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Molecular technologist travel jobs

Molecular technologist travel job requirements

To qualify for a molecular tech travel job, you must meet certain requirements that are specific to the job. It’s important to know that each molecular tech travel job listed on Nomad Health may have slightly different requirements based on the location, patient population, and needs of the facility. However, the following requirements serve as a general checklist of requirements for most molecular tech travel jobs out there.

Educational requirements

At a minimum, molecular tech travel jobs require a bachelor's degree in a related field like molecular biology, biochemistry, or medical technology. However, for advanced or specialized research-focused molecular tech travel jobs, the facility may require a higher level of education such as a master's degree.

License and certification requirements

Travel molecular travel job hiring managers are often looking for candidates who possess specific certifications and licenses. If you are offered a molecular tech travel job, you may be asked to obtain certain certifications before you can begin working. The most common required certifications and licenses for molecular tech travel jobs are:

• State licensure
• MB (ASCP) — Molecular biology (American Society for Clinical Pathology)
• Basic life support (BLS)

Experience Requirements

Many molecular technologist travel jobs on Nomad require you to have at least 12-36 months of experience working in a diagnostic or clinical setting. Although some senior molecular tech travel jobs may require several years of experience specifically in a molecular laboratory. Remember, every facility has different requirements for their molecular tech travel jobs. If you're unsure about whether or not you’re qualified for a specific molecular tech travel job on Nomad, reach out to a Nomad Navigator.

Technical skill requirements

Many molecular technologist travel jobs require candidates to have specific technical skills related to molecular biology. Some of the skills and techniques commonly required for molecular tech travel jobs include but are not limited to:

Microbiology lab techniques

Specific techniques, methods, and procedures are required to successfully understand biological processes on a molecular level. While these techniques are essential to more fields than just molecular biology, they are key to enabling travel molecular biology lab techs to better analyze the structure and function of genes, genetic variations, and cellular processes.

Polymerase chain reaction (PCR)

Candidates must understand the principles of DNA denaturation, annealing, and extension. The right candidate will also know how to set up reactions, troubleshoot, and interpret PCR results for other medical professionals.

DNA sequencing

Proficiency in DNA sequencing is a common requirement for molecular tech travel jobs. Specifically, the right candidate will know how to utilize techniques like Sanger sequencing and next-generation sequencing (NGS) including sample prep, sequencing chemistry analysis, and troubleshooting sequencing runs. It’s also important to know how to use operating sequencing instruments.

Electrophoresis

Candidates must possess skills in gel electrophoresis for protein analysis. Knowledge and understanding of how to prepare samples, running gels such as agarose or polyacrylamide, and how to interpret band patterns are often preferred.

Nucleic acid extraction

The right candidate will have the ability to extract DNA or RNA from samples while ensuring the integrity of the nucleic acids. Common types of samples a molecular tech travel job may require you to work with include but are not limited to:

• Saliva and buccal swabs
• Hair follicles
• Body fluids
• Microbial cultures
• Clinical samples
• Plant material
• Animal samples
• Environmental samples
• Food products
• Ancient specimens

Laboratory equipment and automation

Molecular tech travel job candidates should be familiar with and comfortable using and troubleshooting equipment in the laboratory. Knowledge of laboratory automation systems is also essential. Common types of equipment and automation experience required to land a molecular tech travel job may include:

• Thermocyclers
• Centrifuges
• Spectrophotometers
• Automated extractors
• Real-time PCR systems
• Gel documentation systems
• Microplate readers
• Flow cytometers
• Microscopes
• Bioanalyzers
• Mass spectrometers
• Automated liquid handling systems
• Incubators and growth chambers
• Next-generation sequencing platforms (NGS)
• Bioinformatics software and tools
• Ultra-low temperature freezers

Data analysis and interpretation

Most molecular tech travel jobs require a deep understanding of data analysis and interpretation. Molecular tech travelers need to be able to know how to interpret molecular data and findings, in addition to clearly communicating the findings with broader clinical teams. In general, travel molecular tech jobs often require the following technical skills in data:

Genetic variant interpretation skills

Genetic variant interpretation skills are essential for molecular tech travel jobs. The right candidate must be able to interpret all kinds of genetic variants such as:

• Single nucleotide polymorphism (SNPs)
• Insertions
• Deletions
• Copy number variations

Gene expression analysis skills

Candidates should be able to analyze gene expression data and understand the implications of the upregulation and downregulation of genes.

