HJF is seeking a Molecular Medical Technologist I to support the Diagnostics and Countermeasures Branch

Join the HJF Team!

HJF is seeking a Molecular Medical Technologist I to support the Diagnostics and Countermeasures Branch (DCB) located at the Walter Reed Army Institute of Research (WRAIR) in Silver Spring, MD.  HJF provides scientific, technical and programmatic support services to DCB.

The incumbent is primarily responsible for oversight and performance of molecular assays in the College of American Pathologists (CAP) accredited HIV Diagnostics and Reference Laboratory (HDRL) within the DCB. The incumbent will perform assays/procedures in strict accordance with the laboratory Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), Policies, Good Clinical Laboratory Practices (GCLP), accrediting bodies, and U.S. regulatory agencies to include the CAP, DoD Clinical Laboratory Information Program (CLIP), and the U.S. FDA.

The incumbent will be responsible for preparing and analyzing samples, operation and maintenance of state-of-the-art instrumentation, and ensuring adherence to all quality control procedures in support of clinical diagnostic and clinical research initiatives. The work requires interpretation and specific application of written procedures and policies. The primary tasks are repetitive in nature. Task complexity arises from the large number of detailed sequential operations and application of various clinical criteria and discriminatory parameters.

Responsibilities: 

1. Performs manual RT-PCR, automated real-time PCR, nucleic acid testing and genotype resistance testing assays.
2. Performs specimen processing and rejection in accordance with laboratory SOPs, manufacturer guidelines and CAP/FDA regulations.
3. Reviews and verifies all raw run data, all quality control documents, and ensures all regulatory compliance standards are met.
4. Performs routine and specialized testing and procedures in accordance with CAP standards and Institutional Review Board (IRB) approved clinical protocols.
5. Operates state-of-the-art equipment to perform HIV, HBV, HCV, GC/CT, Mycoplasma genitalium, and Trichomoniasis vaginalis nucleic acid assays as well as HIV-1 viral sequencing for genotypic resistance. Assays are utilized to inform patient care/management as well as clinical research initiatives.
6. Performs sample analysis using various acquisition and analysis software programs.
7. Reviews data reports prior to submission to the Technical Supervisor for final approval.
8. Performs and documents all weekly, monthly, semi-annual, annual maintenance and quality control procedures for instrumentation.
9. Prepares Quality Control solutions, reagents, media, and specimens for analysis in clinical diagnostic and clinical research assays.
10. Develops, implements, maintains and validates standard operating procedures in conjunction with the Molecular Team Lead, Technical Supervisor and the Quality Assurance Group.
11. Coordinates and performs the validation of new assays, equipment, and materials as required; with the Molecular Team Lead, Molecular Technical Supervisor and QA Group.
12. Maintains laboratory records.
13. Trains new employees or visiting scientist(s) as required.
14. Reports any issues in regards to testing or personnel to the Molecular Team Lead.
15. Troubleshoots general sample/laboratory issues to ensure established turn-around-time standards are met.
16. Preforms other duties as assigned.

Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:  Excellent laboratory and technical skills. Ability to work independently once trained, excellent record keeping ability, excellent interpersonal and communication skills. Ability to identify areas for process improvement for better efficiency.

Minimum Education: Bachelor’s degree in science field required.

Required Licenses, Certification or Registration: Medical Technologist, ASCP or equivalent certification preferred.

Minimum Experience/Certification Requirements: 3-5 years of technical experience. General knowledge of robotic instrumentation for molecular nucleic acid testing, to include: HIV, HBV, HCV, GC/CT, Mycoplasma genitalium, and Trichomoniasis vaginalis nucleic acid assays; HIV-1 PCR/sequence techniques for viral drug resistance preferred. Experience in performing clinical testing in a regulated environment with emphasis in molecular techniques. Experience with Macintosh and PC related software to include EXCEL, Word and PowerPoint. Ability to create and edit documents, such as standard operating procedures. Comprehensive and detailed knowledge of accrediting and regulatory agency requirements, federal and state laws, knowledge of laboratory information management and automation, ability to recommend corrective actions and policy changes to correct deficiencies and improve laboratory programs is desirable.

Physical Capabilities: Job performance requires ability to move around and between several laboratory areas. Fine motor coordination in manipulation of laboratory materials is essential. The individual must be able to stand and/or sit for lengthy periods to include, but not limited to, processing of specimens, operation of instrumentation, and data analysis at a computer terminal.

Work Environment: Set in a Lab environment. The incumbent will handle bio-hazardous materials, and infectious human specimens to include, but not limited to, HIV, Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C, GC/CT, M. gen, TV, HTLV, and syphilis infected material. The incumbent will be expected to practice safe handling of infectious materials and hazardous chemicals. This laboratory supports work of investigators of diverse scientific disciplines and nationalities and requires good interpersonal skills for effective job performance.

Background/Security: Must have lived in the U.S. 3 out of the past 5 years; eligible to obtain and maintain a Tier I investigation/ Public Trust and a Common Access Card (CAC).

Employment with HJF is contingent upon successful completion of a background check, which may include, but is not limited to, contacting your professional references, verification of previous employment, addresses, education, and credentials, a criminal background check, drug screening, and a department of motor vehicle (DMV) check.  

HJF is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer.  All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or protected veteran status.

Any qualifications to be considered as equivalents, in lieu of stated minimums, require the prior approval of the Chief Human Resources Officer.