Laboratory Scientist

The laboratory scientist is a member of the Laboratory Operations team responsible for performing routine and specialised methods such as nucleic acid extractions, PCR, Sequencing and Genotyping. The Genuity Science laboratory is a high throughput, CAP accredited and LIMS-controlled production environment.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Perform and supervise a variety of laboratory workflows using both routine and specialised techniques and methods in some of the following areas:
• DNA/RNA isolation, PCR, qPCR, microarray platforms for genotyping and methylation analysis and next generation sequencing technologies.
• Comply with all applicable clinical laboratory standards, protocols, and requirements.
• Manage daily workload through the laboratory information system.
• Review of QC Data as part of day-to-day operations, procedures and specifications.
• Identify deviations from QC methods and implement method improvements.
• Maintain records to demonstrate proficiency testing samples are tested in the same manner as patient specimens.
• Adhere to the laboratory’s quality control policies such as:
• document all quality control activities, develop and author documentation for new and current procedures, record instrument and procedural calibrations and maintenance performed.
• Participates in laboratory cross training programmes.
• Ensure adequate stock control of reagents and consumables within the laboratory.
• Follow the laboratory’s established policies and procedures whenever test systems are not within the laboratory’s established levels of performance.
• Document all corrective actions taken when test systems deviate from the laboratory’s established performance specifications.
• Identify safety measures within the laboratory and comply with all safety and infection control standards.
• Completion of all required records associated with quality system compliance in a timely manner.
• Participation in and where requested, performance of audits.
• Attendance at meetings, as requested by laboratory management.
• Ensuring the use of Q-Pulse, where required, during daily operations.
• Maintaining the confidentiality of corporate and laboratory data and information.
• Have an understanding of data privacy regulations and their importance to laboratory generated data.
• Adherence with human resources policies and procedures and participation in staff review programmes within the organisation.
• Compliance with the requirements of CAP, ISO17025 and applicable INAB mandatory documentation.
• Perform other duties as required.

Qualifications

• BSc/MSc degree in Biological Science or equivalent.
• Relevant experience (>3 years) in Molecular Biology and/or Genetics laboratories working in clinical, industrial or academic environments.
• Knowledge of Quality Management Systems (QMS) desirable.