PCR Laboratory Technician – Austin

Rocky Mountain Laboratories LLC

Austin (TX)

On-site

USD 30,000 - 37,000

Full time

8 days ago

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Benefits offered by this job

Health Insurance

Paid Time Off (21 days)

7 Paid Holidays

401(k)

Health Savings Account (HSA)

Disability (STD/ LTD)

Life and AD&D Insurance

Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

Job summary

Rocky Mountain Laboratories in Austin, TX is seeking a PCR Laboratory Technician to join our clinical lab team. This full-time, onsite role requires hands-on molecular biology with experience on human clinical specimens and CLIA-regulated workflows.

Responsibilities include end-to-end molecular workflows, data analysis, and timely reporting using QuantStudio and KingFisher systems. Prioritize high-volume testing while maintaining quality and compliance.

Qualifications

Hands-on bench experience performing testing on human clinical specimens in a CLIA-regulated laboratory.
Demonstrated ability to follow protocols and perform high-complexity testing under CLIA.
Ability to work independently with minimal supervision after onboarding.
Bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral degree in chemical, physical, biological, or clinical laboratory science, or medical technology.
OR Associate degree in laboratory science or medical laboratory technology.
OR 60 semester hours (with at least 24 in biology and chemistry) plus documented training in molecular biology (minimum 3 months) or an accredited clinical laboratory program.

Responsibilities

Perform molecular testing (PCR, RT-PCR, qPCR, and/or NGS) on human clinical specimens in a CLIA-regulated laboratory environment, including infectious disease and/or genetic testing panels.
Independently perform full molecular workflows, including specimen accessioning/plating, manual nucleic acid extraction, PCR setup, data analysis, and result reporting.
Process and manage moderate- to high-volume daily specimen workflows while maintaining accuracy and turnaround times.
Prepare reagents, controls, and samples with strict adherence to quality standards.
Set up, run, and troubleshoot real-time PCR assays and ensure accurate result interpretation.
Demonstrate clear understanding of PCR workflow steps and quality checkpoints.
Record, analyze, and interpret test results; promptly report abnormalities.
Maintain, calibrate, and troubleshoot laboratory instruments and equipment.
Operate molecular laboratory instrumentation and systems, including real-time PCR platforms (QuantStudio 5/6/12), KingFisher Flex extraction systems, and related molecular lab equipment.
Perform quality control and proficiency testing.
Ensure compliance with CLIA, CAP, and other regulatory requirements.
Maintain organized documentation for audits and inspections.
Prioritize tasks to meet turnaround times in a moderate- to high-volume clinical environment.
Collaborate with lab staff and communicate testing updates and issues.
Maintain a clean and safe laboratory workspace.
Assist with training of new or temporary staff as needed.
Support internal audits, continuous improvement initiatives, and special projects as assigned

Skills

Hands-on bench experience

CLIA high-complexity testing

Independent work after onboarding

PCR/molecular testing on human samples

Quality systems compliance

Equipment troubleshooting

Documentation for audits

Education

Bachelor’s/Master’s/Doctoral in clinical laboratory science

ASCP or equivalent certification

Associate degree in laboratory science

60 sem. hours with 24 in biology/chemistry + molecular biology training

Tools

QuantStudio real-time PCR

KingFisher Flex

NGS workflows

Real-time PCR systems

Job description

PCR Laboratory Technician

Rocky Mountain Laboratories – Austin, TX

About Us

Rocky Mountain Laboratories is a clinical laboratory providing comprehensive laboratory services. We are dedicated to delivering accurate and timely diagnostic information and are committed to improving healthcare outcomes through cutting-edge technology and a customer-focused approach.

Position

We are seeking a PCR Laboratory Technician to join our Austin clinical laboratory team. This is a full-time, onsite role at our lab near Austin-Bergstrom International Airport. Hands-on bench experience in a CLIA-regulated clinical laboratory is required, and recent PCR/molecular experience on human clinical specimens is strongly preferred.

The ideal candidate has independently performed full molecular workflows on human clinical diagnostic specimens, including manual nucleic acid extraction, PCR setup, data analysis, and result reporting, and can integrate quickly with minimal ramp-up time.

Research-only or academic laboratory experience does not meet the clinical bench requirements for this role.

