Genomic Lab Variant Analyst - Molecular Biology Full-Time Days

The salary range for this position is $44.88 - $60.58 (Hourly Rate)

Placement within the salary range is dependent on several factors such as relevant work experience and internal equity. For positions represented by a labor union, placement within the salary range is guided by the rules outlined in the collective bargaining agreement.

We offer a wide range of benefits that provide employees with tools and resources to improve their physical, emotional, and financial well-being while providing protection for unexpected life events. Please visit our Benefits section located at jobs.nm.org/benefits to learn more.

Northwestern Medicine is powered by a community of colleagues who are purpose-driven and committed to our mission to deliver world-class care. Here, you'll work alongside some of the best clinical talent in the nation leading the way in medical innovation and breakthrough research with Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine.

We recognize where you've been, and we support where you're headed. We celebrate diverse perspectives and experiences, which fuel our commitment to equity and culture of service.

Grow your career with comprehensive training and development opportunities, mentorship programs, educational support and student loan repayment.

Create the life you envision for yourself with flexible work options, a Reimbursable Well-Being Fund and a Total Rewards package that support your physical, mental, emotional, and financial well-being.

Make a difference through volunteer opportunities we offer in local communities and drive inclusive change through our workforce-led resource groups.

From discovery to delivery, come help us shape the future of medicine.

Description

The Genomic Lab Variant Analyst reflects the mission, vision, and values of NM, adheres to the organization’s Code of Ethics and Corporate Compliance Program, and complies with all relevant policies, procedures, guidelines and all other regulatory and accreditation standards.

The Genomic Lab Variant Analyst performs data analysis in a clinical laboratory and assists the laboratory physicians convey the results to the physician or designee in an accurate and timely manner for the purpose of patient diagnosis and treatment.

Responsibilities:

Technical:

• Performs interpretation of genetic sequence variation identified through diagnostic clinical genetic testing, mainly pertaining to gene panels and exome analysis performed by Next Generation Sequencing (NGS)
• Uses in-house developed NGS analysis software to analyze and interpret genetic variation in Oncology testing and patients with rare diseases
• Presents results and progress at sign out meetings
• Evaluates relevance of genes to human disease and is able to classify variants based on Association of Molecular Pathology (AMP) tiering guidelines.
• Supports activities of the molecular diagnostic lab pertaining to new test and technology development
• Participates in the drafting of clinical molecular diagnostic reports if and when required
• Participates in education and mentorship of other analysis staff and collaborators through direct interaction and presentations
• Assists in preparation of manuscripts and presents at local or national professional conferences
• Participates in collaborations with other clinical or research laboratories
• Trains laboratory personnel as it relates to variant analyses.
• Leads the contributions to scientific writing and publications, including protocols and grants
• Performs other related work as needed
• Recognizes when fraud and abuse compliance issues require adjustments to the test order
• Performs all aspects of post-analytical testing appropriate for the specific laboratory section, following established written protocols and standard operating procedures (SOP)
• Maintains test system integrity:
  • Performs and records all necessary quality control (QC) required for test system performance.
  • Evaluates QC results and takes necessary corrective actions according to established protocol.
• Performs analysis:
  • Prioritizes analysis based on assignment or established priorities, completes analysis within defined turn-around-times (TAT).
  • Recognizes the need for and follows-up any specific protocols
  • Responds effectively to changes in the workflow by coordinating a simultaneous series of analysis when needed or adjusting work to incorporate STAT analysis or fluctuations in work volume.
  • Monitors daily workflow and priorities to assure meeting service levels.
• Performs technical review and interpretation:
  • Reviews results for completeness, correctness, and consistency within defined analytic system
  • Evaluates results and provides accurate interpretations as appropriate to include correlation with, and integration of, other patient data as necessary.
  • Performs visual interpretation/identifications as appropriate.
  • Recognizes unusual results/interpretations and completes indicated reflex testing or other follow-up actions.
  • Follows established notification protocols for critical values, phone/fax/e-mail results requests, abnormalities.
• Troubleshoots and solves problems:
  • Recognizes analytic system performance problems and takes necessary corrective actions
  • Recognizes when unresolved problems need to be escalated and takes necessary follow-up action.
  • Prints pending logs and follows-up to ensure pending analysis are completed or cancelled when appropriate.
• Post-analysis data storage:
  • Stores data and related electronic files according to protocols for location and duration.
  • Retrieves data and related electronic files when needed

