Clinical Lab Technologist I/II/III

At Adaptive, we’re Powering the Age of Immune Medicine.  Our goal is to harness the power of the adaptive immune system to transform the way diseases are diagnosed and treated.

As an Adapter, you’ll have the opportunity to make a difference in people’s lives. With Adaptive, you’ll create a career highlight through collaboration with bright, curious colleagues working at the apex of innovation and application.

It’s time for your next chapter. Discover your story with Adaptive.

 

Position Overview 

The Clinical Lab Technologist position will be responsible for processing medically relevant biological samples through extraction and/or high throughput next-generation DNA sequencing assays. This role will work within a team of Laboratorians in a fast-paced, high production setting to process research and clinical diagnostic samples to provide test results to patients, oncologists and other medical practitioners and researchers. As such, high attention to detail and clinical mindedness are crucial to success in this role.  

Adaptive’s clinical laboratories are CLIA/CAP/NYS/FDA certified, and as such this position needs to adhere to and uphold all applicable regulatory requirements. 

Position level I, II, or III is determined by candidates’ education, experience, and competencies as defined below: 

Scope/Impact 

Level I 

• Performs and provides general support for DNA extractions, PCR amplification, or high-throughput sequencing assays on DNA libraries in accordance with standard laboratory processes and procedures. 
• Operates and maintains laboratory equipment such as liquid handling robotics and DNA sequencers. 
• Completes tasks as assigned (e.g. routine clinical or research sample processing, validations, reagent QC runs, or special projects) accurately while following strict methodologies. 
• Provides guidance to less-experienced staff. 

Level II 

All of the above with some guidance, as well as: 

• Performs training and/or competency assessments for Clinical Laboratory Technician/Technologist team members on high complexity molecular methods.  

Level III 

All of the above with independence, as well as: 

• Suggests changes to existing laboratory procedures and processes to improve efficiency and results. 

Complexity 

Level I 

• Performs protocols under compliance with regulatory agencies, models appropriate clinical, regulatory and safety practices.  
• Makes decisions that impact quality, timeliness, and effectiveness of the team. 
• Resolves basic problems that may involve uncommon variations of issues.  
• Identifies and uses up to date, accurate information for problem solving and analysis. 
• Ensures compliance with lab regulatory agencies (GxP, FDA, ISO). 
• Keeps accurate and detailed records for all workflows following Good Documentation Practices. 

Level II 

All of the above with some guidance, as well as: 

• Suggests improvements to existing laboratory procedures and processes to improve the efficiency of the team. 
• Works on assignments requiring considerable clinical judgement and initiative. 
• Understands implications of their work performance and when to escalate issues upward. 

Level III 

All of the above with independence, as well as: 

• Identifies and uses knowledge of how supporting teams function with own team. 

Knowledge/Level of Expertise 

Level I 

• Demonstrates excellent clinical judgment and integrity by possessing specialized skills through job-related training and considerable on-the-job experience. 
• Explains technical information within the team. 
• Demonstrates understanding of underlying scientific principles of analytical methods and provides relevant information to Supervisor or Lead Technologist to assist with troubleshooting assay or instrument issues leading to appropriate corrective actions. 
• Has strong communication skills to present problems or issues to Supervisor or Lead Technologist. 
• Handles sensitive information confidentially. 

Level II 

All of the above with considerable knowledge/skills in a range of laboratory procedures. 

Level III 

All of the above with deep knowledge/skills in a range of laboratory procedures. 

Interactions, Supervision and Discretion 

Level I 

• Exhibit clear and effective communication to facilitate effective handoff procedures. 
• Follows standardized laboratory processes and procedures with some guidance on daily work. 
• Uses clinical discretion to make recommendations for improving work procedures and processes to improve efficiency. 

Level II 

All of the above with minimal guidance, as well as: 

• Provides guidance to more junior team members. 

Level III 

All of the above with independence, and frequently applies educated discretion in decision making. 

Regulatory Responsibility 

Level I, II, and III: 

• Maintain continuing education credit requirements.  
• Record nonconformances for all appropriate errors.  
• Enter and track data in a laboratory information database (LIMS)  
• Operate and maintain laboratory equipment such as liquid handling robotics and DNA sequencers.  
• Regulatory responsibilities per Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP)  
• Regulatory responsibilities per Good Clinical Practices (GCP)  
• Regulatory responsibilities per Good Laboratory Practices (GLP)  
• Regulatory responsibilities of “Testing Personnel” for high complexity testing as defined by 42CFR493.1495 
• All other duties as assigned 

Position Requirements (Education, Experience, Other) 

Required  

• Molecular biology skills (e.g. DNA Extraction, Purification, PCR, qPCR, next-generation DNA sequencing) and related technical knowledge. 
• Experience working with human specimens (e.g. blood, tissues and/or cells) and biohazardous material.  
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, ability to collaborate across teams and disciplines. 

