks the laboratory area as needed.
• Maintains a clean working
• Properly disposes of hazardous
• Participates in the training of other employees and trainees in MOH-NGS laboratory
• Maintains confidentially all information related to patients and medical
• Collaborate with clinical staff to integrate NGS data into patient care.

Qualifications

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s degree in Medical Technology, Clinical Laboratory Science, or related health care field
• OR Baccalaureate degree from an accredited college/university with a major in in molecular biology, Genetics, Biochemistry, biological science or chemistry with a combination of 30 semester hours (45 quarter hours) in biology and chemistry, which may be obtained within, or in addition to, the baccalaureate degree.
• At least one (1) year of hands‑on laboratory experience operating Next Generation sequencing equipment is required; three (3) years or more is a plus.
• Proven hands‑on experience working with Illumina sequencers such as the NextSeq 500DX and NovaSeq 6000 platforms is highly preferred.
• Familiarity with laboratory automation, and molecular techniques such as PCR, real‑time PCR is a plus.
• Laboratory experience working in a moderate or high complexity clinical laboratory is highly preferred.
• MB(ASCP) (Technologist in Molecular Biology) certification is a plus; Licensure and certification requirements depend on the state.
• Excellent computer skills, including proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel and Outlook.
• Strong communication skills and ability to work collaboratively in a team environment.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations will be offered to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Physical demands of this job typically require full range of body motion including manual and finger dexterity and eye‑hand coordination in operation and manipulation of complex laboratory equipment. Requires sitting/standing for extensive periods of time with the use hands to finger, handle, or feel and arms to reach or carry. Occasionally lifts and carries items weighing up to 40 lbs. Requires corrected vision, color perception and hearing to normal range. Requires legible handwriting.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations will be offered to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Work is performed in an office environment and requires significant interaction with management, staff and external auditors and clients.

This position requires working Tuesday to Saturday (Sunday and Monday off).

This position requires working a flexible work schedule.

Typical Start time 10:30 to 11:00 AM – End time 6:30 – 7:00 PM