Description
Diagnose and characterize diseases by analyzing DNA, RNA, and other molecular biomarkers in tissues and body fluids; direct molecular diagnostic testing and guide test selection and interpretation for patient care.
- • Analyze and interpret NGS, PCR, Sanger, FISH, microarray, and RNA-seq results to detect clinically significant variants.
- • Correlate molecular findings with histopathology and clinical data to refine diagnosis, prognosis, and therapy selection.
- • Author and sign molecular pathology reports with methods, quality metrics, variant classification, and clinical significance.
- • Apply ACMG/AMP/ASCO/CAP guidelines for germline and somatic variant interpretation and reporting.
- • Validate and implement new molecular assays and laboratory-developed tests (LDTs).
- • Oversee molecular laboratory operations, QA/QC, proficiency testing, and regulatory compliance (CLIA, CAP, state).
- • Develop and maintain standard operating procedures and quality control documentation.
- • Consult with clinicians on test selection, result interpretation, and targeted therapy or trial options; present at tumor boards.
- • Communicate critical or actionable results promptly to care teams.
- • Review and sign out oncology panels, hereditary disease tests, pharmacogenomic assays, infectious disease PCRs, and minimal residual disease studies.
- • Direct specimen triage, nucleic acid extraction, library preparation, and run troubleshooting with laboratory staff.
- • Collaborate with bioinformatics teams to optimize pipelines, review variant calls, and address data quality issues.
- • Monitor assay performance and metrics, including sensitivity, specificity, limit of detection, and turnaround time.
- • Educate residents, fellows, technologists, and clinicians in molecular diagnostics and test utilization.
- • Conduct or support translational research and present or publish scientific findings.
- • Keep current with advances in genomics, biomarkers, and therapeutics through literature and conferences.
- • Manage and mentor molecular pathology staff and assess competencies.
- • Ensure data security, patient privacy, and appropriate data sharing practices.
- • Testify as an expert witness on molecular diagnostics when required.
Related specializations
Interview options
Interview options
Interviewee gender
Interviewee accent
Interview time
Related Pathways
Healthcare & Human Services
View
Source
Tasks & skills:
O*NET occupational data (work activities, skills, knowledge).
Learn more
Sources & Standards:
This site includes information from O*NET by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA), used under the CC BY 4.0 license. Career Clutch has modified some of this information for student readability. USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications. O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA.
Last reviewed: Jan 2026
