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Molecular Technologist I (Extractions)

Tempus AI · Chicago, IL · Full time

Posted Sep 29, 2026 · We last checked this listing on Oct 6, 2026

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Likely interview questions for this role

Written from this job description, not a generic list. Each one notes what the interviewer is really checking.

About your past

Tell me about proficiency testing you took part in. Why does it matter?

What they are checking: Understanding that proficiency testing proves the lab's results can be trusted under CLIA and CAP.

Tell me about a mistake you made in the lab. How did you handle it?

What they are checking: Honesty and quick reporting of errors, which is essential in clinical testing.

What would you do

A run fails quality control metrics. How do you work out whether it was the sample, the library or the instrument?

What they are checking: Systematic troubleshooting in a high complexity lab where reruns cost time for patients.

You notice a step in the SOP does not match how the team actually does it. What do you do?

What they are checking: Whether they follow the SOP and raise the gap properly rather than quietly doing their own thing.

How do you keep up with daily instrument maintenance while also meeting turnaround times?

What they are checking: Discipline to do maintenance even when busy, since skipped maintenance causes failed runs.

About the work

Walk me through a next-generation sequencing workflow you have run, from extracted nucleic acid to a sequencing run.

What they are checking: Hands-on NGS experience and understanding of library prep, quantification and loading steps.

How do you prevent contamination in a molecular lab?

What they are checking: Real habits around decontamination, workflow direction and controls, which NGS results depend on.

What does it mean to phase in a new lot of reagents, and what would you check?

What they are checking: Familiarity with lot qualification so new reagents do not quietly change results.

How do you document your work so someone could trace exactly what happened to a sample?

What they are checking: Good documentation practice that supports traceability and inspections.

What do you know about the requirements of working in a high complexity CLIA lab?

What they are checking: Awareness of regulatory expectations for personnel, records and quality in clinical testing.

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The full job description

As published by Tempus AI.

Passionate about precision medicine and advancing the healthcare industry? Recent advancements in underlying technology have finally made it possible for AI to impact clinical care in a meaningful way. Tempus' proprietary platform connects an entire ecosystem of real-world evidence to deliver real-time, actionable insights to physicians, providing critical information about the right treatments for the right patients, at the right time. ● Work with a cutting-edge genomics workflow to provide high-quality data with rapid turnaround times in a clinical laboratory. ● Perform routine testing, quality control, calibration, maintenance and proficiency testing in accordance with current laboratory procedures. ● Perform complex molecular-based procedures with a high degree of quality and in accordance with established protocols. ● Perform nucleic acid extraction and DNA/RNA quantification and qualification using robotics and automated liquid handlers ● Sterilizing laboratory equipment and workspaces as assigned. ● Entering clinical patient data into the Laboratory Information Management system. ● Obtain 12 continuing education hours in the field of oncology or molecular biology. ● Maintain competency to perform all assigned molecular biology protocols in accordance with CAP, CLIA, NYSDOH regulations. Qualifications Must have: ● One of the following educational requirements: BS in medical technology, clinical laboratory science, chemical, or biological science. ● 0-1 + years clinical laboratory experience ● Excellent communication skills ● Thrives in a fast-paced environment ● Ability to work with others to plan and carry out scientific programs ● Self-driven and works well in an interdisciplinary team with minimal direction ● Strong desire to build products that will save lives and change the course of cancer ● Impeccable attention to detail Highly Desirable: ● Work in a CLIA/CAP high-complexity laboratory ● Experience with robotics and automated liquid handling systems ● Knowledge of LIMS platforms and various computer systems Candidates must be able to work the assigned shift. Please note that shift assignment is based on technical level, experience, and current business needs. Current available shifts: • Wednesday - Saturday, Overnight (priority) • Wednesday-Saturday or Sunday-Wednesday, PM Additional Incentives: Eligible shifts qualify for shift differentials , with potential sign-on incentives available for select shifts. CHI Hourly Rate: $23.25 The expected salary range may vary for other locations. Actual salary may vary based on qualifications and experience. Tempus offers a full range of benefits, which may include incentive compensation, restricted stock units, medical and other benefits depending on the position. We are an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.

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