Medical Technician II - (ECOG-ACRIN) - Tues-Sat 8am-5pm

MISSION STATEMENT
The mission of The University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center is to eliminate cancer in Texas, the nation, and the world through outstanding programs that integrate patient care, research and prevention, and through education for undergraduate and graduate students, trainees, professionals, employees and the public.

SUMMARY
The primary purpose of the Medical Technician II position is to perform blood processing and molecular testing on research samples received by the ECOG-ACRIN Central Biorepository and Pathology Facility (EA CBPF).

Primary Functions

• Process blood to separate, isolate, store and aliquot serum, plasma and peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs). Process, aliquot and freeze urine and other fluids.
• Perform manual and automated DNA and RNA extraction from blood and tissue.
• Analyze and interpret results of nucleic acids extractions.
• Organize and inventory frozen, refrigerated and ambient samples.
• Perform cell counting, cell culture, polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and fluorescent in-situ hybridization (FISH).
• Understands and maintains familiarity with legacy, current and new ECOG-ACRIN protocols.
• Reads and understands investigator concepts, proposals, projects and correlatives.
• Remains knowledgeable and competent of all policies, procedures and protocols.
• Reviews and writes SOPs as needed.
• Participates in quality control and validations.
• Maintains accurate and detailed records of data.
• Ensures and verifies quality control data is appropriate for the complexity of the tests.
• Troubleshoots and maintains laboratory equipment.
• Maintains competency in computer functions.
• Follows the biorepository's inventory control system to assure effective use of supplies and reagents.
• Completes, verifies and reports testing in timely manner.

JOB SPECIFIC COMPETENCIES

• Tests and Evaluation: Analyzes and evaluates sample results correctly and appropriately. Validates and evaluates new methodologies and tests. Validates database for new software or new tests implemented in the laboratory.
• Patient Information:Stores patient information and results to allow easy future access as required. Appropriately de-identifies patient information when needed. Communicates laboratory information in accordance with established policies and procedures.
• Safety Guidelines: Complies with safety guidelines and procedures and adheres to regulatory mandates. Remains responsible and accountable for all actions.
• Productivity: Enhances productivity and laboratory lab functions by demonstrating dependability. Adjusts, prioritizes, and organizes work to achieve maximum productivity to meet the workload demands of the biorepository.
• Customer Service: Manages all customer service interactions with diplomacy, actively facilitating resolutions to problems and addressing the needs of both internal and external investigators and sites.
• Computer Skills: Maintains proficiency on computer functions in the lab processes.

Bachelor's degree with major course work in one of the basic sciences. May substitute required education degree with a combination of additional years of equivalent experience or completed college credit on a one to one basis.

Experience Preferred: One year of laboratory experience.

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