NGS Development Team Lead

TX-HHSC-DSHS-DFPS • Austin, TX

3d • Onsite

About The Position

Under the minimal supervision of the Genetic Sequencing Branch Manager/NGS Research and Testing Group Manager, serves as the Team Lead of the NGS Development Team to develop and implement verification and method development for new instruments and sequencing technologies. Organizes Next Generation Sequencing data and metadata, and prepares presentations, reports, and updates while also coordinating and conducting highly advanced technical testing and quality assurance activities involving detection and characterization of microbes. Ensures standard operation procedures, proper quality controls and assurance documentation are in place and followed for all tests performed and reported by the team. Evaluates and determines the appropriate specifications for new and existing diagnostic tests, techniques, reagents, and equipment and ensures adequate material resources for continued testing. Manages daily functions, activities and leave schedules for the team and serves as an authority, technical resource, and positive role model while providing excellent customer service to internal and external customers.

Requirements

• Knowledge of Next Generation Sequencing and Bioinformatics.
• Knowledge of Quality assurance, quality control, and CLIA/CAP regulations in a laboratory.
• Knowledge of Validation processes as required by CLIA/CAP.
• Knowledge of Unidirectional workflow and aseptic techniques to reduce the potential for contamination.
• Skill in The operation of molecular as well as general laboratory equipment and in the use of a computer and applicable software.
• Ability to Interpret written protocols and to develop procedures.
• Ability to Plan and prioritize assignments and supervise the work of others.
• Ability to Detect malfunctions in test protocols and errors in transcribed results.
• Ability to Teach molecular biology concepts and procedures; use of various items of laboratory equipment; communicate technical instructions and interact effectively with staff.
• Ability to Maintain positive customer relations.
• Ability to Work independently and make technical decisions based on professional knowledge and experience.
• Ability to Conduct personnel interviews and evaluations.
• Have an earned bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral degree in a chemical, physical, biological, clinical laboratory science, or medical technology from an accredited institution and minimum of three years of working experience in the field of Molecular Biology or Microbiology.

Nice To Haves

• Working experience of Next Generation Sequencing and Bioinformatics is preferred but not required.
• Experience in using a computer for word processing, spreadsheet and database analysis and results reporting, is preferred but not required.
• Experience in evaluating data, interpreting test results, and taking corrective actions if needed, is preferred but not required.

Responsibilities

• Coordinates and conducts the daily testing activities of the NGS Development team by prioritizing work, developing workflows, and making assignments so that quality results are accurately reported to customers without interruption within established turnaround times.
• Consults with staff on research and development of FDA/CDC projects and Laboratory developed tests (LDT) and helps verification and method development for new instruments and sequencing technologies.
• Helps perform troubleshooting of technical and equipment issues and notifies the Branch manager/Group manager of problems, either technical or personnel, that impact the functioning of the laboratory.
• Assists the quality assurance activities of the NGS Development team by developing and updating Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), including the Quality Assurance Plan following manufacturer’s, CDC, or FDA guidelines for all the tests performed in the laboratory.
• Coordinates and conducts validation/verification studies and SOP development in all areas of testing as required by CAP/CLIA.
• Performs regular reviews of quality control, quality assurance and proficiency surveys of all team activities including specimen turnaround time, identifying discrepancies, and documenting corrective actions and outcomes.
• Prepares Team purchasing. Reviews and submits purchase documents in a timely manner. Ensures an inventory of Laboratory's unique supplies and reagents are available as needed.
• Conducts and coordinates research, evaluates and develops projects to assure state of the art testing and implements new procedures as appropriate.
• Collects and interprets data, documents findings, and prepares technical reports and project updates using advanced word processing and spreadsheet skills.
• Assists in grant writing and submission.
• Provides excellent customer service to internal and external customers.
• Conducts technical presentations, tours, and student training.
• Provides consultation and services to customers regarding specimen submission requirements, test results and interpretation, and is the point of contact for technical matters related to the work of the team.
• Assists in staffing management by monitoring and providing feedback to supervisor on team members’ technical performance, staffing requirements and recommends appropriate training and education for staff and job description updates for area positions.
• Coordinates and participates in interview and selection process, recommending the best applicant for positions.
• Communicates information to staff as necessary and encourages communication throughout the area.
• Performs other duties as assigned by the Branch manager/Group manager, including administrative functions as they relate to the Team.
• Consistently comply with DSHS Laboratory, local, state, and federal guidelines to ensure a safe functioning laboratory.
• Actively participating and/or serving in a supporting role to meet the agency’s obligations for disaster response and/or recovery or continuity of operations (COOP) activation.

Benefits

• DSHS offers insurance coverage and other benefits available through the State of Texas Group Benefits Plan administered by the Employee Retirement System of Texas (ERS).

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level