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Molecular Technologist I/II (High Complexity)

Tempus AI · Chicago, IL · $23.25–$25.50 an hour · Full time

Posted Sep 25, 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.

Practice this interview out loud.

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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. What you’ll do: • Work with a cutting-edge genomics workflow to provide high-quality next-generation sequencing data with rapid turnaround times in a clinical laboratory. • Perform routine quality control and laboratory maintenance procedures and proficiency testing in accordance with current laboratory SOPs: • Aid the Quality Control Team in routine phase-in and performance qualification of reagents and instrumentation, respectively. • Decontamination of laboratory equipment and work surfaces in accordance with current laboratory SOPs and routine cleaning to maintain clean, decluttered laboratory work areas. • Perform routine, daily laboratory maintenance of NGS instrumentation. • Participate in routine proficiency testing as required to ensure accuracy and reliability of laboratory testing results. • Read and understand NGS SOPs required to perform routine clinical workflow procedures. Participate in the review, editing, and/or creation of NGS procedures and documentation. • Demonstrate mastery of NGS workflows, which are performed under direction of more senior and/or lead technologists and NGS supervisors, monitor and coordinate the training of other technologists, along with assisting in optimization of training documents. • Perform routine diagnostic oncology testing using complex molecular-based procedures with a high degree of quality and in accordance with established SOPs. • Perform next-generation sequencing, including DNA/RNA quantification and qualification; NGS library preparation and library clean-up; hybridization and capture cleanup and quantification; and sequencing on the Illumina Novaseq6000 and NovaX platforms. • Enter clinical patient data obtained from routine testing into the Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS). • Maintain competency to perform all assigned molecular biology protocols and satisfy continuing education requirements of 12 CEUs in the field of oncology or molecular biology on a yearly basis in accordance with CAP, CLIA, NYSDOH regulations. Qualifications: Must have: • The following educational requirements:Degree: • BS in medical technology, clinical laboratory science, chemical, or biological science. • MS in medical technology, clinical laboratory science, chemical, or biological science OR • Curriculum: At least 60 semester hours, or equivalent, from an accredited institution that, at a minimum, includes either: • 24 semester hours of medical laboratory technology courses; or • 24 semester hours of science courses that include: • 6 semester hours of chemistry; • 6 semester hours of biology; and • 12 semester hours of chemistry, biology, or medical laboratory technology in any combination. • Experience: 1 to 2+ years of post-baccalaureate (post-BS degree) clinical experience in a CAP/CLIA high-complexity laboratory (such as CORE, molecular pathology, molecular diagnostics, microbiology, or forensics/drug testing labs, etc), with at least 6 months to 1 year experience in NGS workflows and molecular biology testing techniques, such as nucleic acid extraction, library preparation, hybridization/capture and sequencing. • Human sample testing experience in a CAP/CLIA high complexity clinical laboratory setting is required. • 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: • Experience with robotics and automated liquid handling systems. • Knowledge of LIMS platforms and various computer systems. • Experience with Illumina (NovaSeq 6000) and next-generation sequencing. • Work in an oncology or comprehensive genomics testing lab. • Work in a CLIA/CAP high-complexity laboratory. Please note that shift assignment is based on technical level, experience, and current business needs. Hiring Team will go through current open shifts during Interview Process. Shift Options: • Sun-Wed or Wed-Sat (+ skip shifts) + Fri-Mon; PM • Sun-Wed or Wed-Sat (+ skip shifts) + Fri-Mon; AM • 3rd Shift/ON: Sun-Thurs, 11p-730a or Tues-Sat, 11p-730a Additional Incentives: Eligible shifts qualify for shift differentials , with potential sign-on incentives available for select shifts. CHI Hourly Rate: $23.25-$25.50 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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