Technical Specialist - Clinical Immunology Laboratory
Texas Children's Hospital
Houston, TX
Description
We are seeking a Technical Specialist – Clinical Immunology Laboratory, a detail-oriented professional with strong organizational skills, computer experience, critical thinking, and sound judgment. As a small, independent clinical laboratory, the CIL Lab requires a flexible and reliable individual who works well in a fast-paced settings and balance multiple responsibilities while ensuring accuracy and quality. Our CAP-accredited, CLIA-certified Clinical Immunology Laboratory specializes in inborn errors of immunity and offers high-complexity, laboratory-developed tests for immune deficiencies, immune depletion or repletion monitoring, and evaluation of bone marrow transplant engraftment in the Allergy, Immunology department. The lab uses techniques including flow cytometry (phenotyping, neutrophil function), cellular analyses, lymphocyte proliferation assays, and NK cell cytotoxicity. Think you’ve got what it takes?
Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree in clinical laboratory science, chemical, physical, or biological science required
- Master’s degree (or higher) in biological, chemistry, or laboratory science may substitute for one year of the required experience
- BB-ASCP, C-ASP, CLSP-NCA, G-ASCP, HT-ASCP, HTL-ASCP, M-ASCP, MB-ASCP, MLS-ASCP, MP-ASCP, MT-AMT, MT-ASCP, MT-NCA, or MT-STATE certification preferred
- One of the above certifications may substitute for one year of the required experience
- 3 years’ experience in a laboratory setting applicable to their area of responsibility required
Responsibilities:
- Receives and log patient samples in EPIC Beaker; performs specimen-testing including phenotyping, flow-based functional assays, lymphocyte proliferation assays (LPA) and NK Cytotoxicity assays, quality control tasks, instrument maintenance and troubleshooting.
- Performs, monitors, and documents all procedural and quality control procedures to ensure accuracy and compliance.
- Validates specimen identification according to hospital and departmental policies, ensuring sample type and volume are appropriate; process specimens per standard operating procedures.
- Conducts batch analysis of phenotyping results and performs daily/weekly quality control according to test requirements.
- Completes technical and clerical review of laboratory results and ensures timely reporting to physicians, physician assistants, and nurses.
- Conducts instrument function checks, calibration, maintenance, and performance evaluations.
- Executes parallel testing for all new reagents and equipment, including post-repair verification.
- Handles Laboratory Information Systems (LIS) tasks including test order troubleshooting, pending log reviews, and system updates.
- Monitor inventory and order supplies, track expiration dates and assist in resolving backorders or related supply issues.
- Implements corrective actions as needed to maintain test quality and compliance.
- Assists with proficiency testing and surveys, ensuring proper processing, testing, and reporting; investigate issues or unacceptable results and complete necessary documentation.
- Contributes to the validation and implementation of new tests, instruments, and equipment.
- Contributes to standard operating procedures (SOPs).
- Provides training, teaching, and annual competency support for laboratory testing personnel.
- Maintains proficiency in specialty areas
- Maintains laboratory organization and sanitation on a daily basis.
- Performs other essential duties as assigned; understands and adheres to laboratory operating hours and policies.