Biorepository Research Coordinator

Job Summary

The Neurosurgery Biorepository Research Coordinator will work with nationally and internationally recognized neurosurgeons, contributing to cutting edge, collaborative research endeavors aimed at identifying, treating, and eradicating diseases that affect the neurologic system. This clinical sciences professional works collaboratively with the Biorepository Research Team to collect, process, store, and distribute human biosamples. This includes identifying eligible participants, obtaining informed consent, attending surgeries to collect removed biosamples, and sample transport to the Biorepository Laboratory. Careful attention to participant confidentiality (HIPAA), sample processing for long-term storage, and data management are essential. The Research Coordinator ensures all procedures comply with ethical guidelines (CITI), regulatory requirements (FDA, IRB) and Biorepository established Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs). The coordinator liaises between clinical staff, researchers, and other lab personnel to manage tissue research projects.

Key Responsibilities

• Collaborate with surgical staff, pathology, and clinicians to obtain tissue samples, including fresh or frozen samples, in the operating room or pathology lab
• Log, label, process and store tissue samples securely in the database and biorepository
• Prepare, track, and ship specimens for external research collaborators while maintaining participant confidentiality and data integrity
• Participate in the development, implementation, and quality assurance audits of SOPs
• Prepare lab for daily operations, including stocking materials, equipment, safety, cleanliness, and related areas
• Process and analyze biosamples for collaborative studies
• Dispose of laboratory materials and samples using well established guidelines and instructions and hazardous waste according to institutional regulations
• Accurately enter clinical data, pathology reports, and sample inventory into the Biorepository database
• Ensure compliance with Biorepository SOPs, FDA regulations, and institutional IRB protocols
• Screen EPIC (UCHealth electronic medical record) surgery schedules to identify eligible patients
• Conduct informed consent process with eligible participants
• Ensure informed consent is properly documented
• Attend Biorepository Team Meetings
• Attend Department of Neurosurgery Research Meetings as applicable

Work Location

Onsite – this role is expected to work onsite and is located in Aurora, Colorado.

Why Join Us

Currently, the Department of Neurosurgery has ~12-14 neurosurgeons contributing samples to the Neurosurgery Tissue Biorepository. We have one (1) RSP who handles almost all pre-op patient consent processes; handles all records, reports, and paperwork associated with the consents; collects blood and tissue samples from those surgeries directly in the ORs; processes blood into plasma and PBMCs, and cryopreserves tissues (or pre-processes tissues for cell line/organoid establishment and propagation); conducts frozen storage of said biofluids and tissues/cells; records these samples into our Biorepository database; updates the database as relevant information (ie, Pathology reports) becomes available; updates patient outcomes (eg survival/death announcements) when necessary; assists in maintenance of cell lines, organoids, and tissue explants; alerts local collaborators of upcoming surgeries of interest, and facilitates consents, acquisition and handling of samples, and transfer to collaborator labs/personnel; prepares and ships materials to offsite collaborators per national guidelines; serves as intermediary for the EPXY trial (Genetics of Intracranial Vessels) with Harvard University/Brigham and Women's Hospital (consents patients, collects and ships tissues via trial protocols).

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in any field. Substitution: A combination of education and related technical/military/paraprofessional experience may be substituted for a bachelor's degree on a year for year basis.
• One (1) year clinical research or related experience. Substitution: An advanced degree (Masters or PhD) may be substituted for experience on a year for year basis if the degree is in a field of study directly related to the work assignment.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in science or health related field
• Two (2) years of clinical research or related experience
• Experience with electronic data capture systems (e.g. EMR or EHR and data management systems)

Conditions of Employment

Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States without requiring sponsorship. We are unable to provide work visa sponsorship or employment authorization for this position now or in the future.

Competencies, Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Knowledge and understanding of federal regulations and Good Clinical Practice (GCP)
• Ability to communicate effectively, both in writing and orally
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with employees at all levels throughout the institution
• Outstanding customer service skills
• Knowledge of basic human anatomy, physiology medical terminology
• Ability to interpret and master complex research protocol information

How to Apply

For full consideration, please submit the following document(s):

• A letter of interest describing relevant job experiences as they relate to listed job qualifications and interest in the position
• Curriculum vitae / Resume
• Three to five professional references, including name, address, phone number (mobile number if appropriate), and email address

Questions should be directed to: Samuel Long, Samuel.long@cuanschutz.edu

Pay and Benefits

Anticipated Pay Range: $54,302 - $72,765

Benefits: The University of Colorado offers an excellent benefits package including:

• Medical: Multiple plan options
• Dental: Multiple plan options
• Additional Insurance: Disability, Life, Vision
• Retirement 401(a) Plan: Employer contributes 10% of your gross pay
• Paid Time Off: Accruals over the year
• Vacation Days: 22/year (maximum accrual 352 hours)
• Sick Days: 15/year (unlimited maximum accrual)
• Holiday Days: 10/year
• Tuition Benefit: Employees have access to this benefit on all CU campuses
• ECO Pass: Reduced rate RTD Bus and light rail service

There are many additional perks & programs with the CU Advantage.

Screening and Application Timeline

Screening of Applications Begins: Immediately and continues until September 1, 2026.