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Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for Genetic Laboratory Technician

💰 $40,000 - $65,000

GeneticsLaboratoryHealthcareMolecular Biology

🎯 Role Definition

The Genetic Laboratory Technician performs hands-on molecular and genetic testing under supervision, ensuring accurate processing of patient and research samples. This role includes sample accessioning, DNA/RNA extraction, PCR and next‑generation sequencing (NGS) library preparation, quality control, data entry in LIMS, and strict adherence to CLIA/CAP and biosafety protocols. The ideal candidate is detail-oriented, experienced with molecular workflows and laboratory instrumentation, and able to communicate results and technical issues clearly to clinicians and senior lab staff.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

  • Research Assistant — Molecular Biology
  • Medical Laboratory Assistant / Phlebotomist
  • Biology Laboratory Technician (academic or industry)

Advancement To:

  • Senior Genetic Laboratory Technician / Molecular Technologist
  • Molecular Diagnostics Specialist
  • Laboratory Supervisor / Lead Technologist
  • Clinical Genomics Scientist or Applications Specialist

Lateral Moves:

  • Cytogenetics Technologist
  • Histology / Pathology Technician
  • Bioinformatics Technician / Data Analyst

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

  • Accession, label, and track patient and research specimens using a Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS), maintaining strict chain-of-custody and sample integrity from receipt through storage and disposal.
  • Perform nucleic acid extraction (DNA and RNA) from a wide variety of sample types (blood, saliva, buccal swab, FFPE, tissue) using manual and automated extraction platforms, ensuring yield and purity meet assay requirements.
  • Prepare and set up PCR, qPCR, and rRT-PCR reactions following standardized operating procedures (SOPs), including primer/probe preparation, master mix formulation, plate sealing, and thermal cycler programming.
  • Conduct next-generation sequencing (NGS) library preparation (fragmentation/tagmentation, end repair, adapter ligation, indexing, PCR enrichment), perform library quantification (qPCR, fluorometry) and normalization prior to sequencing runs.
  • Operate and monitor sequencing instruments (e.g., Illumina MiSeq/NextSeq, Thermo Fisher Ion Torrent) and automated liquid handling systems (e.g., Hamilton, Tecan), troubleshooting instrument errors and coordinating preventive maintenance.
  • Run and interpret capillary electrophoresis and gel electrophoresis (agarose PAGE), including staining, imaging, and documentation of results for QC and downstream analysis.
  • Perform Sanger sequencing workflows when required—reaction setup, cleanup, run initiation, and preliminary review of chromatograms for quality and base-calling.
  • Execute QC processes for reagents, consumables, and instruments (calibrations, control samples, negative/positive controls) and document deviations, corrective actions, and lot-to-lot validation.
  • Record and maintain detailed, legible laboratory records, batch logs, and test worksheets in compliance with CLIA, CAP, and institutional accreditation standards; prepare documentation for audits and inspections.
  • Conduct routine maintenance, cleaning, and basic repairs for laboratory equipment (centrifuges, pipettes, thermocyclers), calibrate micropipettes and notify management for advanced repairs or service.
  • Prepare reagents, buffers, and molecular-grade solutions using aseptic technique, maintain reagent inventory, track expiration dates, and order supplies proactively to avoid workflow interruptions.
  • Implement contamination control procedures (unidirectional workflow, dedicated PPE, UV decontamination), monitor environmental controls, and log any contamination events with corrective action plans.
  • Perform sample aliquoting, dilution, and storage in ultralow freezers or cryogenic systems according to sample retention policies and biospecimen governance.
  • Analyze basic molecular data outputs (Ct values, read metrics, coverage statistics), flag abnormal results, and escalate to senior technologists or laboratorians for interpretation and final reporting.
  • Assist with method development, protocol optimization, and validation studies including limit of detection (LOD), specificity, precision, and reproducibility experiments; document results in validation reports.
  • Participate in proficiency testing, external quality assessments, and internal audits; prepare samples when required and implement recommendations from quality reviews.
  • Train and mentor junior staff and temporary personnel on assay workflows, safety procedures, and LIMS data entry; ensure competency assessments are completed and documented.
  • Support clinical liaison activities: respond to clinician or research team queries regarding sample requirements, turnaround times, and specimen stability; escalate critical results per SOP.
  • Maintain compliance with biosafety (BSL‑2) regulations, hazardous waste disposal protocols, chemical hygiene plans, and personal protective equipment (PPE) policies in the lab.
  • Generate and prepare routine technical and QC reports, track metrics such as turnaround time, test volume, failure rates, and reagent usage to improve lab performance and reporting transparency.
  • Participate in cross-functional teams for new test implementation, coordinate pilot studies, and contribute to SOP writing, version control, and document management.
  • Troubleshoot assay failures by reviewing run metrics, control performance, reagent quality, and instrument logs; execute re-runs and maintain incident logs and CAPA (Corrective and Preventive Actions).
  • Maintain confidentiality of patient and proprietary data, adhere to HIPAA and institutional policies, and support secure data transfer to bioinformatics or reporting teams.
  • Support sample preparation for downstream bioinformatics (demultiplexing, FASTQ generation) and coordinate handoff with computational teams, ensuring metadata completeness and accuracy.

