R&D Molecular Diagnostics Technician (Fountain Valley, CA)

Antech Diagnostics; Fountain Valley (CA); On-site; USD 39,000 - 45,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid Time Off

Medical, Dental, Vision

Life Insurance

Disability

Flexible Spending Accounts/Health

Parental Leave

401(k) with company match

Tuition Reimbursement

Pet Care Discounts

Job summary

Antech Diagnostics is seeking an MDx R&D Technician in California to perform molecular diagnostic workflows and support assay development in a fast-paced environment. You will collect samples, extract nucleic acids, and run qPCR/ddPCR with strict adherence to SOPs.

The role requires 1–3 years of PCR-related lab experience, strong attention to detail, and excellent communication skills. Collaboration with cross-functional teams and adherence to safety standards are essential.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Molecular Biology or related field is required.
• MS in Molecular Biology is a plus.
• Typically 1–3 years of PCR-related lab experience.
• Knowledge of Good Clinical Practice (GCP) and lab safety.
• Strong attention to detail and ability to multi-task in a fast-paced lab environment.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Follow and perform protocols for various molecular diagnostics techniques.
• Conduct nucleic acid extraction and sample preparation.
• Perform real-time PCR (qPCR) and analyze results.
• Assist with ddPCR and sequencing protocols.
• Maintain equipment and follow SOPs.
• Ensure QC and calibration compliance.
• Document results and communicate with supervisor.

Skills

Laboratory skills

Attention to detail

Excellent communication

Independent work

Team player

Education

Bachelor’s Degree in Molecular Biology

MS Degree in Molecular Biology

Tools

qPCR instrumentation

ddPCR equipment

Nucleic acid extraction equipment

Job description

We understand that the world we want tomorrow starts with how we do business today, and that’s why we’re inspired to make A Better World for Pets. Antech is comprised of a diverse team of individuals who are committed to each other’s growth and development. Our culture is centered on our guiding philosophy, The Five Principles: Quality, Responsibility, Mutuality, Efficiency and Freedom. Today Antech is driving the future of pet health as part of Mars Science & Diagnostics, a family-owned company focused on veterinary care.
The Target Pay Range for this position is $28 - $33 hourly. At Antech, pay decisions are determined using factors such as relevant job-related skills, experience, education, training, and budget.
PURPOSE OF JOB:
The MDx R&D Technician is responsible for performing various molecular diagnostic protocols including sample collection and nucleic acid extraction, reverse transcription, analysis and interpretation of results and troubleshooting. This is a highly dynamic, interactive and fast-paced position requiring a pro-active can-do and can-solve attitude in an innovative molecular diagnostics arena.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Follow and perform protocols for various molecular diagnostics techniques.
• Knowledge of sample collection and nucleic acid extraction with emphasis for molecular diagnostic testing.
• Perform and analyze results for real-time PCR (qPCR),
• May perform and analyze results for digital droplet PCR (ddPCR), array technologies based on microarray or beads, sequencing protocols, other molecular protocols.
• Exercises judgment in evaluating and reporting results to supervisor.
• Performs equipment maintenance.
• Knowledge of lab equipment and procedures.
• Awareness of quality control and calibration.
• Developing knowledge of multiple specialties.
• Library samples into a central sample collection (physical) and database (computer)
• Cross-train and develop knowledge of multiple specialties within department/lab.
• Applies job skills and lab policies and procedures to complete a variety of tasks.
• Reads, understands and follows applicable Standard Operating Procedures (SOP's), including safety and quality procedures. Maintains clean and organized work area.
• Knowledge in supply inventory and restocking as needed.
• Participates in improving lab efficiency, quality, and cooperation.
• Consult with senior peers on troubleshooting problems.
• May be asked to participate in enterprise initiatives, special projects, and other duties as assigned.
• Reliable and dependable attendance is an essential function of the position. Adherence to attendance-related policies and expectations is critical to this position.
• Performs other duties as assigned.
• We share a collaborative obligation to ensure that we conduct ourselves in the utmost ethical manner and that we hold each other accountable to the values and standards of the organization. Every employee has the responsibility to ask questions, seek guidance, and report concerns and/or violations of company policy or ethical standards. Antech Diagnostics has several processes in place to communicate with leadership and expects that employees will have a commitment to integrity and uncompromising values.

EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE:

• MS Degree in Molecular Biology, Biology, Cell & Molecular Biology, or related, a plus.
• Bachelor’s Degree in Molecular Biology, Biology, Molecular Sciences, Molecular Biology & Biotechnology, Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, or related, required.
• Typically 1-3 years of PCR related lab experience

REQUIRED SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

• Laboratory skills, with experience setting up, running, interpreting and troubleshooting molecular tests and operating molecular lab instruments.
• General science background, including cellular biology, basic nucleic acid biochemistry, biology of disease.
• Attention to detail
• Organized with ability to multi-task in a fast paced R&D environment
• Ability to work independently and as part of an interactive team
• Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written
• Positive, can-do and can-solve attitude
• Knowledge of Good Clinical Practice (GCP) as appropriate.
• Personal computer skills, including strong typing ability and proficient use of Microsoft Office

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

• Extensive standing, phone, and computer use
• Capable of standing continuously for up to 2 hours
• Extend and reach with hands and arms and use hands and fingers
• Occasionally required to bend, kneel, stoop, or crouch
• May be required to lift, move, and carry up to 50 lbs
• Specific vision abilities required include close vision, color vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.
• Hearing ability to effectively communicate via the telephone and in person
• Ability to communicate verbally on the phone and in person
• Fluency in the English language
• Extended hours may be needed

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

• Laboratory environment with potential biohazards present that are mitigated by the mandatory use of PPE.
• Works under close to moderate supervision with limited latitude for independent judgment.
• Normally receives general instructions on routine work, detailed instructions on new assignments.

About Antech
Antech is a leader in veterinary diagnostics, driven by our passion for innovation that delivers better animal health outcomes. Our products and services span 90+ reference laboratories around the globe; in-house diagnostic laboratory instruments and consumables, including rapid assay diagnostic products and digital cytology services; local and cloud-based data services; practice information management software and related software and support; veterinary imaging and technology; veterinary professional education and training; and board-certified specialist support services.
Benefits
Antech offers an industry competitive benefits package and continues to invest in and evolve benefits programs that meet the health, wellness and financial needs of our associates.
Benefits eligiblity is based on employment status.

• Paid Time Off & Holidays
• Medical, Dental, Vision (Multiple Plans Available)
• Basic Life (Company Paid) & Supplemental Life
• Short and Long Term Disability (Company Paid)
• Flexible Spending Accounts/Health Savings Accounts
• Paid Parental Leave
• 401(k) with company match
• Tuition/Continuing Education Reimbursement
• Life Assistance Program
• Pet Care Discounts

Commitment to Equal Employer Opportunities
We are proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. For a complete EEO statement, please see our Career page at Antech Careers.
Note to Search Firms/Agencies
Antech Diagnostics, Inc. and its subsidiaries and affiliates (Antech) do not compensate search firms for unsolicited assistance unless they have a written search agreement with Antech and the requisition is position-specific. Any resumes, curriculum vitae, and other unsolicited assistance from search firms that do not have a written search agreement or position-specific requisition submitted to any Associate of Antech will be deemed the sole property of Antech and no fee will be paid in the event the candidate is hired by Antech.