?Senior Lab Personnel Specialist - PCR & NGS

Job Description

Job Description

Location: Manchester, NH

Job Type: Full-time

Job Title: Senior Lab Personnel Specialist - PCR & NGS

Salary: $110,00 - $140,000 annually

Shift: Day, Monday - Friday

About the Role:

We are seeking a driven, experienced, and detail-oriented Senior Lab Personnel Specialist to join our innovative genetics lab team. Our lab is dedicated to accelerating the diagnosis of numerous genetic diseases through leading-edge genetic sequencing technologies. In this key role, you will provide advanced technical expertise and mentorship across cutting-edge projects involving PCR and Next Generation Sequencing (NGS). You will help lead lab operations, balancing the execution of CLIA-validated tests for routine diagnostic workflows with the development and optimization of new sequencing technologies and molecular assays that drive our mission forward. Tasks will include a combination of hands-on assay execution and technician supervision, all while demonstrating a devotion to total quality and continuous improvement.

Key Responsibilities:

- Perform, oversee, and troubleshoot complex molecular workflows for both diagnostic and research projects, including PCR assay design, optimization, validation, and routine testing, with a mix of hands-on execution and supervision of lab technicians.

- Conduct and supervise Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) sample preparation, library construction, sequencing runs, and data analysis, ensuring seamless integration between CLIA-validated diagnostic tests and innovative technology development while directly executing assays and guiding team members.

- Act as a technical lead and resource for troubleshooting PCR and NGS protocols, instrumentation, software tools, and bioinformatics pipelines.

- Train and mentor lab personnel on advanced molecular techniques, experimental design, SOPs, best practices, and emerging genetic sequencing technologies, including direct supervision during hands-on assay performance.

- Support cross-functional teams by providing input on experimental design, assay development, data interpretation, and the execution of CLIA-validated tests to ensure accurate and timely genetic disease diagnoses.

- Review, analyze, and interpret sequencing results to guarantee accuracy, validity, and compliance with regulatory standards.

- Draft, review, and update SOPs, work instructions, and protocols in line with internal quality standards, industry best practices, and regulatory requirements (e.g., CLIA, CAP), emphasizing continuous improvement and total quality management.

- Ensure rigorous quality control, compliance with lab safety, research integrity guidelines, and GLP in a combined diagnostic and R&D setting, with a commitment to ongoing process enhancements.

- Collaborate with scientists, bioinformaticians, and project managers to meet timelines, share findings, drive innovation, and accelerate genetic disease diagnostics.

- Maintain and troubleshoot lab instrumentation, ensuring calibration, preventative maintenance, and proper documentation.

- Contribute to process improvements, new method development, and continuous learning within the lab team, with a focus on advancing sequencing technologies for genetic applications and upholding devotion to total quality.

-Ensuring the laboratory takes remedial action when test systems deviate from the laboratory's established performance specifications

- Assuring patient test results aren't reported until all corrective actions have been taken and the test system functions properly

- Making sure that all testing personnel receive orientation and training.

- Evaluating and documenting the competency of all testing personnel

Qualifications:

- Bachelor's degree in Molecular Biology, Genetics, Biotechnology, or a related life sciences field required; Master's degree preferred.

- Certification as a Molecular Biology Technologist (MB) or equivalent (ASCP or similar) strongly preferred.

- 4+ years of hands-on experience in a molecular biology lab environment, with significant expertise in PCR and NGS workflows, including both R&D and diagnostic settings.

- Direct experience working with NGS platforms (e.g., Illumina, Oxford Nanopore, PacBio, or Thermo Fisher) and associated bioinformatics tools and pipelines.

- Strong grasp of molecular assay development, troubleshooting, optimization, validation processes, and the execution of CLIA-validated tests.

- Familiarity with data analysis software, bioinformatics for NGS data, and regulatory guidelines (e.g., CLIA, CAP) is highly desirable.

- Proven leadership and training abilities with strong communication, collaborative, and problem-solving skills, including experience in technician supervision.

- Demonstrated ability to work independently, manage multiple projects simultaneously, and adapt to evolving priorities in a fast-paced genetics lab.

- Knowledge of good laboratory practices (GLP), research integrity standards, and lab safety requirements.

Why Join Us:

- Be part of a dynamic and collaborative genetics lab environment tackling challenging and impactful questions in genetic disease diagnosis, with a strong devotion to total quality and continuous improvement.

- Work with state-of-the-art molecular technologies and contribute to the development of innovative sequencing solutions that accelerate diagnoses.

- Competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package.

- Ample opportunities for growth, skill development, scientific contribution, and professional advancement.

About us:

At Lighthouse Lab Services, we offer solutions to help start, grow, and run clinical laboratories. Our recruiting team has over 18 years of proven success placing job seekers in positions ranging from entry-level Medical Technologists to seasoned Laboratory Directors. We recruit nationwide, for permanent and travel positions with clients ranging from small hospitals to large reference laboratories.

It is the policy of Lighthouse Lab Services to provide equal employment opportunity (EEO) to all persons regardless of age, color, national origin, citizenship status, physical or mental disability, race, religion, creed, gender, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, genetic information, marital status, status with regard to public assistance, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local law. Lighthouse Lab Services is committed to working and providing reasonable accommodation to individuals of all abilities, including persons with disabilities.

If at any time during the application process, you need an accommodation, please contact recruiting@lighthouselabservices.com for assistance.

Lighthouse Lab Services | 844-974-1929 | lighthouselabservices.com

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