Oregon Health & Science University

Medical Lab Technician

Job Locations US-OR-Portland
Requisition ID
2025-34025
Position Category
Laboratory
Position Type
Regular Full-Time
Job Type
AFSCME union represented
Department
Immune Monitoring & Therapeutic Analytics - Knight Cancer Insitute
Salary Range
Range minimum is $29.96/hour. Your hourly rate will be determined based on education, experience, and internal equity
FTE
1.00
Schedule
Monday - Friday; occasional nights and weekends
Hours
8:30am-5:00pm
HR Mission
School of Medicine
Drug Testable
Yes

Department Overview

The OHSU Knight Cancer Institute, known as one of the pioneers in personalized cancer medicine, is an international leader in research and cancer treatment. Driven by its mission to end cancer as we know it, the institute is building upon its expertise in targeted treatments to advance the early detection of cancer when the disease is most treatable.

 

Every Knight Cancer employee is expected to embody our guiding principles: 

  • We act BOLDLY—Breakthroughs require pushing the boundaries of science, exploring new frontiers, and thinking differently
  • We SUPPORT each other—Respect leads to trust, which leads to excellence
  • We work as a CONNECTED team—We must leverage our collective brain power to conquer cancer because no one individual can do it alone

Function/Duties of Position

We are seeking a highly skilled and dedicated Cyclic Immunofluorescence (CycIF) - Technician to support operations on the Lunaphore COMET platform which supports both clinical and research samples and projects. The ideal candidate will excel at multitasking, have strong documentation skills, adherence to Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), provide essential administrative support, and have a passion for process improvement. This individual will play an integral role in maintaining the smooth operation of the lab, ensuring that all tasks are executed efficiently and accurately. Willingness to learn and adapt to new technologies, systems, and methodologies is a must have skill. The candidate will play a critical role in ensuring the effective operation and optimization of the Lunaphore COMET system.

 

Key Responsibilities:

  • Operate, monitor, and troubleshoot the Lunaphore COMET system, ensuring all equipment functions as required for high-quality results with minimal supervision. Quickly identify and resolve issues related to the equipment, operations, or workflow, ensuring minimal downtime and maximum system performance.
  • Receive, label, and prepare samples for testing. Perform necessary pre-analytical processes such as deparaffinization, antigen retrieval, and antibody/reagent preparation.
  • Maintain detailed records of projects, development and validation testing, system performance, and troubleshooting logs in alignment with department standards and policy requirements. Ensure all documentation is accurate, organized, and up to date. Identify opportunities for improving efficiency while maintaining the highest quality standards.
  • Address any issues or inconsistencies encountered during testing by performing troubleshooting procedures and providing technical support. Work closely with supervisors or senior technicians to resolve any equipment or testing challenges.
  • Maintain laboratory to a GLP standard by upkeeping supplies, manage inventory and high standard of cleanliness in work areas.

 

This position requires skills in handling laboratory specimens (human tissue), record keeping, laboratory equipment maintenance and quality assurance. The ability to work with several computer systems/machines is necessary including a Leica scanner and Lunaphore machine. An ability to identify viable cells and cell morphology at the light microscopic level is desirable. Experience in molecular biology, including accurate pipetting and immunohistochemistry or cycIF is desirable, but we are willing to train the right person. Cancer or immunology knowledge/skills (IHC, PCR, Immunofluorescent imaging) would be helpful.

 

This position requires following established protocols, working with human samples, work closely with lab team members to ensure effective coordination and efficient use of resources. Offer support for ongoing projects and share insights that may enhance overall team performance. This position will interact with a variety of scientists and other staff and is expected to keep the laboratory in good working order, including maintaining supplies, prepare antibody aliquots, and keeping complete and accurate records of all projects and assays. The position may allow some flexibility in work hours, including some nights and weekends, with limited/no work-from-home.

Required Qualifications

Education & experience:

  • Bachelor’s degree in a chemical or biological science and two years of Laboratory Technical Assistant training/experience performing standardized laboratory tests in the specialty area(s) in which high complexity testing will be performed; MLT (ASCP) or AMT certification preferred. Depending on date of training, different continuing education requirements will apply. OR
  • Completion of a 2 year accredited program in Medical Laboratory Technician training plus MLT (ASCP) within 90 days of hire or AMT certification within 90 days of hire. Depending on date of training, different continuing education requirements will apply.
  • 1-2 years of experience in working in a laboratory, including handling reagents, pipetting, running assays and collecting data.

 

Knowledge, skills, and abilities:

  • Ability to balance multiple responsibilities while maintaining a high level of organization and efficiency.
  • Experience with tools for managing imaging data
  • In-depth knowledge of SOP adherence and regulatory compliance in laboratory or medical device environments.
  • High proficiency in technical documentation and record-keeping in accordance with industry standards.
  • Strong troubleshooting and analytical skills, with a demonstrated ability to address and resolve technical issues swiftly.
  • Excellent communication skills for reporting, team collaboration, and documentation.
  • Ability to work independently and as part of a team while being collaborative in resolving problems
  • Must possess energy and drive to coordinate multiple projects simultaneously
  • Intermediate skills with Microsoft Office (Excel, Outlook, Access, Word, and PowerPoint) on Window OS. Ability to accurately type 60wpm
  • Ability to use tact and diplomacy to maintain effective working relationships

Preferred Qualifications

Education & experience:

  • Experience working in a diagnostic lab
  • Experience with CycIF/mIHC staining techniques.
  • MLT (ASCP) or AMT certification preferred.
  • 1 year experience in standard wet-lab techniques
  • 1 year experience in IHC, mIHC or cycIF
  • 2 years of relevant experience, including one year of hands-on experience with lab maintenance/lab operations/documentation
  • Relevant coursework in tissue pathology

Knowledge, skills, and abilities:

  • At least 6 months of work experience in a professional, team-oriented research setting (wet or dry lab)
  • Advanced understanding of slide scanning and imagining software

 

Additional Details

Apply online. Please be sure to upload a Cover Letter and Resume/CV.

 

We offer a variety of benefits on top of joining a thriving organization:

  • Medical, dental and vision coverage at no or low cost to employees
    • Covered 100% for full-time employees and 88% for dependents
  • Several retirement plans to choose from with contributions from OHSU
  • 104 hours of vacation time per year (increases over time)
  • 96 hours of sick leave a year (prorated for part-time employees)
  • Commuter subsidies
  • Tuition reimbursement
  • Access to group life insurance, disability insurance and other supplemental benefits
  • Annual Raises
  • Growth/Development Opportunities
  • Employee discounts to local and major businesses

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All are welcome

Oregon Health & Science University values a diverse and culturally competent workforce. We are proud of our commitment to being an equal opportunity, affirmative action organization that does not discriminate against applicants on the basis of any protected class status, including disability status and protected veteran status. Individuals with diverse backgrounds and those who promote diversity and a culture of inclusion are encouraged to apply. To request reasonable accommodation contact the Affirmative Action and Equal Opportunity Department at 503-494-5148 or aaeo@ohsu.edu.

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