ABOUT KARIUS

Karius is a venture-backed life science startup that is transforming the way pathogens and other microbes are observed throughout the body. By unlocking the information present in microbial cell-free DNA, we’re helping doctors quickly solve their most challenging cases, providing industry partners with access to the microbial landscape to accelerate biomarker discovery and clinical trials, and discover novel microbes, to ultimately reduce patient suffering worldwide.

POSITION SUMMARY

The Clinical Laboratory Scientist (CLS) I is an enthusiastic, self-motivated person with great communication skills. This individual performs high complexity laboratory testing on patient specimens, performs quality control and quality assurance procedures, interprets and reports test results under the direction of the Laboratory Director. The CLS I candidate must demonstrate a high level of individual responsibility and accountability and possess the ability to perform to the requirements listed below. The CLS I must also be comfortable in a rapidly evolving biotech start-up environment. Shift: Tuesday to Saturday, 10:00 am to 6:30 pm.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Hours and days may vary depending on operational needs.
• Standing or sitting for long periods of time may be necessary.
• May be exposed to hazardous materials, blood specimens and instruments while moving parts, heating or freezing elements, and high speed centrifugation.
• Repetitive manual pipetting may be necessary.
• Some lifting (up to 25 pounds) may be necessary.

POSITION REQUIREMENTS

• Current California Clinical Laboratory Scientist (CLS) license or California limited license as Clinical Chemist Scientist or Clinical Microbiologist Scientist. ASCP certification preferred.
• BS in Medical Technology, Biology, Chemistry, or related sciences. Individuals educated in a college or university located outside the US or a US territory require a credential equivalency evaluation by an approved agency.
• 0-2 years of experience post-licensure with particular emphasis on performing molecular test procedures.
• Molecular biology experience preferred; Additional areas of expertise in Clinical Chemistry and Microbiology considered.
• Working knowledge of relevant laboratory regulations and experience with software and automation systems.
• Strong contributor to the operation of the laboratory and support of the team through reliable performance, effective communication, strong work ethic, and patient mindedness.

PERSONAL QUALIFICATIONS

Ability to proactively communicate in a consistent, clear, and honest manner.
Flexible and adaptive in a frequently changing environment.

DISCLAIMER

The above job description is intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by individuals assigned to this position. It is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, and skills required. Responsibilities and duties may change or be adjusted to meet the needs of the company, and additional duties may be assigned as necessary. The job description is subject to change at any time at the discretion of Karius.

• Perform routine molecular test procedures independently in an assigned area such as specimen processing, nucleic acid extraction, quantitative analysis, gel electrophoresis, PCR, library construction, sequencing and data analysis according to the laboratory’s standard operating procedures.
• Perform and document routine preventive maintenance.
• Perform and document reagent qualification according to approved protocols or SOPs.
• Operate high-throughput integrated automation workstations. Use in-house LIMS and other infrastructure software during performance of job duties.
• Ability to identify and resolve basic technical problems and ensure that corrective actions are taken whenever test systems deviate from the laboratory established performance specifications.
• Maintain accurate records of work performed, perform or monitor instrument calibration and maintenance records, and generate initial reports and analysis for review as required.
• Ensure that patient test results are not reported until all corrective actions have been taken and the test system is properly functioning.
• Ability to revise lab SOPs under the direction of a supervisor.
• Ability to identify areas for process improvement and capacity to directly support related efforts.
• Perform other responsibilities as authorized by the laboratory director and require a degree of skill commensurate with the individual’s education, training or experience and technical abilities.