Laboratory Technician - Exagen Inc.

Exagen is a patient-focused and discovery-driven life sciences company dedicated to transforming the care continuum for patients suffering from debilitating and chronic autoimmune diseases. Our goal is to enable rheumatologists to improve care for patients through the differential diagnosis, prognosis, and monitoring of complex autoimmune and autoimmune-related diseases, including lupus and rheumatoid arthritis. By leveraging our proprietary Cell-Bound Complement Activation Products, or CB-CAPs, technology, we help get to the real cause of a patient’s symptoms and guide their journey to improved health.

The Laboratory Technician's primary responsibility is to assist pre-analytical, analytical, and post-analytical processes associated with specimen processing and test performance under the supervision and control of licensed individuals in the clinical laboratory. This may include receiving specimens, ensuring accurate entry into the Laboratory Information System (LIS) and/or preparing samples for testing and analysis. The Clinical Lab Technician is knowledgeable with, and is a resource for others within the laboratory, the use of equipment, databases, and software applications. Maintains flexibility with regard to work schedule including section assignment, daily work shift and days of the week as determined by business need.

Note: Other duties may be assigned.

• Multi-tasking efficiently, maintaining flexibility, and working as a team player will be critical while processing samples according to multiple workflows and maintaining established turnaround times
• Capable of identifying specimen processing problems that may adversely affect the reporting of test results and immediately notify the supervisor
• Under direct and constant supervision by a licensed individual
  • Assist in preventative maintenance, troubleshooting, and the performance of quality control activities in accordance with the laboratory’s policies and procedures
  • Preparation and storage of reagents - buffers and solutions (1% Wash buffers, 10% Diluent and 1X Lysis buffer)
• Accurately identifies each specimen and test order to create batches in LIS (Exemplar) prior to testing
• Washing and lysing of whole blood.
• Operates lab equipment such as TECAN-EVO 100, HELMER Ultra-Cell Washer and Eppendorf centrifuge, Lyric Flow Cytometer, etc.
• Maintain supply inventory logs- sample storage, materials and laboratory supplies
• Complete other related administrative duties, including copying, filing, data entry, faxing, and quality control of spreadsheets
• Assist in the training, and implementation of departmental standard operation procedures.
• Assist in research and validation activities
• Take ownership and accountability of ensuring the highest quality of internal/external customer service
• Understanding of compliance regulations related to test ordering
• Perform all duties according to guidelines outlined within the Quality Systems
• Disposal of biohazardous waste using safety procedure
• Compliant with company policies, procedures, safety requirements and regulations

Note: To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Ability to work Tuesday to Saturday (full time) and requires the ability to work a flexible schedule and overtime hours as needed.
• Must be able to use general office equipment including computer, telephone, copier, etc.
• Good organizational and interpersonal skills.
• Demonstrated self-starter
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills

EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor’s degree preferred
• 2-3 years of experience in accessioning and/or in a clinical laboratory setting

Pay range: $27 - $33/hr