Medical Laboratory Technologist

Job Summary

Job Title: Medical Laboratory Technologist/Clinical Molecular Technologist

Location: VA Palo Alto Health Care System, 3801 Miranda Ave., Palo Alto, CA 94304

Schedule: Full-time | 40 hours/week | Monday–Friday or Tuesday–Saturday | 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM (1-hour lunch) | Holidays included | No overtime

Hourly Rate: $39.37 plus $5.09 for H&W

The Clinical Molecular Technologist performs high-complexity molecular laboratory testing in support of national public health and biodefense initiatives, including the U.S. Government National Biodefense Strategy – Diagnostics Joint Capabilities Plan, CDC Laboratory Response Network (LRN), and the VA’s public health preparedness and response activities. Testing includes both pathogen-agnostic methods (e.g., whole genome sequencing for novel or unknown pathogens) and pathogen-specific assays (e.g., RT-PCR, MLST, antibody/antigen testing) to support diagnosis, surveillance, outbreak investigations, and clinical decision-making for VA medical centers (VAMCs) nationwide.

This role also supports and maintains Laboratory Information Management (LIM) system services, connecting PHRL (Public Health Reference Laboratory) to all 150 VA medical centers.

• Perform complex molecular assays including:
• • Pathogen-agnostic whole genome sequencing
  • RT-PCR, MLST, antibody/antigen assays
  • Pathogen-specific sequencing for diagnosis and treatment support
• Process and evaluate clinical and environmental specimens, ensuring integrity is preserved
• Select, execute, and monitor manual and automated testing protocols per established SOPs
• Perform instrument maintenance, calibrations, and troubleshooting; initiate repairs when necessary
• Conduct and document quality control procedures, ensuring compliance with regulatory standards
• Validate and interpret test results, correlating laboratory findings with clinical context
• Perform additional or confirmatory testing for abnormal or urgent cases
• Immediately report critical values to ordering providers
• Enter, verify, and edit test results in the laboratory computer system
• Maintain connectivity with all VAMCs via VA Laboratory Information Management systems (VistA/CPRS, LEDI, Oracle-Cerner)

• Serve as a technical expert for complex molecular diagnostics and provide consultation to:
• • VA clinical labs
  • CDC/state/local public health authorities
  • Other federal agency stakeholders
• Validate and implement new test methods and laboratory-developed tests (LDTs)
• Troubleshoot complex assay and instrumentation issues, collaborating with vendors as needed
• Design and optimize laboratory workflows, including biosafety protocols, reagent selection, test reporting, and electronic integration
• Advise providers and supervisors on appropriate testing options based on disease pathogenesis and diagnostic utility
• Identify and fulfill training needs for laboratory staff (e.g., vendor in-services, TJC criteria, CLS continuing education)
• Analyze and resolve unique or novel bioinformatics challenges (e.g., species identification, antimicrobial resistance prediction)
• Ensure compliance with all applicable regulatory and accreditation bodies including:
• • CLIA, CAP, TJC, CDC LRN, VA NEO, and state/federal communicable disease reporting standards

• Current certification as a Medical Technologist (MT) or Clinical Laboratory Scientist (CLS) from ASCP Board of Registry (ASCP-BOR)
• Bachelor’s degree in a Biological Sciences-related field
• 2–5 years of experience in a clinical or public health laboratory setting with molecular assay experience
• Proficiency with molecular diagnostic platforms and laboratory instrumentation
• Strong troubleshooting skills for instrumentation and software issues
• Skilled in analyzing and interpreting complex test results using independent technical judgment
• Familiarity with LIM systems including VistA/CPRS
  , Laboratory Electronic Data Interchange (LEDI), and Oracle-Cerner
• Understanding of infectious disease diagnostics, outbreak response, and high-consequence pathogens (e.g., Ebola, mpox, H5N1)
• Experience working with BSL-3 pathogens and containment protocols preferred
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills…