The Specialty Clinical Laboratories (SCL) at IBR provide specialized diagnostic testing for individuals with developmental disabilities when a genetic disorder is suspected. The researcher/ Laboratory Technologist position gives an opportunity to work closely with the clinical fragile X molecular diagnostic team as well as develop and establish new clinical testing in patients with fragile X syndrome, fragile X permutations, and patients with autism disorder. The candidate will be offered an opportunity to participate in existing research in the Institute and to develop new diagnostic genetic testing protocols for individuals with developmental disabilities. 

A prospective candidate will be responsible for all aspects of clinical fragile X testing including preanalytical, analytical, and post-analytical phases of testing, and take part in comprehensive genotyping of FMR1 normal, intermediate, premutation, and full mutation alleles. The responsibilities include accessioning of the clinical and research samples, maintaining daily log and database entrée, performing DNA/RNA extractions from a variety of sample types, performing PCR, Capillary Electrophoresis, Southern Blot, Sanger sequencing, and real-time PCR following the testing protocols. Comply with all regulatory requirements of record keeping, quality control, and quality assurance mandated by NYS DOH and SCL standard operating procedures. The incumbent is expected to: • Demonstrate sustained high-quality contributions to the mission of his/her laboratory, authoring publications and participation in efforts to secure external funding, • Demonstrate a responsible role in all laboratory projects in the design of testing methods, preparative techniques, instrumentation and data processing/analysis, and improvements in quality control. • Contribute to the Institute’s activities and collaborates with other scientists within and outside of the Institute. • Assists Research Scientist in higher-level positions by participating in all phases of the research process including problem definition, planning, execution, analysis, interpretation, and reporting of findings. • Maintain a safe and clean environment in the laboratory. Dispose of used chemicals and waste materials appropriately. • Store chemicals according to the manufacturer’s specifications. Maintain the laboratory supplies inventory, regularly checking stock to determine the need for chemicals and other materials. • Adhere to the laboratory’s quality control policies, and document all quality control activities, instruments and procedural calibrations, and maintenance performed. • Follow the laboratory’s established policies and procedures. • Identify problems that may adversely affect test performance or reporting of test results and either correct the problems or immediately notify the supervisor. • Document all corrective actions that are taken when test systems deviate from the laboratory’s established performance specifications.

Opportunity to work in a collaborative research facility with an outpatient diagnostic clinic providing quality care to individuals and families experiencing an intellectual/developmental disability. Manageable work load with emphasis on quality of care. IBR is the research arm of the NYS Office for People with Developmental Disabilities. 

Bachelor’s Degree and five years of professional clinical/research experience in the appropriate field; or a master’s degree in the appropriate field and three years of such experience; or a doctorate in the appropriate field with at least one year of clinical/research experience. Must be a certified Clinical Laboratory Technologist with the NYS license for genetic testing.

About NYS OPWDD Institute for Basic Research in Developmental Disabilities

Through its five mission focused areas of research encompassing 32 laboratories, the Institute for Basic Research in Developmental Disabilities (IBR) focuses on the causes of developmental disabilities and furthers the understanding of brain development and pathology. IBR's goals are to provide the means to diagnose, prevent and treat developmental disabilities more effectively. The Institute also provides extensive, specialized biomedical, psychological and laboratory services to people with developmental disabilities and their families, and educates the public, researchers and health and education professionals regarding the causes, diagnosis, prevention and treatment of developmental disabilities. IBR's George A. Jervis Clinic offers specialized diagnostic and consultative services for children, adolescents, and adults with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities. The Specialty Clinical Laboratories at IBR perform medical laboratory testing for Fragile X syndrome and Kufs disease.

Connections working at NYS OPWDD Institute for Basic Research in Developmental Disabilities