The Molecular Diagnostic department at MD Anderson Cancer Center is at the forefront of precision oncology, utilizing advanced molecular technologies to identify genetic and molecular alterations that guide cancer diagnosis, treatment selection, and personalized patient care. This highly specialized laboratory supports some of the nation's most complex oncology cases through cutting-edge molecular testing while collaborating closely with physicians, pathologists, and researchers to advance cancer diagnostics and innovation.
This Medical Laboratory Scientist position offers the opportunity to work in a technologically advanced laboratory environment where your expertise will directly contribute to precision medicine and improved patient outcomes. The role is ideal for a laboratory professional who enjoys working with sophisticated diagnostic technologies, values continuous learning, and thrives in a collaborative, quality-focused environment.
In this role, you will perform specialized molecular diagnostic testing while ensuring compliance with established laboratory policies, procedures, and regulatory requirements. Responsibilities include maintaining laboratory instrumentation, assisting with troubleshooting, monitoring quality control data, managing laboratory inventory, and ensuring accurate and timely testing to support high-quality patient care. Strong technical knowledge and attention to detail are essential for maintaining the integrity of molecular testing processes.
You will also contribute to operational excellence and continuous improvement by participating in validation of new methodologies, tests, and laboratory technologies, supporting process improvement initiatives, reviewing and following standard operating procedures, and maintaining compliance with CAP, CLIA, and institutional quality standards. This position provides opportunities to help implement new technologies that continue advancing the laboratory's diagnostic capabilities.
Collaboration and professional development are integral components of this role. You will work closely with fellow laboratory scientists, supervisors, and multidisciplinary clinical teams while assisting with the training of students, new employees, and fellows. Strong communication skills, teamwork, and a commitment to providing exceptional customer service are essential as you partner with internal and external stakeholders to support laboratory operations and patient care.
The ideal candidate will possess strong laboratory fundamentals, experience in molecular diagnostics or an interest in developing expertise in molecular testing, excellent problem-solving abilities, and a commitment to quality, accuracy, and continuous improvement. Candidates seeking the opportunity to work with advanced molecular technologies in one of the world's leading cancer centers will find this role especially rewarding.
MD Anderson offers a comprehensive total rewards package, including paid medical benefits, generous paid time off, retirement plans, tuition assistance, professional development opportunities, and additional benefits, along with the opportunity to build a rewarding career within a world-renowned cancer center dedicated to advancing patient care through innovation, precision medicine, research, and scientific discovery.
JOB SPECIFIC COMPETENCIES
Technical Skills
- Remains knowledgeable and competent in all policies, procedures and protocols.
- Maintains laboratory equipment and assists in troubleshooting
- Remains knowledgeable of quality control data of reported tests
- Follows section's inventory control system to ensure effective use of supplies and reagents.
- Complies with safety guidelines and procedures and adheres to regulatory mandates -
Maintains proficiency in all computer functions
- Attends/participates in sectional and team in-services and meetings
Productivity and Communication / Teamwork
- Adjusts, prioritizes, and organizes work to achieve maximum productivity to meet the workload demands of the section.
- Assists peers and supervisors with tasks after completion of assigned work.
- Adheres to attendance policy, begins work as scheduled.
- Works independently and also when necessary within the team, utilizes resources available to maximize efficiency.
- Initiates communication with others; works well with others to ensure the work gets done to standard and on time; is accepting of and values individual differences
- Remains responsible and accountable for all actions
Quality Commitment and Enhancement
- Participates in training students, employees and fellows.
- Participates in process improvement projects.
- Validates and evaluates new methodologies and tests with the help of Lead, Sr. Scientist or Laboratory Supervisor and technical support.
- Reviews and follows SOPs
- Adheres to and understands CAP and CLIA Guidelines
Customer Service
- Manages all customer service interactions with diplomacy, actively facilitating resolutions to problems and addressing the needs of clients both internal and external
Computer Skills
- Maintains proficiency in computer functions in the lab processes.
- Properly acquires specimen data into computer system(s).
- Analyzes and evaluates patient results correctly and appropriately.
- Stores patient information and results to allow easy future access as required
Other duties as assigned
Required:
- Associate's Degree in Laboratory Science or Medical Laboratory Technology OR
- Bachelor's Degree in a related science field or Molecular Genetic Technology OR
- Successful completion of a National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Science (NAACLS) accredited Clinical Laboratory Science/Molecular Genetic Technology accredited program
Required Experience:
- 2 years of clinical laboratory experience with an Associate's Degree in Laboratory Science or Medical Laboratory Technology
- 1 year of clinical laboratory experience with a Bachelor's Degree in a related science field
- No experience required with completion of a NAACLS-accredited Clinical Laboratory Science/Molecular Genetic Technology accredited program
Preferred:
- ASCP - American Society of Clinical Pathologist Technologist/Scientist/Specialist certification OR
- CHS - Certified Histocompatibility Specialist, American College of Histocompatibility & Immunogenetics (ACHI) OR
- CHT - Certified Histocompatibility Technologist, American College of Histocompatibility & Immunogenetics (ACHI) OR
- MDT - Molecular Diagnostics Tech, American Medical
The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center offers excellent benefits, including medical, dental, paid time off, retirement, tuition benefits, educational opportunities, and individual and team recognition.
This position may be responsible for maintaining the security and integrity of critical infrastructure, as defined in Section 113.001(2) of the Texas Business and Commerce Code and therefore may require routine reviews and screening. The ability to satisfy and maintain all requirements necessary to ensure the continued security and integrity of such infrastructure is a condition of hire and continued employment.
It is the policy of The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center to provide equal employment opportunity without regard to race, color, religion, age, national origin, sex, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, disability, protected veteran status, genetic information, or any other basis protected by institutional policy or by federal, state, or local laws unless such distinction is required by law.http://www.mdanderson.org/about-us/legal-and-policy/legal-statements/eeo-affirmative-action.html
Additional Information
- Requisition ID: 180647
- Employment Status: Full-Time
- Employee Status: Regular
- Work Week: Day/Evening
- Minimum Salary: US Dollar (USD) 67,000
- Midpoint Salary: US Dollar (USD) 83,500
- Maximum Salary : US Dollar (USD) 100,000
- FLSA: non-exempt and eligible for overtime pay
- Fund Type: Hard
- Work Location: Onsite
- Pivotal Position: Yes
- Referral Bonus Available?: Yes
- Relocation Assistance Available?: Yes
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