Molecular Geneticist / Cytogeneticist (NIPT) at 54gene

Department: Laboratory Operations
Status: Full-Time, Exempt
Industry: Biotechnology

Job Description

• We are seeking a talented Laboratory Director for its Women’s Health division to perform a variety of functions as part of our Clinical Operations team.
• The ideal candidate will have a strong background in clinical testing for noninvasive prenatal testing (NIPT). Initial responsibilities will focus on clinical reporting in these areas that represent core content for NIPT testing.​​

Essential Functions
Roles and Responsibilities:

• Evaluating genomic profiles of NIPT specimens (NGS based)
• Oversee the review of genetic and CNV variant data: interpret NGS and microarray results in the context of medical literature, online variant databases and other references along with relevant patient demographic data.
• Participate in assay development and validation from: sequencing (NGS, pyrosequencing, Sanger), DNA fragment analysis, microarrays, FISH, karyotype, digital droplet PCR)
• Writing, reviewing and signing out reports for clinicians, and advising them on investigation strategies, as needed.
• Interpreting the results of routine and esoteric molecular tests carried out by molecular technologists.
• Developing and devising new testing strategies, primarily in NIPT, but other fields as needed.
• Working closely with the IT department in maintaining and continuously improving the clinical database of genomic information (in-house and publicly/privately available).
• Oversees CLIA/CAP level validation of new molecular assays.
• Training and teaching staff, colleagues and other health care professionals.
• Maintaining and interpreting quality control and quality assurance data.
• Continually updating professional skills and knowledge by following the most recent scientific literature and attending training courses and conferences and participating in publication and research activities of the Company.
• Fulfill laboratory director responsibilities as defined by CAP
• Ensure quality and compliance standards including an effective quality management program for the laboratory, PT testing an corrective actions
• Establish and ensure quality assessment and quality control programs are established and maintained
• Set standards for laboratory testing and acceptable levels of analytic performance and ensure these are maintained

Supervisor Responsibilities:

• Supervise Clinical and Lab staff as required for assigned tasks and projects 

Environment / Safety / Work Environment:

• General office environment.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions
• Maintains a clean, neat, and orderly work area
• Adheres to Department Specific Safety Guidelines

Physical Demands:

• Standing, sitting, walking, bending, reaching, manual manipulation, and lifting up to 10-20 pounds

The above listing represents the general duties considered essential functions of the job and is not to be considered a detailed description of all the work requirements that may be inherent in the position.

Requirements
Qualifications, Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

• To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. 
• The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. 
• Reasonable accommodations may be made to individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. ABMG certification in LGG, Clinical Molecular Genetics:
  • Knowledge of ACMG variant interpretation guidelines and ISCN nomenclature
  • Familiarity with  CAP and CLIA compliance requirements 
  • Basic computational or bioinformatic skills strongly preferred
  • Ability to balance and manage multiple tasks and projects independently in a fast-paced, matrixed environment

Education & Certifications

• M.D. or Ph.D. and ABMG certification in LGG, Cytogenetics and Molecular Genetics or ABMG/ABP certification in Molecular Genetic Pathology
• At least 2 years of experience in a clinical laboratory setting

Experience:

• Experience leading a laboratory offering prenatal screening and oncology testing and evaluating, interpreting, and reporting out NGS and microarray data
• Familiarity with next-generation sequencing, and/or knowledge of advanced methods of copy number detection
• Strong background in human and medical genetics, and cytogenetics with a familiarity of online human genomics
• Understanding of statistical measures utilized in genetic testing and screening
• Experience with clinical regulatory requirements including CLIA and CAP
• Experience working in a multidisciplinary team and managing a clinical lab team
• Desired educational background
• Certifications

Other

• Willingness to travel to Nigeria at least once a year.