Post-analytical:

• Performs all aspects of the post-analytical workflow appropriate for the specific laboratory section to ensure accurate results are reported within established time frames, files are retained appropriately, analytical results and/or current status are available upon inquiry, and billed charges are correct for analysis performed.
• Verifies and reports results:
  • Verifies results according to procedure.
  • Performs computer functions necessary for releasing results.
  • Generates written reports according to established protocol.
  • Reviews electronic or printed reports when applicable, recognizes problems and escalates according to protocol.
• Amends reports:
  • Corrects erroneous reports and amends reports according to procedure
• Responds to inquiries:
  • Responds to requests for information according to established protocol for confidentiality and release of information
  • Recognizes when unresolved inquiries need to be escalated and takes action.
• Stores documents and records:
  • Stores documents and records according to established protocol.
• Charge capture/billing:
  • Performs billing and/or enter credits for results and services when applicable.
  • Recognizes billing problems and escalates accordingly.

Universal responsibilities:

• Ensures quality of operations:
  • Follows written standard operating procedures (SOP).
  • Operates instruments/equipment according to protocol.
  • Uses computers according to established protocol; follows downtime procedures as required.
  • Performs required quality system responsibilities
  • Meets proficiency and competency standards of the department.
  • Participates in the training of new employees, physician trainees and students
  • Performs operational review of new SOPs.
  • Participates in new test development, validations and implementation.
  • Attends at least one personal development session per year
  • Performs other duties as assigned, or as needed, to ensure continued quality operations
• Ensures safety of operations:
  • Follows all required safety procedures, uses personal protective equipment (PPE) appropriate for tasks performed.
  • Maintains cleans and organized work area
• Provides service excellence:
  • Answers telephone when needed, using NM telephone etiquette
  • Maintains patient confidentiality including protected health information (PHI)
  • Assists patients, visitors and other contacts whenever need occurs

Qualifications

Required:

• Master or PhD degree in genetics or related sciences (human genetics, molecular genetics, neurogenetics or cancer genetics)
• Strong background in human genetics, next-generation DNA sequencing and/or knowledge of advanced methods for copy number detection.
• Experience in rare disease analysis and sequence variant interpretation.
• Familiarity with genomic data, tools and databases such as ClinVar, ExAc/gnomAD, OMIM, HGMD.
• Proven ability to critically read and interpret scientific literature.
• Computer programming, database design, and/or bioinformatics experience strongly preferred.

Preferred:

• Relevant License/Certification as applicable

Equal Opportunity

Northwestern Medicine is an equal opportunity employer (disability, VETS) and does not discriminate in hiring or employment on the basis of age, sex, race, color, religion, national origin, gender identity, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation or any other protected status.

Background Check

Northwestern Medicine conducts a background check that includes criminal history on newly hired team members and, at times, internal transfers. If you are offered a position with us, you will be required to complete an authorization and disclosure form that gives Northwestern Medicine permission to run the background check.  Results are evaluated on a case-by-case basis, and we follow all local, state, and federal laws, including the Illinois Health Care Worker Background Check Act.

Artificial Intelligence Disclosure

Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools may be used in some portions of the candidate review process for this position, however, all employment decisions will be made by a person. 

Benefits

We offer a wide range of benefits that provide employees with tools and resources to improve their physical, emotional, and financial well-being while providing protection for unexpected life events. Please visit our Benefits section to learn more.

Sign-on Bonus Eligibility (if sign-on bonus offered for position): Internal employees and rehires who left Northwestern Medicine within 1 year are not eligible for the sign on bonus. Exception: New graduate internal employees seeking their first licensed clinical position at NM may be eligible depending upon the job family.