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Make a difference in the lives of newborns and take this unique opportunity to join a public health team that works in a vibrant university environment.  Located in Worcester, MA, the New England Newborn Screening Program of University of Massachusetts Medical School serves the families of five New England states. The program is an integrated, multidisciplinary operation, providing high-quality and timely laboratory screening, clinical referral, outcomes follow up, and research to prevent or minimize the effects of disorders that can lead to mental retardation, life-compromising conditions, and death. The program provides screening every day for about 500 newborns from Massachusetts, Maine, New Hampshire, Rhode Island and Vermont.

As a member of our Newborn Screening Program, you will join a team of University of Massachusetts Medical School professionals whose dedication and daily focus builds the worldwide reputation of the New England Newborn Screening Program and ensures the best opportunities for healthy babies.

GENERAL SUMMARY OF POSITION: 

Under the general supervision of Lab Management, the Lab Analyst II performs molecular genetic laboratory assays for the timely detection of newborn disorders. The Lab Analyst II maintains competency in high complexity testing (as defined by CLIA) in all laboratory methodologies of the molecular genetic section. The analyst performs other related laboratory tasks in support of laboratory management. Responsibilities include careful adherence to established laboratory protocols, or specific directives of appropriate laboratory managers. This is an intermediate level laboratory position that requires previous relevant laboratory experience and will work under a moderate level of direction and supervision to perform assigned work.

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Performs laboratory assays (clinical or research) with appropriate documentation, as an integral member of the section’s laboratory analysts, following validated protocols.
• Follows established safety and privacy protocols.
• Performs bench work to assist management in the performance and documentation of laboratory activities for the technical development, validation, performance and troubleshooting of laboratory assays (both laboratory-developed tests as well as kit assays) used in the screening procedures.
• Performs bench work to assist management in laboratory activities for validation, troubleshooting the performance of and management of instrumentation used in the screening procedures.
• Performs bench work to assist management in laboratory activities for validation, troubleshooting and monitoring of the instrumentation relationships with Laboratory Information Management System.
• Works as an integral team member as needed in the preparation and validation of reagents, materials and kits used in the laboratory.
• Contributes data for laboratory documentation of quality assurance, quality control, and competency data in accordance with Program policies and CLIA requirements.
• Performs additional related duties as assigned.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s degree in chemical, life or clinical sciences; or equivalent.
• 2 years’ relevant experience including previous laboratory experience.
• Must satisfy CLIA requirements for high complexity testing.
• Experience with standard concepts, practices, and procedures within the clinical laboratory
• Good communication and organizational skills, with focus on detail and orderliness.
• Ability to perform laboratory procedures independently once trained, with great care and attention.
• Strong interpersonal skills.
• Experience with productivity software (Excel, Word, Access).
• Flexibility in work schedule as required by laboratory section (i.e., weekend and holiday rotations)

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Experience with standard concepts, practices, and procedures within the field of emerging technologic analyses.

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