City of Hope Hiring for MUD Search Technologist – Histocompatibility Laboratory Full Time

About City of Hope

City of Hope is an independent biomedical research and treatment organization for cancer, diabetes and other life-threatening diseases.

Founded in 1913, City of Hope is a leader in bone marrow transplantation and immunotherapy such as CAR T cell therapy. City of Hope’s translational research and personalized treatment protocols advance care throughout the world. Human synthetic insulin, monoclonal antibodies and numerous breakthrough cancer drugs are based on technology developed at the institution. AccessHope™, a subsidiary launched in 2019 serves employers and their health care partners by providing access to City of Hope’s specialized cancer expertise.

A National Cancer Institute-designated comprehensive cancer center and a founding member of the National Comprehensive Cancer Network, City of Hope is ranked among the nation’s “Best Hospitals” in cancer by U.S. News & World and received Magnet Recognition from the American Nurses Credentialing Center. Its main campus is located near Los Angeles, with additional locations throughout Southern California and in Arizona.

City of Hope’s commitment to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion

We believe diversity, equity and inclusion is key in serving our mission to provide compassionate patient care, drive innovative discovery, and advance vital education focused on eliminating cancer and diabetes in all of our communities. Our commitment to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion ensures we bring the full range of skills, perspectives, cultural backgrounds and experiences to our work – and that our teams align with the people we serve in order to build trust and understanding. We are dedicated to fostering a community that embraces diversity – in ideas, backgrounds and perspectives; this is reflected in our work and represented in our people.

Position Summary

Applies Medical Technology training and knowledge to plan, coordinate, and evaluate unrelated donor searches for transplant patients in collaboration with medical staff and nursing personnel, HLA Lab staff, and the Marrow Donor Financial Specialist.

Key Responsibilities include:

• Coordinates NMDP search for potential donors, and maintains thorough documentation of the search process.
• Through NMDP, or other registries as appropriate, accesses the databases to search for best matches. Utilizes Trans Link, or manual methods when required. May search cord blood banks and independent registries.
• Identifies matches and categorizes based on in-depth understanding of the HLA typing process: the histocompatibility system, (Family inheritance patterns, ABO vs. HLA Class I, Class II), testing methods (serology vs. molecular), confirmatory typing, etc. Able to read and interpret s pertaining to the unrelated donor search process.
• Develops search strategies based on antigen groups known to be cross-reactive, identifies split antigens associated with certain broad antigens, and common associations among DR antigens and alleles. Varies search as needed under conditions such as X antigen specificity, clarifies number of known incompatibilities to achieve an acceptable match, differentiates between mismatches at various levels of typing resolution, and reviews match grade to ensure most desirable donor is recommended.
• Reacts to difficult searches through timely repeat typing , running customized search lists (multiple phenotypes), and checks available references to determine whether the recipient’s HLA-A and B haplotypes are associated with a particular DRB1 allele, and whether the HLA-DRB1 allele has a DRB3/4/5 or DQ association, as well as review of ethnic associations with DRB1 alleles.
• Follows the unrelated donor match review process including reviewing the recipient’s outside typing to ensure it was keyed correctly by the registry, and the initial identification of potential donors so confirmatory typing samples can be ordered,
• Requests potential donor samples found on search match list and coordinates receipt of appropriate blood samples with laboratories (e.g., cord blood samples).
• Available to troubleshoot issues with NMDP samples delivered to the HLA lab.
• Interacts effectively with appropriate staff members including related NMDP affiliates to ensure continuity of patient care.
• Ensures appropriate parties have been updated regarding the search process and the availability of donors.
• Prioritizes work and provides prompt and efficient service.
• Practices quality control methods common to area of expertise.
• Supports and participates in the Quality Assurance efforts and Quality Improvement process. Participates and validates new Standard Operating Procedures and recommends changes prior to implementation.
• Develops and participates in performance improvement activities to evaluate the program’s effectiveness in meeting patient care and departmental needs, including NMDP CPI requirements.
• Enhances professional growth and development through participation in educational programs, reviewing current literature, attending in-service meetings, and workshops.
• Demonstrates a level of professional practice that supports the delivery of appropriate care and positive working relationships throughout the medical center and NMDP affiliates.
• Maintains current knowledge and awareness of organizational standards, policies and procedures, as well as the NMDP and federal regulations.
• Participates in a collaborative, empowered work environment as demonstrated through teamwork.
• Attends meetings and courses as required, and participates on committees as directed.
• Maintains a positive customer service image when dealing with staff, patients, physicians, City of Hope employees, insurance companies and other outside vendors.
• Effectively communicates with all patients, families, and team members to meet organizational goals and to provide customer satisfaction.
• Demonstrates fiscal responsibility by appropriate and timely use of organizational resources.

Basic education, experience and skills required for consideration:

• Bachelor’s Degree
• One year related experience as a Medical Technologist, or from a clinical hematopoietic transplant environment.

Required Certification/Licensure:

• State of California license for any of the following:
  • Clinical Laboratory Scientist (generalist)
  • California Clinical Histocompatibility Scientist (limited)
  • Clinical Genetic Molecular Biologist Scientist (limited)

Additional Information:

• As a condition of employment, City of Hope requires staff to comply with all state and federal vaccination mandates.

The estimated pay scale represents the typical [salary/hourly] range City of Hope reasonably expects to pay for this position, with offers determined based on several factors which may include, but not be limited to, the candidate’s experience, expertise, skills, education, job scope, training, internal equity, geography/market, etc. This pay scale is subject to change from time to time.

City of Hope is committed to creating a diverse environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, status as a protected veteran, or status as a qualified individual with disability. #LI-AH