Pay

$22–$27/hour, depending on experience

Schedule

Full-time, 9:00 AM–5:30 PM (includes a 30-minute lunch break), either Monday–Friday or Tuesday–Saturday

Responsibilities

Perform molecular testing (PCR, RT-PCR, qPCR, and/or NGS) on human clinical specimens in a CLIA-regulated laboratory environment, including infectious disease and/or genetic testing panels
Independently perform full molecular workflows, including specimen accessioning/plating, manual nucleic acid extraction, PCR setup, data analysis, and result reporting
Process and manage moderate- to high-volume daily specimen workflows while maintaining accuracy and turnaround times
Prepare reagents, controls, and samples with strict adherence to quality standards
Set up, run, and troubleshoot real-time PCR assays and ensure accurate result interpretation
Demonstrate clear understanding of PCR workflow steps and quality checkpoints
Record, analyze, and interpret test results; promptly report abnormalities
Maintain, calibrate, and troubleshoot laboratory instruments and equipment
Operate molecular laboratory instrumentation and systems, including real-time PCR platforms (QuantStudio 5/6/12), KingFisher Flex extraction systems, and related molecular lab equipment
Perform quality control and proficiency testing
Ensure compliance with CLIA, CAP, and other regulatory requirements
Maintain organized documentation for audits and inspections
Prioritize tasks to meet turnaround times in a moderate- to high-volume clinical environment
Collaborate with lab staff and communicate testing updates and issues
Maintain a clean and safe laboratory workspace
Assist with training of new or temporary staff as needed
Support internal audits, continuous improvement initiatives, and special projects as assigned

Required Qualifications

Candidates must meet CLIA requirements for high-complexity testing personnel(42 CFR 493.1489):

Bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral degree in chemical, physical, biological, or clinical laboratory science, or medical technology
OR Associate degree in laboratory science or medical laboratory technology
OR 60 semester hours (with at least 24 in biology and chemistry) plus documented training in molecular biology (minimum 3 months) or an accredited clinical laboratory program

(Degrees in non-laboratory fields at any level are not accepted)

Additional Requirements

Hands-on bench experience performing testing on human clinical specimens in a CLIA-regulated laboratory
Demonstrated ability to follow protocols and perform high-complexity testing under CLIA
Ability to work independently with minimal supervision after onboarding

Preferred Qualifications

1+ year of recent hands-on molecular testing (PCR, RT-PCR, or qPCR) on human clinical specimens
Independent manual nucleic acid extraction experience
Ownership of full molecular workflows, from specimen preparation/plating through PCR setup, data analysis, and result reporting
Experience setting up and resulting real-time PCR (qPCR) assays
Experience performing infectious disease molecular testing (e.g., SARS-CoV-2, respiratory panels, STI testing)
Experience with KingFisher Flex or similar automated extraction platforms
Experience with QuantStudio 5/6/12 or similar real-time PCR systems
Experience in moderate- to high-volume testing environments
Familiarity with CLIA/CAP regulations and quality systems
ASCP or similar certification
Experience troubleshooting and maintaining laboratory equipment
Prior participation in lab inspections, audits, or validations

Benefits

Benefits for full-time W2 Team Members

Benefits begin 60 days after the first full month of full-time employment.

Health, Dental, and Vision Insurance
Paid Time Off (21 days annually for full-time team members)
7 Paid Holidays
401(k)
Health Savings Account (HSA)
Short-Term & Long-Term Disability (RML covers 60% of STD premium)
Voluntary Life and AD&D Insurance
100% Company-Funded Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

At Rocky Mountain Laboratories, we prioritize the care and well-being of our team members.

Equal Opportunity Employer Statement

Rocky Mountain Laboratories is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to diversity in its workforce. We comply with all applicable federal and state laws and prohibit discrimination based on race, ethnicity, religion, color, national origin, sex, age, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, veteran status, disability, or genetic information. We also comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities.

Pre-Employment Notice & E-Verify

Rocky Mountain Laboratories participates in E-Verify. Employment is contingent upon successful completion of a background check and other pre-employment screenings, as required.

Employment with Rocky Mountain Laboratories is at-will. This means either the Team Member or the company may end the employment relationship at any time, with or without cause or notice, in accordance with applicable laws. Nothing in this posting or in future communications alters that relationship.

While we appreciate interest from staffing agencies, Rocky Mountain Laboratories does not currently partner with external agencies. Resumes submitted unsolicited will not be considered, and no fees will be paid.

Please only reference our LinkedIn and Indeed pages for current openings: