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Children's Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) offers countless ways to change lives. Our diverse community of more than 20,000 Breakthrough Makers will inspire you to pursue passions, develop expertise, and drive innovation.

At CHOP, your experience is valued; your voice is heard; and your contributions make a difference for patients and families. Join us as we build on our promise to advance pediatric care-and your career.

CHOP's Commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

CHOP is committed to building an inclusive culture where employees feel a sense of belonging, connection, and community within their workplace. We are a team dedicated to fostering an environment that allows for all to be their authentic selves. We are focused on attracting, cultivating, and retaining diverse talent who can help us deliver on our mission to be a world leader in the advancement of healthcare for children.

We strongly encourage all candidates of diverse backgrounds and lived experiences to apply.


A Brief Overview
The Immunogenetics Clinical Laboratory is part of the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia Division of Genomics Diagnostics and the Department of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine. The Immunogenetics lab performs high complexity diagnostic testing supporting the Solid Organ, Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplant Programs, and Disease Association testing of the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia as well as its Outreach clients.
The Immunogenetics Clinical lab focuses on the role of Human Leukocyte Antigen (HLA) molecules and the Major Histocompatibility Complex (MHC) in autoimmunity and transplantation. We are interested in the detailed characterization of the MHC by high throughput DNA sequencing technologies and the identification of polymorphisms important for many HLA associated diseases, compatibility, and rejection processes in transplantation.

The Histocompatibility Specialist I works with all Laboratory staff as a part of the technical operations of the Immunogenetics laboratory section and performs highly complex diagnostic procedures as prescribed by Transplant physicians. They demonstrate a solid understanding of testing methods, instrumentation, and software programs related to Histocompatibility and Immunogenetics. They contribute to a team to complete development projects and/or new test validations as assigned.

This position will support 2nd shift. The hours are 2pm-10:30pm Mon-Fri.


What you will do

• Accurately performs diagnostic tests, procedures, and data analysis of the highest complexity as assigned in multiple sections of the Immunogenetics Laboratory (Engraftment Monitoring (EMO), HLA Typing, Solid Organ Testing (SOT)).
• Diagnostic tests include but are not limited to:
  * Molecular HLA typing by NGS, RT-PCR, SSO, and SSP
  * KIR Genotyping
  * Luminex based HLA Class I and II Antibody Screening
  * Flow Cytometry & CDC-AHG based crossmatching
  * Virtual Crossmatch and Epitope analysis
  * Engraftment Monitoring by STR Chimerism testing
  * Disease Association analysis
• Participates in on-call rotation (24/7/365) for deceased donor testing for Renal, Cardiac, and Lung programs
  * Reports critical value results to Clinicians and Transplant Coordinators
  * Maintains transplant immunology specific skill set to accurately evaluate when communication of problematic events requires consult with Director/Manager
  * Initiates and affects problem solving in emergent situations
• Maintains knowledge of lab regulations for ASHI, CAP, CLIA, State of PA, and standards of Joint Commission accreditation agencies with the ability to train, guide and support newer Histocompatibility Specialists
• Actively participates in inspections and assists with corrective action when findings are identified.
• Participates in lab initiatives, and mandatory and additional education opportunities. Identifies and pursues technical learning needs
• Maintains competency assessment as per the requirements of ASHI, CMS, state, Joint Commission and CAP
• Performs competency assessments of staff for one or more areas of testing
• Collaborates with all members of the Transplant team by actively communicating and reporting pertinent patient care information and data in a comprehensive manner.
• Prepares documentation for review and assessment of instrument and equipment maintenance and function check records monthly
• Takes initiative in problem-solving equipment failures and communicates unresolved issues to Technical Supervisor or Manager
• Assists with the completion of quality records of reagents/instrumentation for technical area
• Trains new staff
• Completes and records all appropriate quality control documentation timely and accurately
• Activates troubleshooting procedures when necessary
• Self-motivated to independently manage time effectively and prioritize tasks.
• Maintains a safe environment within the Laboratory, following all policies and procedures for safety, hazardous materials, security and emergency preparedness
• Complies with personal protective equipment (PPE) and other laboratory and hospital safety standards 100% of the time
• Responsibly controls and maintains inventory

Education Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree Biology, Medical Technology, or another science-related field Required

Experience Qualifications

• At least six (6) months of clinical HLA Laboratory experience Required
• At least one (1) year of clinical HLA Laboratory experience Preferred

Skills and Abilities

• Exhibits the ability to work with computer programs and computer controlled equipment (Required proficiency)
• Exhibits the ability to handle and interpret data, multitask, and maintains confidential material. (Required proficiency)
• Exhibits good laboratory technique and safety practices. (Required proficiency)
• Exhibits good communication, technical and organizational skills. (Required proficiency)
• Experience and/or training in multiple laboratory sections and high complexity testing (advanced tech skill inventory) (Required proficiency)
• Exhibits the ability interpret scientific literature & regulatory compliance and apply to laboratory policy & procedure improvement or development (Preferred proficiency)
• Exhibits the ability to lead scientific projects towards procedure establishment and write regulatory compliant policy & procedures. (Preferred proficiency)

To carry out its mission, CHOP is committed to supporting the health of our patients, families, workforce, and global community. As a condition of employment, CHOP employees who work in patient care buildings or who have patient facing responsibilities must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and receive an annual influenza vaccine.

Employees may request exemptions for valid religious and medical reasons. Start dates may be delayed until candidates are immunized or exemption requests are reviewed.

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