Molecular Laboratory Technician
Company: Advocate Primary Care
Position Type: Full-Time
Location: Coppell, TX
Reports To: Laboratory Director / Technical Supervisor
Compensation: Market Rate, Commensurate with Experience
About the Role
A primary care–affiliated clinical laboratory is seeking a skilled Molecular Laboratory Technician to join it’s molecular diagnostics team. The successful candidate will perform high-complexity PCR-based testing in support of patient care, focusing on infectious disease panels (e.g., respiratory, UTI, STI, GI, antibiotic resistance) and pharmacogenomic (PGX) testing.
This position offers the opportunity to work hands-on with modern molecular platforms in a fast-paced, CLIA-regulated environment that directly supports clinical decision-making at the point of care.
Key Responsibilities
- Perform and interpret qPCR and end-point PCR assays for infectious disease and pharmacogenomic testing.
- Execute the full molecular workflow: specimen accessioning, nucleic acid extraction, master mix preparation, plate setup, amplification, and result analysis.
- Operate and maintain molecular instrumentation (thermal cyclers, real-time PCR systems, extraction platforms, liquid handlers).
- Follow Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and adhere to CLIA, CAP, and applicable state regulations.
- Perform daily, weekly, and monthly quality control (QC), instrument maintenance, and proficiency testing (PT).
- Document results accurately in the LIS and flag discrepancies, invalid runs, or unexpected findings to the supervisor.
- Assist with assay validation, verification studies, and onboarding of new tests as needed.
- Maintain a clean, organized, and contamination-controlled workspace, including pre- and post-amplification area discipline.
- Support inventory management, reagent lot tracking, and ordering of consumables.
- Participate in continuous improvement initiatives and cross-training across molecular workflows.
Required Qualifications
- Education: Bachelor's degree in Medical Laboratory Science, Molecular Biology, Microbiology, Biochemistry, or a related life sciences field. Associate degree with equivalent clinical experience will be considered.
- Experience: 2–3 years of hands-on molecular laboratory experience, preferably in a clinical (CLIA-regulated) setting.
- Technical Skills:
· Demonstrated proficiency with PCR and qPCR techniques.
· Strong, precise pipetting skills (single- and multi-channel) with a track record of accuracy in low-volume, contamination-sensitive workflows.
· Comfortable working with small sample volumes, master mixes, and 96-/384-well plate formats.
- Regulatory Awareness: Working knowledge of CLIA requirements, QC principles, and good documentation practices.
- Soft Skills: Strong attention to detail, organizational discipline, ability to work independently and as part of a team, and clear written/verbal communication.
Preferred Qualifications
- ASCP certification (MB, M, or MLS) or eligibility.
- Direct experience with qPCR workflows on platforms such as Applied Biosystems QuantStudio, Bio-Rad CFX, Roche LightCycler, or equivalent.
- Experience with infectious disease molecular panels (respiratory, UTI, STI, GI, wound, antibiotic resistance markers).
- Familiarity with automated nucleic acid extraction platforms (e.g., KingFisher, MagNA Pure, QIAcube).
- Experience with LIS systems and basic data analysis in Excel.
Physical & Work Environment Requirements
- Ability to stand for extended periods and perform repetitive fine-motor tasks (pipetting).
- Ability to lift up to 25 lbs (reagent boxes, instrument components).
- Comfortable working with biological specimens under appropriate BSL-2 precautions and PPE.
- Availability for occasional weekend, evening, or holiday coverage based on clinical volume.
- Comfortable working independently.
Compensation & Benefits
- Market-competitive salary based on experience, certifications, and skill set.
Pay: $43,000.00 - $72,000.00 per year
Work Location: In person
