Medical Lab Technician

Department Overview

The OHSU Knight Cancer Institute, known as one of the pioneers in personalized cancer medicine, is an international leader in research and cancer treatment. Driven by its mission to end cancer as we know it, the institute is building upon its expertise in targeted treatments to advance the early detection of cancer when the disease is most treatable.

 

Every Knight Cancer employee is expected to embody our guiding principles: 

• We act BOLDLY—Breakthroughs require pushing the boundaries of science, exploring new frontiers, and thinking differently
• We SUPPORT each other—Respect leads to trust, which leads to excellence
• We work as a CONNECTED team—We must leverage our collective brain power to conquer cancer because no one individual can do it alone

Function/Duties of Position

We are seeking a highly skilled and dedicated Cyclic Immunofluorescence (CycIF) - Technician to support operations on the Lunaphore COMET platform which supports both clinical and research samples and projects. The ideal candidate will excel at multitasking, have strong documentation skills, adherence to Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), provide essential administrative support, and have a passion for process improvement. This individual will play an integral role in maintaining the smooth operation of the lab, ensuring that all tasks are executed efficiently and accurately. Willingness to learn and adapt to new technologies, systems, and methodologies is a must have skill. The candidate will play a critical role in ensuring the effective operation and optimization of the Lunaphore COMET system.

 

Key Responsibilities:

• Operate, monitor, and troubleshoot the Lunaphore COMET system, ensuring all equipment functions as required for high-quality results with minimal supervision. Quickly identify and resolve issues related to the equipment, operations, or workflow, ensuring minimal downtime and maximum system performance.
• Receive, label, and prepare samples for testing. Perform necessary pre-analytical processes such as deparaffinization, antigen retrieval, and antibody/reagent preparation.
• Maintain detailed records of projects, development and validation testing, system performance, and troubleshooting logs in alignment with department standards and policy requirements. Ensure all documentation is accurate, organized, and up to date. Identify opportunities for improving efficiency while maintaining the highest quality standards.
• Address any issues or inconsistencies encountered during testing by performing troubleshooting procedures and providing technical support. Work closely with supervisors or senior technicians to resolve any equipment or testing challenges.
• Maintain laboratory to a GLP standard by upkeeping supplies, manage inventory and high standard of cleanliness in work areas.

 

This position requires skills in handling laboratory specimens (human tissue), record keeping, laboratory equipment maintenance and quality assurance. The ability to work with several computer systems/machines is necessary including a Leica scanner and Lunaphore machine. An ability to identify viable cells and cell morphology at the light microscopic level is desirable. Experience in molecular biology, including accurate pipetting and immunohistochemistry or cycIF is desirable, but we are willing to train the right person. Cancer or immunology knowledge/skills (IHC, PCR, Immunofluorescent imaging) would be helpful.

 

This position requires following established protocols, working with human samples, work closely with lab team members to ensure effective coordination and efficient use of resources. Offer support for ongoing projects and share insights that may enhance overall team performance. This position will interact with a variety of scientists and other staff and is expected to keep the laboratory in good working order, including maintaining supplies, prepare antibody aliquots, and keeping complete and accurate records of all projects and assays. The position may allow some flexibility in work hours, including some nights and weekends, with limited/no work-from-home.

Required Qualifications

Education & experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in a chemical or biological science and two years of Laboratory Technical Assistant training/experience performing standardized laboratory tests in the specialty area(s) in which high complexity testing will be performed; MLT (ASCP) or AMT certification preferred. Depending on date of training, different continuing education requirements will apply. OR
• Completion of a 2 year accredited program in Medical Laboratory Technician training plus MLT (ASCP) within 90 days of hire or AMT certification within 90 days of hire. Depending on date of training, different continuing education