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The UCSD EXCITE Laboratory was established as a part of the UCSD Biochemical Genetics Laboratory as a collaboration between the Departments of Pediatrics, Cellular and Molecular Medicine, and Obstetrics and Gynecology for rapid translation of technologies developed by UCSD research laboratories into clinical diagnostics. Current priorities include high-throughput clinical testing for COVID-19 using a highly automated workflow.

The incumbent will work in the UCSD Biochemical Genetics Laboratory which is a California Licensed, CLIA and CAP approved Clinical Laboratory. The Biochemical Genetics Lab is an independent reference laboratory that performs clinical tests for pediatric metabolic disorders, as well as clinical testing related to COVID-19.

Under general supervision, the incumbent is assigned technical responsibility and oversight for technologists performing a variety of standard and/or complex clinical assays performed using semi-automated workflows, at a rate of up to 10,000 assays/day.

The incumbent will:

• Write, review, and update policies and procedures (SOP's) in accordance with State of California, CLIA and CAP guidelines.
• Determine that work is properly completed and reported
• Maintain and monitor the quality control of procedures in compliance with departmental policies and CLIA/CAP regulatory requirements
• Maintain quality improvement data and statistics.
• Keep superiors regularly informed of personnel performance or problems, scheduling problems, difficulties with procedures, equipment, supplies or other daily activities.
• Develop and maintain appropriate inventory of supplies to ensure smooth operation.
• Train new and existing employees on procedural changes, policy changes and general information.
• Ensure that instrument preventive maintenance, calibration, and trouble-shooting are properly performed.
• Provide input to the Lab Director and the Director of Medical Services on laboratory operation.
• Introduce new procedures or methodologies in-house. Participate in method updates and validation.
• Perform trouble-shooting and minor equipment maintenance
• Prepare and process specimens for lab testing.
• Perform and evaluate laboratory tests based on nucleic and protein detection and quantification.
• Use, maintain and upgrade laboratory information systems as needed.
• Generate worksheets and reports.

Throughout these tasks, the incumbent will follow guidelines to ensure continued State and CLIA Licensure for the lab.

• Current State of California Clinical Laboratory Scientist License (CLS).

• Demonstrated skill in the operation and maintenance of various lab equipment such as centrifuges, spectrophotometers, balances, pH meters, and electrophoresis equipment.

• Demonstrated experience with DNA and RNA isolation, RTPCR and qPCR.

• Demonstrated knowledge of clinical laboratory procedures and requirements such as quality control.

• Proficient with the operation of PC's and associated software, including Word, Excel, etc. Demonstrated ability to work with and learn new software for data-analysis.

• Ability and willingness to handle and work with human biospecimens and other bio-hazardous, toxic, and carcinogenic materials, and to recognize safety problems. Demonstrated ability to follow established Safety and Bio-hazardous Material Guidelines.

• Knowledge of and ability to adhere to established UCSD guidelines for safety and environmental issues.

• Demonstrated experience in keeping accurate and well-organized lab records, lab notebook and computer data files.

• Demonstrated skill in setting up and modifying published assay procedures.

• Detailed knowledge of nucleic acid purification and isolation.

• Detailed knowledge of molecular biology necessary to perform nucleic acid analyses.

• Prior experience and demonstrated organizational skills in the order/maintenance of lab equipment and supplies.

• Superb oral and written communication skills. Excellent interpersonal skills including tact, diplomacy and flexibility.

• Two (2) years of experience working as a licensed Clinical Lab Scientist for high complexity testing.

• Job offer is contingent upon satisfactory clearance based on Background Check results.
• Occasional evenings and weekends may be required.
• Must be willing to work with hazardous materials.