Position Summary

The HLA Section Director will analyze and understand the clinical aspects of high complexity HLA genotyping, as offered by Caris Life Sciences, to provide up-to-date clinically relevant review of Molecular testing. The Section Director is responsible for overseeing the operations of the HLA testing. Ensuring the molecular area is performing at the level it should be, meeting all goals, and the quality of results being reported are at the appropriate level meeting all necessary Quality Control (QC) guidelines.

Job Responsibilities

• Review and approve new HLA-related validation plans/reports and periodically sample and review HLA reporting to ensure quality.

• Address corrective and preventative actions, as needed.

• Review and approve all relevant standard operating procedures (SOPs) and forms.

• Consult with peer Geneticist and Pathologists on cases as requested or needed.

• Participate in Quality Assurance programs, i.e., serve as reviewer for cases and participate in intradepartmental conferences to ensure and improve accuracy of diagnoses and quality of care.

• May train and supervise residents and fellows engaged in specialty training.

• May be involved in research activities.

• Follows established policies, procedures, and objectives, continuous quality improvement objectives, safety, environmental, and/or infection control standards.

• Promote and work to improve relationships with clinicians and the Molecular community.

• Interpret test results including troubleshooting of assays as necessary.

• Monitors test analysis and specimen examination to ensure acceptable levels of analytic performance are maintained.

• Evaluates the competency of all testing personnel and assures that the employees maintain their competency to perform test procedures and report test results promptly, accurately, and proficiently.

• Ensures compliance with all local, federal, CLIA, ISO 15189, NYS, and CAP regulations.

• Handles all concerns of test quality and/or patient.

• Oversees all Quality Control (QC) to ensure laboratory standards and regulations are maintained.

• Communicate results to ordering physician or will clarify questions, as needed.

• Assist, as needed, to perform other related duties and special projects as required.

Required Qualifications

• MD or DO license to practice (if required) in the jurisdiction where the laboratory is located, or doctoral degree in chemical, physical, biological or clinical laboratory science from an accredited institution.

• Laboratory training and experience: Four years training and experience in histocompatibility, or two years training and experience in general immunology plus two years in histocompatibility. For section director/technical supervisors supporting solid organ and/or hematopoietic progenitor cell transplantation, records of training or relevant experience in histocompatibility appropriate to the supported transplant program(s).

• Must have a broad understanding of Molecular genetics and the latest research developments in Genomics as it pertains to oncology and related tools and techniques.

• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite, specifically Word, Excel, Outlook, and general working knowledge of Internet for business use.

• Conditions of Employment: Individuals must successfully complete pre-employment process, which includes criminal background check, drug screening, and reference check.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in laboratory operations and management is preferred, but not necessary.

Physical Demands

• Will work at a computer some of the time requiring the use of copiers, fax machines, and PDF scanners.

• Visual acuity and analytical skill to distinguish fine detail.

• Must possess ability to sit and/or stand for long periods of time.

• Must possess ability to perform repetitive motion.

• Ability to lift, up to 30 pounds.

• May have exposure to extreme temperatures, high noise levels, fumes and bio-hazardous material/chemicals in the lab environment. Exposure to formaldehyde, xylene, DAB and alcohol which emit fumes. The formaldehyde, xylene, and DAB are carcinogenic.

Training

• All job specific, safety, and compliance training are assigned based on the job functions associated with this employee.

Conditions of Employment: Individual must successfully complete pre-employment process, which includes criminal background check, drug screening, credit check ( applicable for certain positions) and reference verification.

This job description reflects management’s assignment of essential functions. Nothing in this job description restricts management’s right to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time.

Caris Life Sciences is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, status as a protected veteran, among other things, or status as a qualified individual with disability.

Caris Life Sciences is a leading innovator in molecular science and artificial intelligence focused on fulfilling the promise of precision medicine through quality and innovation.

Caris is committed to quality and excellence at our state-of-the-art laboratories. Learn more about our tissue lab and the advanced technologies that are helping improve the lives of cancer patients.