Genetics Research Specialist

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Job Category:

University Staff

Regular

Molecular Technologist

The UW Cytogenetics and Molecular Genetics Services Laboratory is hiring a Genetics Research Specialist to join our team. The Cytogenetics and Molecular Genetics Services laboratory is located within the Wisconsin State Laboratory of Hygiene (WSLH) and the UW School of Medicine and Public Health. This section is a full-service clinical cytogenetics and molecular genetics laboratory processing prenatal, constitutional and oncology specimens for chromosome and molecular cytogenetic analyses as well as a wide range of molecular genetic assays.

Our laboratory is certified through the Clinical Laboratory Improvement Act (CLIA), accredited by the College of American Pathologists (CAP), and is an active participant of the NCI-sponsored Children’s Oncology Group (COG).

This position functions under the general supervision of, and reports to the Molecular Diagnostic Supervisor/ Molecular Genomics Supervisor. Duties are performed under close supervision by the Molecular Diagnostic Supervisor, Molecular Genomics Supervisor, and the unit director. Duties in this area include, but are not limited to: assist in the support and development of research programs with the UW Cytogenetic Services laboratory directors;

work collaboratively with other researchers at the University of Wisconsin-Madison; assist in the development and troubleshooting of new technology or technical approaches as related to research programs; assist in the publication of articles in peer reviewed scientific journals; and complete assigned routine bench work, as well as molecular equipment maintenance.

General responsibilities include participation in the development and validation of new procedures, writing standard operating procedures, participating in the laboratory QC/QA program, training of fellows and students, and general laboratory maintenance activities. This position is responsible for following all guidelines in regards to HIPAA compliance, safety procedures, and universal precautions when dealing with clinical specimens. This position requires achievement of performance standards (competency assessment) including successful training and experience with laboratory methods within a six-month period of time as well as adherence to the laboratory expectations document.

Relevant skills that would be expected in this role include, but are not limited to, Sanger sequencing and primers design, Next-generation sequencing, Microarray wet lab and basic analysis, qRT-PCR and RT PCR, fragment analysis, MS-PCR, and nucleic acid extraction from various sample types.

• Assists in laboratory improvement and development of new protocols and procedures, ensuring continuous laboratory quality assurance - 40%
• Evaluates quality controls by performing calibration, maintenance, and proficiency testing in accordance with current laboratory procedures - 5%
• Participates in continuing education, research projects, and training of new employees, undergraduate students, and post-doctoral fellows - 5%
• Participates in cross-training opportunities within the department as instructed - 10%
• Performs standard testing using complex molecular-based procedures with a high degree of quality and in accordance with established protocols - 20%
• Assists in the development and troubleshooting of new and existing technologies or technical approaches as related to research programs and clinical assays - 5%
• Assists in interpreting and reviewing cases associated with research projects.
  
  - 5%
• Assists the WSLH Cytogenetic and Molecular Genetic laboratory directors in development of research programs. Work collaboratively with other researchers at the University of Wisconsin-Madison and assist in the publication of articles in peer-reviewed scientific journals - 5%

Disease Prevention Divisions/Cytogenetics and Molecular Genetics

Minimum hourly rate is $28.00.

Employees in this position can expect to receive benefits such as generous vacation, holidays, and paid time off; competitive insurances and saving accounts; retirement benefits.

WSLH clinical services are certified through the Clinical Laboratory Improvement Act (CLIA), and accredited by the College of American Pathologists (CAP). Candidate must meet 42 CFR § 493.1489 Standard;
Testing Personnel qualifications, High Complexity Testing.

A minimum of two years of experience in human genetics research and/or clinical testing particularly with techniques such as: fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH), PCR (RT-PCR, qRT-PCR, ms-PCR), Sanger and Next-generation sequencing, automated fragment analysis, and microarray (CGH, SNP, expression); required.

Must be able to visually distinguish colors. A color vision screening test is…