Technical Specialist, HLA at Partner's Healthcare in Boston, Massachusetts

Job Description:

Site: The General Hospital Corporation


At Mass General Brigham, we know it takes a surprising range of talented professionals to advance our mission-from doctors, nurses, business people and tech experts, to dedicated researchers and systems analysts. As a not-for-profit organization, Mass General Brigham is committed to supporting patient care, research, teaching, and service to the community. We place great value on being a diverse, equitable and inclusive organization as we aim to reflect the diversity of the patients we serve.


At Mass General Brigham, we believe a diverse set of backgrounds and lived experiences makes us stronger by challenging our assumptions with new perspectives that can drive revolutionary discoveries in medical innovations in research and patient care. Therefore, we invite and welcome applicants from traditionally underrepresented groups in healthcare - people of color, people with disabilities, LGBTQ community, and/or gender expansive, first and second-generation immigrants, veterans, and people from different socioeconomic backgrounds - to apply.



Job Summary
Technical Specialist - HLA Lab
The Histocompatibility (HLA) Lab Technical Specialist plays a critical role in ensuring compliance, quality assurance, and operational efficiency within the HLA laboratory. Reporting to the HLA Lab Technical Director, this individual is instrumental in regulatory compliance, performance improvement, and the implementation of new testing methods.


Key Responsibilities:
Quality & Compliance
Oversee regulatory compliance and ensure adherence to accreditation standards.
Monitor lab performance and review surveillance documents (daily, weekly, monthly, annually).
Develop and implement remedial action plans in collaboration with leadership.
Prepare and support lab staff for inspections and accreditation applications.
Coordinate and manage laboratory quality assurance (QA) and safety programs.
Conduct and document staff competency assessments.
Plan and provide HLA-specific continuing education.
Technical & Operations
Manage day-to-day sample workflows, ensuring proper receipt, accessioning, and ordering in the LIS.
Oversee quality control (QC) systems, including reagent, equipment, and procedural assessments.
Maintain lab equipment, ensuring compliance with maintenance and service protocols.
Review QC data with leadership and update the Quality Plan as needed.
Coordinate proficiency testing, including survey orders, test result entry, and deficiency investigations.
Develop, validate, and implement new procedures, methods, and instruments.
Identify workflow inefficiencies and propose solutions for process improvement.
Perform periodic bench work (less than 20% of the time) and participate in on-call responsibilities.
Human Resources & Training
Assist with hiring, onboarding, and training new staff.
Provide ongoing education and training for existing team members.
Clinical & Collaboration
Review and report test results as needed.
Communicate with clinical teams regarding testing status and sample requirements.
Participate in transplant-related and pathology operations meetings.
Financial & Inventory Management
Oversee supply and reagent inventory.
Manage lab equipment inventory, maintenance schedules, and replacement planning.
Professional Development
Teach medical technologist students, transplant coordinators, and other professionals.
Stay updated on industry advancements through seminars, conferences, and literature review.
This role is ideal for a detail-oriented professional with a strong background in HLA lab operations, regulatory compliance, and quality improvement.



Qualifications



Qualifications - External




Education and Experience:



Bachelor's degree in biological or chemical science or medical technology or clinical laboratory science


Certified Histocompatibility Specialist (CHS) certification required (ACHI)


Minimum of six years progressively responsible experience in a Histocompatibility (HLA) testing environment (at least 1-3 years in a lead/supervisory role is preferred).



Preferred:

• Two or more years of prior experience in a supervisory capacity or in a project management or quality role in a histocompatibility testing setting.


• At least 1-3 years in a lead/supervisory role.


• Demonstrated knowledge in all areas of a histocompatibility laboratory accredited for solid organ and bone marrow transplantation.


• Competence with antibody screening and analysis.


• PCR-based typing experience (rSSO, SSP, SBT, or NGS).


• Troubleshooting experience with assays and equipment.


• Demonstrated knowledge of flow cytometry equipment, assays, and analysis.

Additional Job Details (if applicable)


Additional Job Description



Remote Type


Onsite



Work Location


55 Fruit Street



Scheduled Weekly Hours


40



Employee Type


Regular



Work Shift


Day (United States of America)



EEO Statement:


The General Hospital Corporation is an Affirmative Action Employer. By embracing diverse skills, perspectives and ideas, we choose to lead. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religious creed, national origin, sex, age, gender identity, disability, sexual orientation, military service, genetic information, and/or other status protected under law. We will ensure that all individuals with a disability are provided a reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment.



Mass General Brigham Competency Framework


At Mass General Brigham, our competency framework defines what effective leadership "looks like" by specifying which behaviors are most critical for successful performance at each job level. The framework is comprised of ten competencies (half People-Focused, half Performance-Focused) and are defined by observable and measurable skills and behaviors that contribute to workplace effectiveness and career success. These competencies are used to evaluate performance, make hiring decisions, identify development needs, mobilize employees across our system, and establish a strong talent pipeline. Apply Now