Genomic data analysis skills

Candidates should be able to analyze data from next-generation sequencing (NGS) platforms including identification of sequencing errors, coverage analysis, and variant calling. It’s also essential to understand the functional implications of gene variations and how gene functions, protein structures and phenotypes are affected by changes in DNA sequences.

Clinical correlation skills

It’s important to have both clinical genetics and pharmacogenomics knowledge when applying for molecular tech travel jobs. The right candidate will be able to find correlations between genetic findings with histories and symptoms a patient is experiencing. Additionally, knowledge of how genetic variation affects drug metabolism and response can be helpful.

General statistical analysis skills

Quantitative skills are essential for securing a travel molecular tech job. This skill is particularly helpful for performing common tasks such as genetic data analysis, significance testing, correlation analysis, and regression models. Facilities may also expect you to have knowledge of population genetics principles which are essential to interpreting genetic variation. Population genetics principles you may need to know include:

• Significance testing
• Correlation analysis
• Regression models

Data management and security skills

Most molecular tech travel jobs will require that you have data management and security skills. The ideal candidate will be comfortable managing and organizing large sets of sensitive genetic data. Travel molecular techs will ensure genetic data is accessible to the appropriate medical staff and make sure that the data is securely stored and protected.

Bioinformatics tools and software skills

Possessing skills in bioinformatic tools and software are essential skills for travel molecular tech jobs. Molecular travel techs use bioinformatics software for carrying out specific research and analysis related to the job, including sequence data analysis which helps techs with sequence alignment, mutation identification, and genetic sequence comparison. Other software or tools skills you may need to have for this role include:

Database skills

It’s helpful to be familiar with genomic and genetic databases for referencing and contextualizing genetic data on the job. Common databases include:

• Genome Data Viewer (GDV)
• GenBank

Data visualization skills

Hiring managers may expect you to have the skills needed to use software for data visualization to help with interpretation. Common data visualization styles used by molecular travel techs include:

• Heat maps
• Chromosomal maps
• Phylogenetic trees

Soft skill requirements for travel molecular technologist jobs

Attention to detail

To be successful in this role, you must possess strong attention to detail and accuracy. In this role, you will be working with complex procedures where the smallest error can lead to significantly different or misleading outcomes. Being accurate is critical for both the patient and your results.

Problem solving skills

Travel molecular tech jobs require candidates to be able to problem solve on their own. In this role, it’s not uncommon to run into unexpected issues such as machine malfunctions or sample contamination. In this role, you may not alway have immediate access to resources or other colleagues, so it's crucial that you are able to work independently.

Time management skills

The right candidate for this job will be able to manage multiple tasks simultaneously. Especially as a travel molecular tech, it’s important you are able to quickly adapt to new technologies, workflows, and environments while meeting timelines for your work.

Communication skills

It’s important for those working molecular tech travel jobs to be able to communicate efficiently with patients and other team members such as physicians, fellow techs, and nurses.

Regulatory knowledge

Another skill required to land a travel molecular tech job is regulatory knowledge. The right candidate knows and understands laboratory regulations and standards like the Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments (CLIA) and College of American Pathologists (CAP). You will also need to understand ongoing compliance for procedures and safety protocols for handling biological samples.

Miscellaneous lab tech travel job requirements

Vaccinations

To secure a molecular tech travel job, you will need to be up to date on your immunizations according to facility policy. This may include recent flu vaccines, TB tests, hepatitis B titers, and more.

Drug test and background screen

Passing pre-employment background checks and drug screenings are an important requirement of obtaining a molecular tech travel job. Verifying employment history and reference are also common procedures for each new assignment. Many travel agencies will pay for expenses related to background checks and drug screening.

Molecular technologist travel job benefits

At Nomad Health, all of our molecular tech travel jobs come with employment benefits that start on day one of your assignment.

Health, dental, and vision insurance

Nomad Health offers insurance that covers health, dental, and vision through a PPO plan under UnitedHealthcare. You can choose from different plan types with different premiums and deductibles.

401(k) program

Every molecular tech travel job on Nomad comes with an option to enroll in our 401(k) program. Nomad Health offers 401k matching for employees after completing 1,000 hours of employment.

