Senior Laboratory Technician/Specialist

Upenn; United States; On-site; USD 59,000 - 71,000; Full time

Job summary

University of Pennsylvania’s Genetic Diagnostic Laboratory is seeking a Senior Laboratory Technician/Specialist to join a dynamic team in the Perelman School of Medicine. You will perform routine and complex laboratory techniques related to DNA isolation, mutation detection, and real-time Q-PCR while supporting NGS library preparation and sequencing analyses.

The candidate will work on diverse genetic testing workflows, ensure proficiency testing, and assist in preparation of research papers and

Qualifications

• Bachelor of Science in biology, molecular biology, biochemistry, or related field is required with 3–5 years of relevant experience.
• Strong bench skills with routine molecular biology techniques including nucleic acid extraction, PCR, sequencing and QPCR.
• Familiarity with Web-based genomics databases and bioinformatic analysis is desirable.
• Ability to work independently and in a rapidly evolving team with good time management and communication skills.
• Experience with NGS setup and analysis; coding skills are a plus.
• Advanced MS Excel skills and coding are preferred.

Responsibilities

• Perform routine and complex laboratory procedures in a clinical genetic testing lab with established competency.
• Design, perform, and analyze molecular procedures including NGS, Sanger sequencing, arrays, methylation assays, QPCR and sequence alignments.
• Participate in proficiency testing and maintain compliance with testing policies and regulatory reviews.
• Maintain flexible weekend scheduling for STAT requests.
• Handle confidential information with discretion and maintain lab documentation.

Skills

Bench skills

Time management

Communication skills

Teamwork

NGS analysis

Coding

Education

B.S. in biology or related fields

Tools

NGS

Sanger Sequencing

QPCR

Excel

Job description

University Overview

The University of Pennsylvania, the largest private employer in Philadelphia, is a world-renowned leader in education, research, and innovation. This historic, Ivy League school consistently ranks among the top 10 universities in the annual U.S. News & World Report survey. Penn has 12 highly-regarded schools that provide opportunities for undergraduate, graduate and continuing education, all influenced by Penn's distinctive interdisciplinary approach to scholarship and learning. As an employer Penn has been ranked nationally on many occasions with the most recent award from Forbes who named Penn one of America's Best Large Employers in 2023.

Penn offers a unique working environment within the city of Philadelphia. The University is situated on a beautiful urban campus, with easy access to a range of educational, cultural, and recreational activities. With its historical significance and landmarks, lively cultural offerings, and wide variety of atmospheres, Philadelphia is the perfect place to call home for work and play.

The University offers a competitive benefits package that includes excellent healthcare and tuition benefits for employees and their families, generous retirement benefits, a wide variety of professional development opportunities, supportive work and family benefits, a wealth of health and wellness programs and resources, and much more.

Posted Job Title

Senior Laboratory Technician/Specialist

Job Profile Title

Research Specialist C

Job Description Summary

We are looking for a team member that is enthusiastic about joining the Genetic Diagnostic Laboratory of Dr. Arupa Ganguly. You will perform routine and complex laboratory techniques/procedures including, but not exclusive, all aspects of DNA isolation, mutation detection in human disease associated genes, real-time Q-PCR for gene dosage and mosaicism analysis, NGS library preparation, SNP arrays, sequence analysis, and other relevant functions of the laboratory. Familiarity with Bioinformatic programs for NGS analysis and programming a plus.

Job Description

Job Responsibilities

• Applies knowledge and skills to perform accurately, all routine and complex laboratory procedures in a clinical genetic testing laboratory for which competency has been established and authorization to perform testing has been granted. Follows all lab pre-analytical, analytical, and post-analytical procedures covering specimen, analytical test system and result reporting requirements
• Familiar with or competent in design, performance, and analysis of procedures associated with genetic diagnosis of human diseases using a variety of molecular techniques including but not limited to NGS, Sanger Sequencing, Array technologies, methylation assays, QPCR, as well as sequence alignments.
• Participates in proficiency testing and ensures proficiency testing is performed in the same manner as patient specimens. Maintains compliance with proficiency testing policies. As directed by the supervisor, maintains and updates laboratory policies, procedure manuals and specified documents required for review by regulatory agencies.
• Ability to be flexible with weekend scheduling to be able to meet STAT requests is critical.
• Demonstrated ability to handle confidential information with discretion, critical.
• Familiarity with Web-based Genomics Databases as well as advanced MS Excel skills preferred, bioinformatic analysis skills desirable.
• Assist in preparation of research papers, participate in lab meetings, relevant seminars, and conferences.
• Supervision of junior colleagues.
• Maintain equipment and monitor supplies

Qualifications

Bachelor of Science in biology, molecular biology, biochemistry, or other related fields and 3 to 5 years of experience or equivalent combination of education and experience is required.

• Strong bench skills with routine molecular biology lab techniques including nucleic acid extraction, PCR, sequencing, and QPCR .
• Familiarity with Web based databases .
• Ability to work both independently and as part of a rapidly evolving team.
• Excellent time management, good oral and written communication skills.
• Experience with NGS setup and analysis.
• Advanced MS Excel skills and coding preferred.
• Minimum 3 years of experience in molecular biology techniques as described above.

** POSITION CONTINGENT UPON FUNDING**

Job Location - City, State

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Department / School

Perelman School of Medicine

Pay Range

$58,506.00 - $71,184.53 Annual Rate Salary offers are made based on the candidate's qualifications, experience, skills, and education as they directly relate to the requirements of the position, and in alignment with salary ranges based on external market data for the job's level. Internal organization and peer data at Penn are also considered.

Equal Opportunity Statement

The University of Pennsylvania is an equal opportunity employer. Candidates are considered for employment without regard to race, color, sex, se