As well as: 

Level I Must meet ONE of the following: 

• Bachelor’s or higher in medical technology or laboratory science from an accredited institution, OR: 
• Bachelor’s or higher in one of the chemical or biological sciences from an accredited institution + 6 months of high-complexity molecular experience and/or training in a clinical laboratory (holding a CLIA Certificate of Compliance/Accreditation) 

Level II 

Must meet ALL of the following: 

• Bachelor’s or higher in medical technology or laboratory science, chemical science, or biological science from an accredited institution. 
• Minimum of 1 year of experience and/or training in a clinical laboratory (holding a CLIA Certificate of Compliance/Accreditation) meeting the definition of “high-complexity”. 
• Minimum of 3 years of pertinent molecular laboratory experience. 
• Minimum of 2 years with a Master’s or higher. 

Level III 

Must meet ALL of the following: 

• Bachelor’s or higher in medical technology or laboratory science, chemical science, or biological science from an accredited institution. 
• Minimum of 3 years of experience and/or training in a clinical laboratory (holding a CLIA Certificate of Compliance/Accreditation) meeting the definition of “high-complexity”. 
• Minimum of 2 years with a Master’s or higher. 
• Minimum of 5 years of pertinent molecular laboratory experience. 
• Minimum of 3 years with a Master’s or higher. 
• Competent in laboratory automation and demonstrated laboratory best practices. 

Preferred 

• ASCP(MB) certification  
• Specialized knowledge and skills: Experience in a clinical, high-throughput environment is preferred.  
• Working knowledge of laboratory terminology, equipment, and supplies.  
• Competent in laboratory automation and demonstrated laboratory best practices.  
• Experience working within an electronic Laboratory Information Management System 
• Self-motivated and can work independently, with minimal supervision, while also working as part of a team environment in a dynamic organization. Strong interpersonal and communication skills, both written and spoken.  
• Experience with Adaptive’s Sample Prep or PCR/Sequencing technologies or Methods. 

Working Conditions 

Job involves working in a laboratory handling human biological specimens. Employees work on assigned shifts which may include late evenings & weekends. Occasional flexibility and willingness to work more than assigned hours is expected. 

Possible shifts include: 

• Sun–Thurs: 6:00 AM – 2:30 PM 
• Sun–Wed: 12:00 PM – 10:30 PM 
• Sun–Wed: 2:30 PM – 11:00 PM 
• Wed–Sat: 12:00 PM – 10:30 PM 
• Wed–Sat: 2:30 PM – 11:00 PM 

Individuals are required to sit or stand for much of the workday and perform data entry into computer systems.  

Compensation 

• Level I: $26.87 – $40.34 per hour 
• Level II: $30.24 – $45.34 per hour 
• Level III: $38.17 – $57.31 per hour 

Other compensation elements include

• Equity grant 
• Bonus eligible 

ALERT: Malicious groups posing as Adaptive employees have recently used fraudulent email aliases to extend employment offers, provide fake documents, and request sensitive personal and financial information. Legitimate Adaptive employment opportunities are initiated through our careers page and extended after multiple interviews with verified employees. Adaptive does not ask new hires to purchase anything out-of-pocket, including home office supplies and equipment. 

Interested in this position, but don’t meet all the requirements?  Adaptive is committed to building diverse, equitable, and inclusive teams across our organization.  Please consider applying even if your experience doesn’t match all the qualifications; you may be the exact candidate we’re searching for!

Adaptive is not currently sponsoring candidates requiring work authorization support for this position.

Adaptive’s posted compensation information includes a base salary (or hourly rate) range and summary of other available total compensation. The base salary range represents a minimum-to-maximum salary (or hourly rate) available to candidates upon extension of offer. Base salary is thoughtfully considered upon offer and is determined through multiple evaluation checks throughout the interview process, including: a candidate’s ability to meet minimum qualifications (skills/experience/education), a candidate’s ability to thoughtfully address preferred qualifications, current market conditions, and internal pay equity. Listed base salary is exclusive of bonus, commission, equity, differential pay, benefits, and other incentives.

Adaptive's benefits at-a-glance.

Adaptive Biotechnologies is an Affirmative Action and Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, or protected veteran status and will not be discriminated against based on disability. Please refer the “Know Your Rights: Workplace Discrimination is Illegal” Poster for more information. If you’d like to view a copy of the company’s affirmative action plan or policy statement, please email hr@adaptivebiotech.com.

If you have a disability and you believe you need a reasonable accommodation to search for a job opening or to submit an online application, please e-mail accommodations@adaptivebiotech.com. This email is created exclusively to assist disabled job seekers whose disability prevents them from being able to apply online. Only messages left for this purpose will be returned. Messages left for other purposes, such as following up on an application or technical issues not related to a disability, will not receive a response.

NOTE TO EMPLOYMENT AGENCIES: Adaptive Biotechnologies values our relationships with our Recruitment Partners and will only accept resumes from those partners who have active agreements with Adaptive. Adaptive Biotechnologies is not responsible for any fees related to resumes that are unsolicited or are received by any employee of Adaptive Biotechnologies who is not a member of the Human Resources team.