Secondary Functions

  • Assist in laboratory improvement projects (5S, Lean, Kaizen) to increase throughput, reduce waste, and streamline workflows.
  • Participate in cross-training across related laboratory sections (cytogenetics, pathology) to improve flexibility and coverage.
  • Support ad-hoc requests for custom sample processing or research pilot studies in collaboration with scientists and study coordinators.
  • Help maintain and update LIMS configurations, test codes, and user access with oversight from the laboratory manager.
  • Contribute to reagent stability studies, inventory forecasting, and budgetary planning for consumables and capital equipment.
  • Provide input to the lab’s continuous training program and suggest topics for competency refreshers and safety drills.
  • Represent the laboratory in vendor evaluations, product trials, and instrument demonstrations, providing technical feedback on usability and performance.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

  • PCR / qPCR / rRT-PCR assay setup, execution, and interpretation (quantitative and qualitative assays).
  • DNA and RNA extraction techniques (manual spin-column and automated platforms) and nucleic acid purification best practices.
  • Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS) library preparation workflows and library QC (bioanalyzer, TapeStation, Qubit, qPCR).
  • Operation and basic troubleshooting of sequencers (Illumina, Thermo Fisher), automated liquid handlers, and thermal cyclers.
  • Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS) data entry, sample tracking, result entry, and report generation.
  • Competency with laboratory instrumentation: micropipettes (calibration), centrifuges, vortexers, spectrophotometers (Nanodrop), fluorometers (Qubit).
  • Gel electrophoresis, capillary electrophoresis, and interpretation of electropherograms and bands.
  • Familiarity with CLIA, CAP, HIPAA, OSHA, and biosafety (BSL‑2) regulatory requirements and documentation best practices.
  • Experience with reagent preparation, buffer formulation, sterile technique, and contamination control protocols.
  • Basic understanding of sequence data outputs (FASTQ, BAM), QC metrics (coverage, read depth), and handing-off to bioinformatics teams.
  • Use of Microsoft Excel for tracking, basic pivoting, formulae, and simple visualization of lab metrics.
  • Experience with sample accessioning, chain-of-custody procedures and specimen storage management (ultra-cold freezers).

Soft Skills

  • Strong attention to detail and commitment to data accuracy and reproducibility in a regulated laboratory environment.
  • Effective written and verbal communication skills for documenting results, writing SOPs, and interacting with clinicians and researchers.
  • Problem-solving and analytical thinking to troubleshoot assays, prioritize corrective actions, and optimize workflows.
  • Time management and ability to prioritize multiple tasks in a high-throughput, deadline-driven laboratory setting.
  • Teamwork and collaboration across multidisciplinary teams including clinicians, bioinformaticians, and quality personnel.
  • Adaptability to rapidly introduce new assays and technology and to work flexible shifts when needed.
  • Ethical judgment and confidentiality regarding protected health information and research data.
  • Initiative and continuous improvement mindset—proactively identify opportunities to improve quality and efficiency.
  • Patience and methodical approach when performing repetitive, precision-dependent laboratory procedures.
  • Teaching and coaching capability to onboard and certify junior staff and temporary personnel.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

  • Associate degree (A.S., A.A.S.) in Medical Laboratory Technology, Clinical Laboratory Science, Biology, Biotechnology, or a related life science field.

Preferred Education:

  • Bachelor's degree (B.S.) in Molecular Biology, Genetics, Biochemistry, Biotechnology, Clinical Laboratory Science, or related discipline.

Relevant Fields of Study:

  • Molecular Biology
  • Genetics / Genomics
  • Biotechnology
  • Clinical Laboratory Science
  • Biochemistry
  • Microbiology

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range: 1–4 years of hands-on experience in a molecular diagnostics, genetics, or research molecular biology laboratory.

Preferred:

  • 2+ years in a CLIA/CAP-regulated molecular diagnostics laboratory, or demonstrable experience with NGS workflows, PCR/qPCR diagnostics, and LIMS.
  • Professional certifications are a plus (e.g., ASCP – Molecular Biology Technologist (MB) or ASCP-MLS/MLT, CLT), and experience with instrument platforms common to the employer (Illumina, Thermo Fisher, Hamilton/Tecan automation).

This profile is optimized for recruiters and applicants searching for "Genetic Laboratory Technician", "Molecular Technician", "NGS Technician", "PCR Technician", and related laboratory and diagnostics roles.

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