Senior Genetics Research and Test Development Assistant Job in Boston, Massachusetts US
Senior Genetics Research and Test Development Assistant
About Our Organization The Harvard Medical School and MGH affiliated Laboratory for Molecular Medicine (LMM) is a CLIA-certified molecular diagnostic laboratory operating within the Partners HealthCare Center for Personalized Genetic Medicine (PCPGM). The mission of the LMM is to bridge the gap between research and clinical medicine by translating novel discoveries into cutting-edge tests and accelerating the adoption of new molecular tests into clinical care. The LMM is in a unique position to accomplish this by virtue of its two primary assets: access to the cutting edge technologies of the PCPGM, and access to prominent researchers and physicians within the Harvard Medical School and Partners Healthcare systems, who will provide the breakthroughs leading to next generation diagnostics. Job Description Successful candidate will promote the mission of the PCPGM and LMM to enable personalized medicine through the following tasks: ? Under guidance of geneticists and senior technologists evaluate novel technological platforms and molecular techniques in DNA sequencing, genotyping, and copy-number variation in order to assess suitability for diagnostic application. Shares and presents findings to management. ? With supervision optimizes and performs thorough robustness studies in order to validate and launch new clinical assays in the areas including, but not limited to, cardiomyopathy, hearing loss, somatic and germline cancers, and pharmacogenetics. ? Helps to improve existing assays and laboratory work flows to optimize analytical and operational performance. Identifies opportunities for quality improvement and presents ideas to senior staff for potential changes. ? With guidance from senior staff, performs non-routine, highly specialized procedures in genetics and molecular biology. ? Responsible for accuracy, interpretation and reporting of results with supervisory review. ? Documents clinical test development according to regulatory guidelines and generates standard operating procedures (SOPs). Designs all necessary laboratory paperwork associated with new assays. ? Interfaces with the clinical operations team to launch novel assays. Helps train operations staff to perform novel assays. ? Works under good laboratory practice guidelines. Maintains equipment and reagents. Performs and keeps accurate records of equipment maintenance and quality control. ? Conference attendance and presentations are a possibility. Responsibilities Provide direct supervision to lower technical and support personnel as assigned. Manage inventory in the lab within assigned budget. Requirements ? Ability to multi-task efficiently while meeting deadlines ? Must be able to make independent and effective decisions in appropriate situations ? High degree of computer literacy ? Strong analytical and organizational skills ? Good oral and written communication skills ? Must be able to logically and effectively structure tasks and set priorities ? Ability to identify potential problems and troubleshoot solutions ? Demonstrated ability to analyze data statistically and to logically present it ? Must have a broad knowledge of scientific and biological principles as well as molecular laboratory techniques ? Must have sound interpersonal skills and the ability to train and oversee others Qualifications BS in biological/physical sciences. Requires a minimum of one year of experience, but in most cases 2+ years of directly related work experience. Experience with Next Generation sequencing technology, Luminex genotyping, TaqMan, or MLPA assays a bonus Working Environment May be exposed to disease-bearing specimens, hazardous chemicals or fumes, or other hazards normally associated with a clinical lab setting.