Biorepository Technician

PRINCIPAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Relevant activities include, but are not limited to the following:

Working under the supervision of the Biorepository Manager and the Biorepository Specialist, the successful applicant will perform various routine procedures following established methodologies. Responsibilities include:

1. Adheres to the biorepository's quality assurance procedures, including documenting all:

a. quality control activities;

b. instrument and equipment verifications;

c. maintenance and preventive maintenance.

2. Identify and document problems that may adversely affect specimen management and notify the supervisor and or biorepository manager.

3. Document all corrective actions taken when specimen management procedures deviate from the biorepository's established processes or requirements.

4. Monitoring and maintaining supplies associated with specimen collection, storage, and management under the biorepository's purview.

5. Correspond with the Institutional Review Board (IRB) for protocol approval, study continuation, annual reporting of studies, and submission of amendments. Supports the research activities of the center associated with the processing and managing of samples collected in research studies.

6. Maintains records and databases.

Routine procedures and duties will include but are not limited to:

• Accession routine patient specimens
• Accurately enters information from source documents and manifests into the computer, following study-specific work instructions
• Printing labels and affixing bar-coded labels to tubes and related documents
• Managing inventory-related issues
• Maintaining freezer temperature logs
• Record keeping of equipment service, calibration, and preventative maintenance
• Scheduling routine maintenance of biorepository equipment, including freezers, pipettes, and centrifuges
• Assists in moving samples to backup freezers when equipment fails, is under repair or for general inventory management initiatives
• Maintenance of shared specimen processing spaces
• Monitored and ordered sample processing and management supplies
• Maintaining sample inventory records, including location and distribution
• Pulles and distributes samples for approved projects
• Specimen processing, transfers specimens from racks to centrifuges and decant station. Decants, sorts, and labels specimens.

a. Plasma extraction and storage

b. Serum extraction and storage

c. CSF processing and storage

d. Whole blood processing and storage

e. Urine processing and storage

• Interact internally with other hospital departments such as wet labs, other biobanks, and Environmental Services as needed
• Assists in collecting data for quality assurance and quality control programs
• Sorts and prioritizes specimens delivered to the biorepository
• Maintaining documentation regarding sample management, including but not limited to receipt and distributions. Collects and organizes patient data, verifies accuracy, and updates study and biorepository documents required by the NCRI-MGH Biorepository program
• Data entry of information into study databases
• Maintains safety, practices safe work habits, and directs staff as needed. Compliance with all biorepository regulations, CAP, and other regulatory agencies, as applicable. Complies with biohazard safety standards by properly handling potentially hazardous chemical and biological agents in the workplace. Uses universal safety precautions and proper personal protective equipment to protect self and co-workers from bio-hazardous materials, including blood-borne pathogens. Completes annual biohazard/universal precaution safety training, as appropriate
• Act as a resource for site staff on sample management questions as needed
• Performs other administrative support duties as assigned
• All other duties as assigned

SKILLS & COMPETENCIES REQUIRED:

1. Must have interpersonal skills to interact effectively with colleagues from varied backgrounds, MDs, researchers, and other team members.

2. Must have careful attention to detail and good organizational skills. Ability to identify potential problems and troubleshoot solutions. Motivated.

3. Must possess integrity to maintain confidentiality and respect for subjects' rights and individual needs.

4. Must demonstrate accuracy in recording data.

5. Must have excellent verbal and written communication skills.

6. Some basic computer literacy. Use of Microsoft Office suite, especially Excel and electronic data capture databases, preferred.

EDUCATION:

Bachelor's Degree

2 years experience working in a biorepository or laboratory

WORKING CONDITIONS:

- The operations office of the NCRI-MGH Biorepository is located at the Sean M. Healey & AMG Center for ALS. Standard office environment.

- Samples are maintained in freezer farms at various locations the MGH Main Campus and Charlestown Navy Yard

- May be exposed to disease-bearing specimens or other hazards normally associated with a biorepository setting

- Some repetitive movement, i.e., pipetting moving samples to and from freezers. Sitting and standing for extended periods.

- Able to lift 20 pounds.

Physical Requirements

• Standing Frequently (34-66%)
• Walking Frequently (34-66%)
• Sitting Occasionally (3-33%)
• Lifting Frequently (34-66%) 35lbs+ (w/assisted device)
• Carrying Frequently (34-66%) 20lbs - 35lbs
• Pushing Occasionally (3-33%)
• Pulling Occasionally (3-33%)
• Climbing Rarely (Less than 2%)
• Balancing Frequently (34-66%)
• Stooping Occasionally (3-33%)
• Kneeling Occasionally (3-33%)
• Crouching Occasionally (3-33%)
• Crawling Rarely (Less than 2%)
• Reaching Frequently (34-66%)
• Gross Manipulation (Handling) Frequently (34-66%)
• Fine Manipulation (Fingering) Frequently (34-66%)
• Feeling Constantly (67-100%)
• Foot Use Rarely (Less than 2%)
• Vision - Far Constantly (67-100%)
• Vision - Near Constantly (67-100%)
• Talking Constantly (67-100%)
• Hearing Constantly (67-100%)