Description
As a Clinical Scientist with established clinical experience in HLA, you will lead research, development, and innovation efforts within our Philadelphia HLA laboratory. This role requires expertise in clinical testing.
You will perform and interpret highcomplexity HLA assays while driving laboratory improvements through method development, optimization, and validation. Responsibilities include troubleshooting across multiple technical platforms, designing and validating new test methods, and ensuring accurate, clinically meaningful data interpretation. You will also manage change control processes, author and maintain SOPs, develop and deliver training materials, oversee validation documentation, and prepare detailed technical reports.
In addition to your technical leadership, you will serve as a subjectmatter expert for newly validated test methods, providing guidance to staff, collaborating with the laboratory director, and contributing to the adoption of emerging technologies. You will also participate in the education and mentorship of residents and fellows.
Key technical domains for this role include:
Cellbased assays: Flow cytometry crossmatch and other cellular immunology assays
Molecular HLA testing: Realtime PCR, Sanger sequencing, and nextgeneration sequencing
Chimerism analysis: STRbased and NGSbased methodologies
Advanced and emerging HLA technologies: Implemented under the laboratory director’s guidance
This is a fulltime, onsite position based at our Philadelphia HLA facility, and requires proven clinical HLA laboratory experience to support both current operational needs and future strategic expansion.
Requirements
WHERE YOUR CAREER IS A FORCE FOR GOOD (Key Responsibilities):
Lead Innovation. Drive Discovery. Transform Patient Care.
Manage the technical development of the laboratory and stay ahead of emerging technologies.
Conceive and design research projects, develop and troubleshoot assays, and analyze and interpret test results.
Design, optimize, and validate cell-based, immunologic, and molecular tests—including flow cytometry, real-time PCR, Sanger and next-generation sequencing, and chimerism testing using STR and NGS methods.
Oversee specimen, reagent, and supply inventory, as well as instrument maintenance for assay development and validation.
Prepare, execute, and implement change plans, procedures, training documents, and validations, ensuring compliance with American Red Cross BSDs, state and federal regulations, and SOPs.
Develop technical reports, abstracts, presentations, and manuscripts for internal and external audiences.
Instruct and mentor scientists, research associates, and other personnel, while participating in continuing education and staying current with scientific publications relevant to the business unit.
WHAT YOU NEED TO SUCCEED (Minimum Qualifications):
Education: Master’s degree in Biomedical Sciences or related field required. Ph.D. or MD/DO preferred.
Experience: Minimum 5 years of relevant immunologic and/or molecular genetic laboratory experience or equivalent combination of education and related experience required. Ph.D. with 3 years of experience may be substituted.
Minimum of one year clinical experience.
Experience with the interpretation of clinical results and reporting to customers if preferred
Expertise in cell-based, immunologic, and molecular testing methods (flow cytometry, PCR, sequencing).
Working knowledge of HLA or molecular genetics laboratory testing and relevant analysis software.
Strong analytical skills with the ability to design, validate, and troubleshoot complex assays.
Comprehensive knowledge of regulatory requirements for clinical laboratory operations.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills; proven ability to organize, prioritize, delegate, and follow up.
Strong interpersonal skills with ability to lead, influence, and collaborate across teams.
Ability to manage multiple projects and adapt to emerging technologies.
Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
Limited travel may be required
