NGS Laboratory Technician

Work Location: Cook County, Illinois

Summary:

Seeking a skilled laboratory technician to support next-generation sequencing (NGS) workflows, including library preparation, instrumentation operation, and quality control in a regulated laboratory environment.

Responsibilities:

• Perform comprehensive NGS library preparation, including hybridization capture panel enrichment and post-capture cleanup.
• Extract and quantify DNA/RNA samples, assess quality using standard laboratory instruments, and prepare sequencing-ready pools.
• Operate, maintain, and troubleshoot NGS sequencing platforms and automated liquid handling systems.
• Conduct molecular biology techniques such as PCR amplification, ligation, and hybridization following established protocols.
• Document all laboratory activities accurately, ensuring compliance with regulatory and quality standards.
• Participate in assay troubleshooting, optimization, and validation to support continuous process improvement.
• Manage laboratory inventory, including ordering consumables and maintaining proper storage conditions for reagents.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to review sequencing run quality and support laboratory-developed test workflows.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Molecular Biology, Genetics, Biochemistry, Biomedical Science, or a related field.
• Minimum 2 years of hands-on experience with hybridization capture workflows.
• Proficiency in NGS library preparation from sample input to sequencing-ready pool.
• Experience operating NGS instruments, with preference for Illumina platforms.
• Strong knowledge of molecular biology techniques, including PCR, quantification, and fragment analysis.
• Meticulous documentation skills and familiarity with laboratory quality systems.
• Experience in a CLIA-certified laboratory or clinical diagnostics/translational research environment preferred.
• Familiarity with CAP/CLIA regulatory frameworks and documentation requirements preferred.
• Working knowledge of LIMS platforms and electronic laboratory notebooks preferred.
• Experience with automation platforms such as Hamilton or Beckman liquid handlers preferred.

Published Category: Analytical & Process Development