Histocompatibility Specialist - Per Diem

SHIFT:

Any (United States of America)

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A Brief Overview

The Immunogenetics Clinical Laboratory is part of the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia Division of Genomics Diagnostics and the Department of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine. The Immunogenetics lab performs high complexity diagnostic testing supporting the Solid Organ, Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplant Programs, and Disease Association testing of the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia as well as its Outreach clients.

The Immunogenetics Clinical lab focuses on the role of Human Leukocyte Antigen (HLA) molecules and the Major Histocompatibility Complex (MHC) in autoimmunity and transplantation. We are interested in the detailed characterization of the MHC by high throughput DNA sequencing technologies and the identification of polymorphisms important for many HLA associated diseases, compatibility, and rejection processes in transplantation.

The Per Diem Histocompatibility Specialist works with Laboratory and Clinical Transplant staff on-call (evenings and/or weekends) to perform and report critical histocompatibility testing for deceased donor transplants. They demonstrate a solid understanding of testing methods, instrumentation, and software programs related to Histocompatibility and Immunogenetics.

What you will do

• Accurately performs diagnostic tests, procedures, and data analysis of the highest complexity as assigned in HLA Typing and Solid Organ Testing (SOT)
• Diagnostic tests include but are not limited to: ◦ Molecular HLA typing by NGS, RT-PCR, SSO, and SSP
• ◦ Luminex based HLA Class I and II Antibody Screening
• ◦ Flow Cytometry & CDC-AHG based crossmatching
• ◦ Virtual Crossmatch and Epitope analysis
• Participates in on-call rotation (24/7/365) for deceased donor testing for Renal, Cardiac, and Lung programs
• ◦ Reports critical value results to Clinicians and Transplant Coordinators
• ◦ Maintains transplant immunology specific skill set to accurately evaluate when communication of problematic events requires consult with Director/Manager
• ◦ Initiates and affects problem solving in emergent situations
• Maintains knowledge of lab regulations for ASHI, CAP, CLIA, State of PA, and standards of Joint Commission accreditation agencies with the ability to train, guide and support newer Histocompatibility Specialists
• Participates in lab initiatives, and mandatory and additional education opportunities. Identifies and pursues technical learning needs
• Maintains competency assessment as per the requirements of ASHI, CMS, state, Joint Commission and CAP
• Collaborates with all members of the Transplant team by actively communicating and reporting pertinent patient care information and data in a comprehensive manner.
• Takes initiative in problem-solving equipment failures and communicates unresolved issues to Technical Supervisor or Manager
• Assists with the completion of quality records of reagents/instrumentation for technical area
• Completes and records all appropriate quality control documentation timely and accurately
• Activates troubleshooting procedures when necessary
• Self-motivated to independently manage time effectively and prioritize tasks.
• Maintains a safe environment within the Laboratory, following all policies and procedures for safety, hazardous materials, security, and emergency preparedness
• Complies with personal protective equipment (PPE) and other laboratory and hospital safety standards 100% of the time
• Responsibly controls and maintains inventory
• On Call Schedule
• Rotating: Monday – Thursday:  12:30am-8:00am
• And/or Friday at 9:00pm – Monday at 8:00am
• Education Qualifications
• Bachelor's Degree Biology, Medical Technology, or another science-related field - Required
• Experience Qualifications
• At least six (6) months of clinical HLA Laboratory experience on-call - Required
• At least one (1) year of clinical HLA Laboratory experience on-call - Preferred
• Skills and Abilities
• Exhibits the ability to work with computer programs and computer controlled equipment (Required proficiency)
• Exhibits the ability to handle and interpret data, multitask, and maintains confidential material (Required proficiency)
• Exhibits good laboratory technique and safety practices (Required proficiency)
• Exhibits good communication, technical and organizational skills (Required proficiency)
• Experience and/or training in multiple laboratory sections and high complexity testing (advanced tech skill inventory) (Required proficiency)
• Exhibits the ability interpret scientific literature & regulatory compliance and apply to laboratory policy & procedure improvement or development (Preferred proficiency)
• Licenses and Certifications
• Certified Histocompatibility Technologist (CHT) - American College of Histocompatibility and
• Immunogenetics (ACHI) - - Preferred
• Certified Histocompatibility Specialist (CHS) - American College of Histocompatibility and
• Immunogenetics (ACHI) - - Preferred
• To carry out its mission, CHOP is committed to supporting the health of our patients, families, workforce, and global community. As a condition of employment, CHOP employees who work in patient care buildings or who have patient facing responsibilities must receive an annual influenza vaccine. Learn more.
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