Reimbursement

Nomad provides up to $1,000 in reimbursements to cover initial one-way travel for molecular tech travelers who take on an assignment with us. We also offer reimbursement for certifications if the facility requires you to have one that you don’t currently have.

Malpractice insurance

Each molecular tech travel job on Nomad comes with malpractice insurance. This insurance protects our travel molecular techs against claims of negligence and mistakes that may harm a patient. At Nomad, the limits of malpractice insurance are $2,000,000 per claim, and $4,000,000 in aggregate.

Nomad Navigator

Everyone who accepts a molecular tech travel job on Nomad gets access to a Nomad Navigator. Nomad Navigators are your guides and advocates during every travel assignment you take with us, so you’re never alone on the journey.

Tips on finding the best molecular technologist travel jobs

Most travelers agree that the best molecular tech travel jobs offer a combination of high compensation and opportunities to expand your clinical experience. However, what makes a molecular tech travel job the best usually depends on personal preferences, career goals, and financial goals.

Research travel molecular tech job agencies

To find the best molecular tech travel job for you, research is key. First, you need to determine which travel agencies offer molecular tech travel nurse jobs. Unfortunately, not all agencies work with molecular tech travelers.

Read reviews

Next, you should consider the reputation of the agency you’re considering working with. Use a search engine to read testimonials and reviews other molecular tech travelers have left about the agency. These reviews should give you a general idea of whether the agency meets your standards, and if other molecular tech travelers recommend them.

Compare job benefits

While pay may often be the most important benefit of molecular tech travel jobs, remember that additional perks such as stipends for scrubs, licenses, and travel, along with health insurance and the option to invest in a 401(k) should be factored into the equation. Unlike Nomad, not all agencies offer these types of benefits, so it's important to compare the additional perks before you accept a molecular tech travel job.

Top locations for molecular technologist travel jobs

The demand for molecular tech travel jobs varies across different states based on factors such as the overall demand for lab support, the number of healthcare facilities, and the demographics of the regional population. Additionally, states with larger populations and advanced healthcare infrastructures may need more molecular tech travelers than others.

California

As one of the biggest states, California has multiple medical facilities in densely populated areas like Los Angeles, San Diego, Sacramento, and San Francisco that often hire for molecular tech travel jobs. Additionally, California has a high cost of living which may result in attractive pay rates.

Texas

Like California, certain high-growth metropolitan areas in Texas have molecular tech travel jobs available including Dallas, Houston, San Antonio, and Austin.

Florida

Because Florida has an older-than-average population and an expansive medical system, the demand for molecular tech travelers is high, especially in cities like Jacksonville, Tampa, Miami, and Orlando.

New York

The dense population and high number of healthcare facilities in New York make it a hot spot for molecular tech travel jobs, especially in New York City.

How to prepare for your first molecular technologist travel job

If it’s your first time accepting a molecular lab tech travel job, there are a few tips and tricks to keep in mind that will help you feel prepared and ready to go on your first day. Every molecular tech travel job is different, but excelling in one or more of these areas may ensure you are set up for success.

Ask about orientation

One of the most important questions you can ask your hiring manager is about the orientation and onboarding process for your molecular tech travel job. Knowing how much support you will have at the beginning and during the assignment will help you set realistic expectations for your first week on the job.

Be adaptable

Being adaptable is the key to starting any molecular tech travel job. You will need to be prepared for ambiguity and performing tasks that you may not have much experience with.

Build relationships

Along the way, remember to network and build relationships with your new colleagues. Connect with other molecular tech travelers and learn about their experiences with the facility and traveling in general.

Pack wisely

Remember to pack all the essentials you will need for the duration of your travel assignment. Depending on where your molecular tech travel job is, it may be difficult to find a drug store or other convenience stores for items at the last minute, especially if you’re working in a rural area. We recommend packing extra pairs of scrubs, toiletries, and anything else to make you comfortable during your stay.

Travel molecular technologist job resources

• American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP). (n.d.). Retrieved November 7, 2023, from https://www.ascp.org
• American Medical Technologists (AMT). (n.d.). Retrieved November 7, 2023, from https://www.americanmedtech.org
• National Center for Biotechnology Information. (n.d.). GenBank. Retrieved December 6, 2023, from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/genbank/