What are the responsibilities and job description for the Protein Technician/Technologist position at AlphaDetect?
Organizational Overview
In this position, you will be joining an exciting opportunity with a vibrant, financially supported, transformative organization. AlphaDetect is a non-profit detection organization powered by the Alpha-1 Foundation. We are dedicated to identifying everyone with alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency so alpha-1 patients, and those who care for them, receive the timely answers they need for critical decision making. Together, we can accelerate detection, remove barriers, and expand the reach of genetic testing.
Founded in 2025, AlphaDetect operates as a limited liability company and wholly owned non-profit charitable subsidiary of the Alpha-1 Foundation. AlphaDetect is located in Durham, NC.
Position Overview
The Protein Technician/Technologist performs immunoassay testing within the protein laboratory. This role oversees workflow coordination, quality systems and troubleshooting for protein-based and immunochemical assays, serving as a subject-matter expert for protein testing methodologies specific to Protein assays, DxC700, and experience in a high-complexity Chemistry laboratory doing protein assays. The position supports CLIA and other regulatory compliance requirements across pre-analytical, analytical, and post-analytical processes and partners closely with laboratory leadership to ensure accurate, timely, and compliant test results.
Key Responsibilities
- Perform immunoassay testing in accordance with established procedures, regulatory standards, and competency requirements, including protein assays, DxC700.
- Serve as a technical resource for protein assay performance, result interpretation, troubleshooting, and problem resolution.
- Support daily laboratory operations by maintaining efficient workflow, prioritizing testing activities, and ensuring appropriate staffing and shift coverage as assigned.
- Participate in competency assessments, proficiency testing, inspection readiness activities, and ongoing quality monitoring initiatives.
- Write, review, and maintain standard operating procedures (SOPs), validation documentation, quality records, and technical reports related to protein testing.
- Perform and document instrument maintenance, calibration, troubleshooting, and performance verification for protein analysis platforms and immunoassay instrumentation.
- Assist in the evaluation, validation, implementation, and documentation of new protein-based assays, methodologies, and technologies.
- Perform pre-analytical and post-analytical activities, including specimen processing, reagent preparation, inventory management, result review, verification, and reporting of routine and complex findings.
- Communicate technical and testing-related information clearly and professionally with laboratory staff, clinicians, and internal stakeholders.
- Adhere to laboratory safety standards, infection control policies, chemical hygiene plans, PPE requirements, and patient confidentiality regulations.
- Perform other duties as directed by leadership
Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in one of the following: biology, medical technology, microbiology, chemistry, or biochemistry
- At least 4 years’ experience working in a clinical testing lab, preferably in an independent reference lab
- ASCP certification highly preferred but not required
- Experience with chemistry testing using DXC 700 or similar for immunoassays preferred but not required.
Core Competencies
- High-Complexity Clinical Laboratory Testing
- Protein & Immunochemical Assays
- Immunoassay Testing & Result Interpretation
- DxC 700 & Chemistry Instrumentation
- Quality Control & Quality Assurance
- CLIA & Regulatory Compliance
- Instrument Maintenance, Calibration & Troubleshooting
- Assay Validation & Performance Verification
- SOP Development & Technical Documentation
- Pre-Analytical & Post-Analytical Processes
- Specimen Processing & Reagent Preparation
- Result Review, Verification & Reporting
- Proficiency Testing & Competency Assessment
- Inspection Readiness & Quality Monitoring
- Technical Troubleshooting & Problem Resolution
- Workflow Coordination & Laboratory Operations
- Inventory & Reagent Management
- Quality Improvement & Process Optimization
- Laboratory Safety & Patient Confidentiality
- Technical Communication & Team Collaboration
- Attention to Detail & Data Integrity
- Adaptability, Accountability & Professional Judgment
Salary, Benefits, and Schedule
- Salary
- Full benefits package
- First shift M-F
About Durham
Durham, NC offers a unique mix of energy, culture, and livability that makes it an attractive place to live and work. Known for its vibrant food scene, walkable downtown, and strong sense of community, Durham blends historic charm with innovation as part of the Research Triangle. Residents enjoy easy access to top universities, world-class healthcare and research, greenways and parks, and a thriving arts and music scene, all with a lower cost of living than many major metro areas. Durham sits in the heart of North Carolina with easy access to other major metros like Raleigh, Cary, and Chapel Hill and is only a few hours from the coast and Blue Ridge Mountains.