Scientist II

Job Description

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Performs routine and complex laboratory procedures with emphasis on Oncomine Dx testing.
• Assists in the analytical validation of test methodologies for use in the laboratory.
• Assists in troubleshooting technical challenges with assays and equipment.
• Strictly adheres to testing protocols.
• General laboratory assistance, including but not limited to: receiving lab supplies, DNA/RNA isolation, preparation of reagents, building NGS libraries, sequencing DNA/RNA material, data analysis, report generation and maintenance of laboratory equipment
• Provide written and verbal communication of test results in lab reports and team meetings, delivering accurate results in a timely manner.
• May train other employees
• Utilizes good documentation practices (GDPs) and follows laboratory quality control (QC) and quality assurance (QA) policies
• Complies with safety policies and procedures
• Ensures compliance with all health and safety, CLIA, CAP, and NYSDOH regulations
• Other duties as assigned.

Education and Experience:

• A BS degree in Biological Sciences from an accredited college or university.
• Minimum of 3 years of direct experience required in a related field such as molecular oncology, genetics, or genomics.
• Experience with NGS experimental design and data analysis.

Skills & Abilities:

• Use of computer systems for data entry, retrieval, and analyses involving word processing programs, spreadsheets containing data analyses, and complex computer driven instrumentation.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, both oral and written, with supervisor, team, and various cross-functional project team members.
• Ability to problem solve highly complex analyses.
• Strong analytical skills.
• Ability to work independently and in a team setting.
• Self-motivated, diligent, and flexible in accommodating shifting priorities.

Physical Demands & Working Conditions:

• May handle highly infectious agents and hazardous chemicals.
• Sit or stand for long periods of time while using equipment and specimen handling and/or for computer work.
• Bend or twist to reach into lower cabinets and drawers and squat or kneel to remove or store supplies stored on lower shelves.
• Stretch or over-the-head arm movements to reach into high cabinets and shelves to remove or store supplies.
• Ability to lift 40 lbs.
• Visual requirements to distinguish colors for analysis; and auditory requirements to hear timers on equipment.
• Fine hand manipulation is required to operate equipment, manipulate, and pipette specimens.
• Work is mainly laboratory-based with some time spent in the office writing up experiments, validation documents, and standard operating procedures.