Clinical Laboratory Scientist

---

Job description

About Us

The Mission at StemExpress is to accelerate the cure and prevention of significant medical conditions at life-changing speed. In 2010, the company was created to expedite research and clinical trials through the implementation of our own stem cell collection centers and state-of-the-art cell manufacturing laboratories. We support medical research, gene therapies and clinical trials by collecting human bone marrow and blood cells from our donors and sending to our clients. We provide expediency from order to delivery and guarantee every sample arrives with the highest purity, viability, and quality that researchers need to ensure confidence in their results. By shortening the time it takes to collect samples or isolate primary cells, we can help reduce months, and even years off a project. That means new cures and treatments can reach patient care faster, giving months and years back to the people afflicted with serious medical conditions.

In addition to our company's core cell and gene therapy initiatives, in 2020 we began partnering with hospitals and public health departments to provide end-to-end COVID-19 testing using gold-standard PCR.

The Role

This position works independently in a private laboratory in a research setting. The CLS is a member of a remote team of peers nationwide, with a supervisor based at the HQ Lab in California. This position fills purchase orders for research laboratory clients using a variety of laboratory techniques, such as isolation and analysis of specific cell populations. All processes and data are documented and submitted for review prior to packing and shipment of product to the client.

To be successful the Clinical Laboratory Scientist will do the following essential duties and job functions:

* Isolates and analyzes primary cells from human tissue, such as peripheral blood, cord blood, and bone marrow.
* Independently performs consistently moderate and somewhat complex clinical tests: primarily operating a flow cytometer and interpreting flow cytometry data.
* Exhibits skills and proficiency in applying technical principles and techniques of medical laboratory science, including accurate use of micropipettes and serological pipettes, use of a hemacytometer, calculating and performing dilutions and other laboratory mathematics, use of microbead reagent kits, and cryopreservation protocols.
* Prepares accurate and timely documentation of work and consistently meets deadlines.
* Comprehends client purchase orders and satisfies all order requirements. Incorporates knowledge of a variety of analytical methods to produce satisfactory product.
* Understands and follows all safety procedures relating to laboratory safety, including handling of infectious biological agents and potentially hazardous chemicals, as well as appropriate hazardous clean up procedures and universal precautions for infection control procedures.
* Analyzes specimens following standard methods and procedures to judge the adequacy and qualities of all specimens submitted for processing.
* Correctly verifies that the proper specimen is being analyzed for the appropriate donor and that the requested procedure is being performed.
* Validates test results through correlation with test parameters and QC metrics.
* Determines calculated results utilizing testing data by means of manual or computerized procedures.
* Accurately enters results of testing.
* Responsible for performing preventative maintenance of laboratory equipment and properly documenting actions taken based on approved schedule.
* Performs and documents instrument function by checking and calibrating specific lab instruments and documents data.
* Record on instrument logs any repairs, replacement, and maintenance needed of equipment.
* Adhere to all laboratory Quality Control policies.
* Identifies issues that may adversely affect test performance, or the reporting of test results and addresses them immediately.
* Recognizes problems, and initiates troubleshooting steps to evaluate testing failures and other problems, if necessary.
* Monitors and maintains a consistent supply of reagents and consumables.
* Track inventory levels and accurately count supplies
* Order supplies as needed

* Provides on-going technical guidance to other members of the team. Instructs and/or trains new employees in the proper performance of routine procedures as needed. Provides guidance and technical supervision to unlicensed staff as necessary.
* Responsible for packing, unpacking, inspecting and proper storage of test specimens.
* Maintains a safe and neat work area.
* Maintains cooperative working relationships with co-workers.

Minimum Qualifications:

* A Bachelor of Science degree in medical technology or biological sciences from an accredited college or university.
* A current ASCP certification and, if applicable, a current state license to perform clinical laboratory testing.
* 1-3 years direct experience in a laboratory setting.
* Demonstrated proficiency in computer skills such as word processing, statistical analysis, and laboratory information system.
* Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
* Excellent critical thinking and creative problem-solving skills.
* Highly organized and detail-oriented, with the ability manage numerous high priority projects and demands at once.
* Ability to work independently and collaboratively as a team member.
* Flexible in nature to accommodate new program growth and change.

Preferred Qualifications:

* Proficiency with flow cytometry.
* Experience with human tissue procurement and basic molecular biological techniques.
* Two to three years of laboratory experience in cell biology, molecular biology and/or immunology, and strong understanding of nucleic acid technology and immunoassays are highly desired.

Reporting Relationships

This position will report to the Laboratory Operations Manager. They will work closely with a small team of apheresis technicians as well as a remote team of peers. They also work remotely with members of the sales and scheduling teams.

StemExpress is an equal opportunity employer that is committed to diversity, and values the ways in which we are different.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, or other characteristic protected by applicable law.