Laboratory Technician - Now Hiring

Optima Medical is an Arizona-based medical group consisting of 30 locations and over 130+ medical providers, who care for more than 200,000 patients statewide. Our mission is to improve the quality of life throughout Arizona by helping communities "Live Better, Live Longer" through personalized healthcare, with a focus on preventing the nations top leading causes of death. We go beyond primary care with a full spectrum of services including cardiovascular health services, behavioral health, allergy testing and immunotherapy, in-house lab testing, imaging, chronic disease management, and other specialty health services. We aspire to aid the growth of our company by welcoming the most qualified and deserving candidates aboard. 

Job Summary

Perform routine, complex, and high-complexity laboratory testing in accordance with established laboratory procedures, CLIA requirements for nonwaived testing personnel, supports all phases of laboratory operations, including pre-analytic, analytic, and post-analytic processes, to ensure accurate, timely, and reliable patient test results.

This position may perform testing within multiple laboratory disciplines, including chemistry, hematology, toxicology, and molecular diagnostics. Personnel assigned to perform high-complexity molecular testing, PGX (pharmacogenomic) testing, and/or toxicology confirmation testing utilizing the Shimadzu LC-MS/MS analyzer must meet applicable CLIA requirements, complete required training, and demonstrate competency prior to independently performing patient testing.

Job Duties and Responsibilities

• Provide oversight for a Technical Supervisor for Molecular and Toxicology testing.
• Determine specimen acceptability according to established laboratory criteria.
• Perform specimen accessioning, processing, preparation, and storage according to laboratory procedures. Maintain proper specimen identification, integrity, and documentation throughout the testing process.
• Follow established procedures to ensure compliance with CLIA pre-analytic quality requirements.
• Perform routine, complex, and high-complexity laboratory testing according to established Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).
• Perform molecular testing, PGX testing, and toxicology confirmation testing when qualified and authorized.
• Perform toxicology confirmation testing utilizing the Shimadzu LC-MS/MS analyzer and LabSolutions Insight Software including specimen preparation, analysis, quality control review, and troubleshooting.
• Perform molecular laboratory procedures including nucleic acid extraction and preparation of patient samples for PGX testing.
• Prepare, evaluate, and utilize reagents, calibrators, controls, and testing materials.
• Apply technical judgment to identify, troubleshoot, and resolve analytical and instrument issues.
• Perform, review and document Calibrations and Quality Control
• Review and report accurate laboratory results within established turnaround times.

Instrumentation and Quality Assurance

• Operate, maintain, and troubleshoot laboratory instrumentation including Molecular platforms, Shimadzu LC-MS/MS, and all other supplemental instruments in those departments.
• Perform and document maintenance and instrument function checks.
• Monitor quality control performance daily and monthly, and take appropriate action when quality standards are not met.
• Participate in quality assurance activities, proficiency testing, and continuous improvement initiatives.

Laboratory Operations and Workflow Support

• Maintain adequate inventory of reagents, supplies, and consumables.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and compliant laboratory workspace.
• Support efficient laboratory workflow and assist with process improvement initiatives.
• Follow laboratory procedures to ensure accurate and timely patient testing.

Safety and Regulatory Compliance

• Maintain a safe work environment by following biosafety, chemical hygiene, and infection prevention practices.
• Wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) and follow all safety requirements.
• Comply with CLIA regulations, Arizona laboratory requirements, laboratory policies, and established SOPs.
• Completely required competency assessments, continuing education, and regulatory documentation.

Qualification Requirements

• Completion of an accredited Medical Laboratory Technician (MLT) program (NAACLS, ABHES, or CAAHEP accredited) or equivalent Clinical Laboratory Science program.
• Preferred: Bachelor's degree (4-year) in Medical Laboratory Science (MLS/CLS), Biology, Chemistry, Biochemistry, or another biological or chemical science that meets CLIA requirements for high-complexity testing personnel.
• Preferred: National certification through ASCP (MLS, MT, MB, or MLT) or AMT.
• The preferred candidate will be a 4-year Medical Laboratory Scientist/Technologist with experience with molecular diagnostics and toxicology testing.
• Preferred: Technologist with lead or supervisor experience in a laboratory.
• Candidates with an MLT degree and prior experience in molecular testing, PGX workflows, nucleic acid extraction, and/or toxicology confirmation testing will be considered.
• Optima Medical is willing to train qualified laboratory professionals with laboratory experience, and technical aptitude in assigned molecular and toxicology platforms.
• Experience with molecular laboratory workflows, including:
  • Nucleic acid extraction and sample preparation
  • PGX testing workflows
  • PCR-based methodologies or molecular platforms
  • Contamination prevention practices and molecular quality control processes
• Experience with LC-MS/MS toxicology confirmation testing, including:
  • Sample preparation
  • Instrument operation
  • Calibration and quality control review
  • Troubleshooting analytical issues
• Successful completion of documented training and competency assessment prior to independently performing patient testing.
• Participation in semiannual and annual competency assessments as required by CLIA.
• Strong knowledge of good laboratory practices, pipetting techniques of instrumentation, quality control, safety practices, and regulatory requirements.
• Ability to troubleshoot analytical issues and follow complex laboratory procedures.
• Strong attention to detail, organizational skills, and critical thinking abilities.
• Effective communication skills and ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Ability to stand for extended periods, lift to 40 pounds, work with hazardous chemicals and infectious materials, and perform repetitive manual tasks.