Clinical Laboratory Associate I

About Karius

Karius is a venture-backed life science startup focused on transforming the way infectious diseases are diagnosed.  Combining Next-Generation Sequencing and proprietary data analysis, we can identify over 1,000 pathogens from a single blood sample with typical turn around time in one business day. By introducing liquid biopsy into the diagnosis of infectious diseases, we're helping doctors quickly solve their most challenging cases, with a future vision of accelerating clinical trials, discovering new microbes, and reducing patient suffering worldwide.

Position Summary

The Clinical Laboratory Associate I (CLA I) is an enthusiastic, self-motivated individual with great communication skills.  Along with the duties described below, this individual performs sample receiving and accessioning, performs routine preventive equipment and instrument maintenance, and assists in the performance of high complexity laboratory testing on patient specimens under the direct supervision of a CLS. The CLA I must demonstrate a high level of individual responsibility and accountability and possess the ability to perform to the requirements listed below. The CLA I must be comfortable in a rapidly evolving Biotech start-up environment.

This is a full-time position with hours of 7:00 am to 3:30 pm, Tuesday - Saturday 

Why Should You Join?

Karius aims to conquer infectious diseases through innovations around genomic sequencing and machine learning. The company’s platform is already delivering unprecedented insights into the microbial landscape, providing clinicians with a comprehensive test capable of identifying more than a thousand pathogens directly from blood, and helping industry accelerate the development of therapeutic solutions. The Karius test we provide today is one of the most advanced solutions available to physicians who aim to deliver better care to many otherwise ineffectively treated patients. Our test is the result of some incredible work done by our scientists, statisticians, engineers, and physicians, all driven by the same mission. You, as part of the Karius team, will be able to see how directly your work has a life-changing impact on people, and at scale.

Report to: Manager, Clinical Laboratory Operations

Location: Redwood City, CA

Primary Responsibilities

•   Support operational lab staff with sample receiving and accessioning by following relevant SOPs.

•   Provide assistance and information to Customer Service to obtain the required information required to complete the accessioning process.

•   Ensures routine in-lab stocking levels are maintained to promote the optimal day-to-day performance of laboratory operations. Supports efforts to maintain an organized supply area, processing newly received materials upon arrival and maintaining proper storage conditions, as appropriate. 

•   Perform and document routine preventive equipment and instrument maintenance.

•   Maintain accurate records of work performed.

•   Under direct supervision of Licensed personnel, performs high complexity testing as well as routine molecular test procedures for non-commercial or clinical study samples in an assigned area such as specimen processing, nucleic acid extraction, quantitative analysis, PCR, library construction, sequencing and data analysis according to the laboratory’s standard operating procedures.

•   Identify, communicate, and support process improvement efforts as appropriate.

•   Create and revise lab SOPs as needed.

•   Perform other responsibilities as specified by the General Supervisor, Technical Specialist, or Laboratory Director.

What’s Fun About the Job?

Karius is operating at the edge of what is now known to be possible in infectious disease diagnostics. With that, comes a wave of new and incredible challenges and opportunities. To deliver on that value, you will be tapping into some of the most advanced technologies, architecting and innovating where the current solutions simply don't suffice. You will get to see how much your work really matters.

Travel: No travel is required

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 with 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

•   High school diploma or equivalent; Bachelor's degree in a biological science or similar field of study preferred.

•   2 years of pertinent industry experience, molecular biology laboratory experience preferred.

•   Ability to proactively communicate in a consistent, clear, and honest manner.

•   Flexible and adaptive in a frequently changing environment.

Personal Qualifications

•   Ability to work independently and collaboratively with team members.

•   Highly goal-driven and have demonstrated the ability to effectively prioritize and focus on time-sensitive objectives.

•   Strong sense of creativity and ability to push the boundaries of science.

•   Strong problem-solving skills.

•   Excellent teamwork and motivation skills are essential.

•   Excellent organizational, record-keeping and communication (verbal and written) skills. 

•   Strong work ethic to generate high quality work under tight deadlines.

•   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.

At Karius, we value a diverse and inclusive workplace and provide equal employment opportunity for all applicants and employees and are committed to honor and invest in the full diversity of people, in our hiring, recruiting and development of employees across the Company.  All qualified applicants for employment are encouraged to apply and will be considered without regard to an individual’s race, color, sex, gender identity and gender expression (including transgender individuals who are transitioning, have transitioned, or are perceived to be transitioning to the gender with which they identify), religion, age, national origin or ancestry, citizenship, physical or mental disability, medical condition, family care status, marital status, domestic partner status, sexual orientation, genetic information, military or veteran status, or any other basis protected by federal, state or local laws. If you are unable to submit your application due to a disability, please contact us at recruiting@kariusdx.com and we will accommodate qualified individuals with disabilities.