Michigan Public Health Institute (MPHI) Hiring for Laboratory Scientist Specialist – Newborn Screening – Molecular Unit at Lansing, MI  Full Time

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Title: Laboratory Scientist Specialist– Newborn Screening – Molecular Unit

$65,624 – $96,387 / Posted Thru: 7-10-24

Location: Lansing, MI – State of Michigan Bureau of Laboratories

Purpose: The molecular laboratory scientist specialist provides technical and analytic support for the Newborn Screening (NBS) Laboratory Section in performing targeted gene sequencing from clinical newborn screening samples. This includes nucleic acid extraction, library prep, instrument maintenance, and bioinformatic analysis. In conjunction with NBS and Genomics staff, this staff member will engage in the development and troubleshooting of NBS next generation sequencing (NGS) procedures and analyses. Working closely with other laboratory staff, this staff member will also perform a broad range of complex clinical laboratory assignments testing dried blood spot specimens from newborns, performing analyses, and providing technical feedback.

Duties and Responsibilities:

Duty 1 – 50% of time:

• Develop, implement, and perform a variety of molecular techniques for next generation sequencing of NBS disorders.
• Extraction of nucleic acid from NBS clinical samples, PCR amplification, library preparation, and perform analysis of next generation sequencing results.

Duty 2 – 25% of time:

• Perform biochemical and molecular analyses of specimens for metabolic, endocrine, hemoglobin disorders and DNA mutations. Perform Quality Control and Quality Assurance functions to assure accuracy and precision of laboratory instrumentation and resulting assays outcomes.
• Perform preventative maintenance for general laboratory and NGS instruments and processes.
• Interpret and report clinical test results; communicating these results to follow up and medical management staff.

Duty 3 – 10% of time:

• Exercising extensive independent judgement, this position designs and conducts investigative work to develop improved testing methodologies or services. This includes protocol and SOP development for next generation sequencing.

Duty 4 – 10% of time:

• Participation in continuing education, safety awareness in the clinical laboratory, and research and development in the areas of Newborn Screening and NGS processes/instrumentation.

Duty 5 – 5% of time:

• Perform other work-related duties as required by management such as operate, adjust, maintaining instruments and equipment, disinfection and lab housekeeping as assigned, enter patient results into LIMS, etc.

Other Duties:

• Serve as the sole subject matter expert on NBS next generation sequencing and molecular biology.

• Support the MI NBS molecular testing areas and act as the technical advisor to NBS Program management, NBS laboratory personnel, and the NBS Follow-up Program.
• Responsible for expanding the sequencing capabilities of the NBS lab, beginning with the customization of a Cystic Fibrosis Screening Panel.
• Play an integral role in bringing on new NGS-based assays for Newborn Screening disorders, multiplexing NGS-based assays, and working with CDC and APHL subject matter experts and other state health laboratories to validate new assays.

• This process includes all aspects from the research of NBS-relevant genes and assay design through integration of sequencing results into the LIMS.

• Write procedure manuals, adherence to the BOL biosafety manual, maintain accurate records during the validation process as well as the preparation of validation documents for approval.
• Train laboratory staff on the new procedures and work with Laboratory Information Management staff to report results to submitters.
• All other duties as assigned.
• Always represent the best interests of MDHHS and MPHI.

Qualifications/Requirements:

Education: A bachelor’s degree in Molecular Biology, Biology, Chemistry, Microbiology, or similar field. A master’s degree in one of the listed specialties or comparable level of work experience is preferred.

Experience: 2+ years’ experience in a Clinical, Diagnostic, Public Health, Environmental, Industrial, or University research laboratory performing next generation sequencing processes is preferred (e.g. DNA extractions, PCR amplification, library prep). Experience in bioinformatics, working with human sequencing data, working with short-read sequencing, and/or Linux environments is desirable.

Important Skills and Characteristics:

• Requires good communication skills, organization, focused attention to detail, accuracy and efficiency, personal integrity, dedication, creativity, flexibility, initiative, and the ability to provide the program with knowledgeable resources.
• Ability to work as a team member is a must.
• Considerable knowledge of methods and techniques used in molecular biology.

Work Environment and Physical Requirements: An employee working with specimens of human origin is required to employ “universal precautions” in the laboratory; that is, to treat each specimen as if it were capable of disease transmission and to use personal protection devices such as gloves, safety glasses, and lab coats to prevent contamination.

Physical Activities: Standing, lifting, carrying, kneeling, bending, squatting, keyboard entry- daily.

Conditions/Hazards: Dust, odor, fumes, chemicals, noise- daily.

Must have ability to work at a computer and operate normal office equipment. Job involves keyboarding and viewing a screen up to 100% of the time.

RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE WORK OF OTHERS: No assigned responsibility.

IMPACT ON PROJECTS, SERVICES AND OPERATIONS: This person is a key member of the team. This person also ensures that the needs of the laboratory staff and external clients are met in a timely manner and maintains professional relationships. This person operates in an independent manner and is expected to be the sole NGS subject matter expert and resource to the NBS laboratory.

REQUIRED COMMUNICATION

“For purposes of employment standards, this classification is “Exempt” from overtime provisions of the fair Labor Standards Act.”

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