Associate Clinical Variant Scientist

Overview

Versiti is a fusion of donors, scientific curiosity, and precision medicine that recognize the gifts of blood and life are precious. We are home to the world-renowned Blood Research Institute, we enable life saving gifts from our donors, and provide the science behind the medicine through our diagnostic laboratories. Versiti brings together outstanding minds with unparalleled experience in transfusion medicine, transplantation, stem cells and cellular therapies, oncology and genomics, diagnostic lab services, and medical and scientific expertise. This combination of skill and knowledge results in improved patient outcomes, higher quality services and reduced cost of care for hospitals, blood centers, hospital systems, research and educational institutions, and other health care providers. At Versiti, we are passionate about improving the lives of patients and helping our healthcare partners thrive.

Position Summary

Under the direction of the Director of Hematology Genetics, and in partnership with the hematology genetics team, the Associate Clinical Variant Scientist performs analysis of sequence variants and genetic alterations and evaluates primary scientific and medical literature and databases to support variant classification. Performs technical review of testing data, drafting a thorough and accurate interpretation of results.

Total Rewards Package

BenefitsVersiti provides a comprehensive benefits package based on your job classification. Full-time regular employes are eligible for Medical, Dental, and Vision Plans, Paid Time Off (PTO) and Holidays, Short- and Long-term disability, life insurance, 7% match dollar for dollar 401(k), voluntary programs, discount programs, others.

Responsibilities

• Variant Analysis and Interpretation *Maintain sample integrity and ensure proper identification of all specimens *Reviews molecular data from Sanger, NGS, and other technologies. *Uses variant visualization and analysis software. *Assesses variant significance and performs rule-based variant interpretation with supporting documentation *Classifies variants according to existing clinical guidelines, drafting clear, concise summaries and reports. *Collaborates with genetic counselor and physician team to integrate clinical history and ancillary findings into variant interpretations *Maintain proper documentation of all analysis/investigation performed *Review daily work for accuracy. Recognize and investigate the reason for potential discrepancies and unexpected results, resolving or escalating as appropriate. *Maintains knowledge of human medical genetics principles and of relevant American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics (ACMG) and Association for Molecular Pathology (AMP) guidelines related to sequencing and variant analysis
• Hematology Genetics Laboratory Support *Support sample/testing evaluation *Support customer inquiries via phone, email, and lab information system (LIS)
• May participate in validations
• May train staff on job specific tasks
• Participates in continuing education and maintains competency
• Performs other duties as required or assigned which are reasonably within the scope of the duties in this job classification
• Understands and performs in accordance with all applicable regulatory and compliance requirements
• Complies with all standard operating policies and procedures

Qualifications

Education

• Bachelor's Degree or advanced degree from an accredited college or university in biology, chemistry, molecular biology, immunology, clinical laboratory science, medical technology, or related field. required
• Bachelor's Degree Alternative: must meet minimum requirement for testing personnel CLIA 493.1489 in lieu of required degree

Experience

• 1-3 years Experience or coursework with human genetic diseases, sequencing data, molecular assays, and/or variant interpretation preferred
• 1-3 years Experience or coursework with bioinformatic analysis and laboratory information systems. preferred
• 1-3 years Experience performing laboratory research and/or contributing to scientific literature or presentation. preferred

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Ability to read and interpret documents such as Standard Operating Procedures, safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, and other department manuals. required
• Must have relevant mathematical skills, as it applies to determination of genomic and gene coordinates. required
• Strong ability to critically analyze, interpret, and summarize relevant scientific literature and clinical genetic information. required
• Ability to organize work to provide efficient and productive workflow. required
• Ability to learn a