Laboratory Technician, Molecular Assay Development - Day Zero Diagnostics

Day Zero Diagnostics (DZD) is an exciting startup revolutionizing infectious disease diagnostics, by leveraging cutting-edge sample prep technologies, whole genome sequencing and machine learning. We are building the next generation of IVDs, able to perform comprehensive bacterial species ID and antimicrobial resistance and susceptibility (AMR/S) profiling in less than 8 hours of sample receipt, without the need for culture.

Our first application is for Sepsis. Sepsis is responsible for about a third of hospital deaths and costs hospitals in the US about $24B annually. Using the current culture-based approach for pathogen ID and AST that takes 2-5 days and has a 40% failure rate, patients with Sepsis are treated with broad-spectrum antibiotics, leading to significant toxicity, higher rates of organ injury, increased risk of c. difficile infection, and contributing to the growth of the antibiotic resistance problem, globally.

By providing an accurate and comprehensive diagnosis within the first cycle of treatment, patients can get appropriate antibiotic therapy for systemic infections such as sepsis, reducing hospital treatment durations and costs.
At Day Zero Diagnostics we are passionate about our mission of modernizing infectious diseases diagnosis and treatment. Employees gain experience in a multidisciplinary and fast-paced start-up, and have ample opportunities to acquire new skills, engage with emerging technologies, work closely with our accomplished team, and communicate their results, all while working in a supportive and energetic environment.

SUMMARY

The Laboratory Technician will play an essential role in the operational side of the lab as well, as directly performing experimentation as part of the research and development team. The Lab Technician will be responsible for maintaining materials, reagents, bacterial stocks, waste streams, and lab cleanliness. In addition, they will assist with experimentation; strictly adhering to lab SOPs in the processing of laboratory samples and recording and communicating their results.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Perform and assist with sample processing toward diagnostic workflows
• Execute repetitive workflows and strictly follow lab SOPs for specimen handling, processing, and reporting
• Ensure quality control of clinical samples and identify problems that may adversely affect test performance or test result, reporting and notifying the appropriate supervisor
• Maintain meticulous documentation on sample processing and tracking, QC checkpoints, and any corrective actions taken when tests deviate from the laboratory’s established specifications
• Following laboratory SOPs for reagent and media preparation and lot logging
• Maintain bacterial stocks and associated documentation
• Perform laboratory maintenance tasks such as glass washing and autoclaving, stocking, inventory, and disposal of hazardous/biological waste
• Performs daily QC and routine evaluation of instrumentation such as centrifuges, refrigerators, freezers, BSCs, thermocyclers, etc.
• Performs admin and support services as needed
• Participates in proficiency testing of unknowns

QUALIFICATIONS

• A bachelor's degree in a chemical, physical, biological, or clinical laboratory science from an accredited institution, or a 4-year medical research or biotechnology degree/certification is required to fulfill CLIA requirements. Minimum of 1 year of lab experience is desired.
• Experience with laboratory methods/techniques associated with molecular and microbiology including culture and quantification of microorganisms, media/buffer preparation, and PCR/qPCR
• Experience with NGS or nanopore sequencing a plus
• Comfortable handling human clinical specimens, including blood
• Can handle a high volume of sample processing to meet deadlines
• Properly uses and maintains laboratory equipment