(Clinical) Research Technician

About the role

This Research Technician role supports a CAP-accredited, BSL2+ biorepository and biospecimen processing core facility that provides centralized expertise and infrastructure for the acquisition, processing, storage, and distribution of high-quality biospecimens for basic, translational, and clinical research. The position plays a key role in supporting investigator-driven research projects and clinical trials across multiple therapeutic areas.

Responsibilities

• Perform a variety of routine and complex technical duties involved in standardized biospecimen processing and biobanking in support of investigator-driven research projects and clinical trials.
• Follow written procedures, study protocols, and standard operating procedures (SOPs) with strict adherence to quality control and quality assurance practices.
• Receive human samples, including blood, urine, saliva, sweat, feces, hair, and other bodily fluids, arriving via mail, courier, or direct collection, and verify documentation and labeling.
• Collect biospecimens when required, ensuring proper handling, chain of custody, and adherence to sterile technique.
• Process biospecimens according to study-specific requirements, including aliquoting, separating serum, and preparing samples for storage or shipment.
• Operate laboratory equipment such as centrifuges and liquid nitrogen freezers to process and preserve samples safely and accurately.
• Process Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells (PBMCs), including separation from whole blood, cryopreservation, and thawing to confirm viability for future use in immune system studies.
• Practice sterile technique consistently, including appropriate gowning, double-gloving, and use of face shields, to maintain biosafety and sample integrity.
• Store biospecimens in appropriate conditions, including liquid nitrogen freezers and other controlled environments, and maintain accurate inventory records.
• Prepare and ship biospecimens to external sites or collaborators in accordance with study protocols, regulatory requirements, and temperature control guidelines.
• Use REDCap and Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS) software to enter, track, and manage sample data and electronic processing forms with a high degree of accuracy.
• Ensure data entry accuracy for all electronic processing forms and resolve discrepancies promptly to maintain data integrity.
• Understand and interpret study IRB documents and SOPs to execute protocol-specific processing requirements correctly.
• Monitor freezers and other critical equipment, responding promptly to alerts or issues to protect sample quality and safety.
• Participate in on-call responsibilities, including answering pager alerts, going onsite when needed, collecting urgent samples, and addressing freezer or equipment issues outside normal business hours.
• Collaborate with other laboratory staff, processors, histology technicians, and molecular technicians to support ongoing research studies and operational needs.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and compliant laboratory environment, following biosafety and BSL2+ guidelines at all times.
• Demonstrate strong attention to detail, reliability, and adherence to timelines to support more than 150 active research studies.
• Continuously learn and adapt to new protocols, technologies, and research requirements, contributing to process improvements and operational excellence.

Requirements

• At least 2 years of experience working in a clinical laboratory environment.
• Strong understanding of sterility and sterile technique in handling and processing human biospecimens.
• Proficiency in pipetting and routine laboratory techniques.
• Experience operating centrifuges for processing blood and other biospecimens.
• Ability to process blood samples, including separation and cryopreservation of Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells (PBMCs).
• Demonstrated accuracy in data entry and electronic documentation using laboratory systems.
• Ability to follow detailed written protocols, IRB documents, and SOPs with minimal errors.
• Commitment to work ethic, reliability, and consistent attendance.
• Willingness to listen, learn, and follow guidance from established procedures and senior staff.
• Strong attention to detail in both laboratory work and documentation.
• Eagerness to learn and grow within a complex research and biobanking environment.
• Ability to participate in on-call rotations, including responding to pager alerts and going onsite outside normal business hours.

Qualifications

• Experience using REDCap for research data capture is highly preferred.
• Experience working with Laboratory Information Management Systems (LIMS) is highly preferred.
• Familiarity with biobanking workflows, including sample receipt, processing, storage, and distribution.
• Exposure to research in oncology, dermatology, orthopedics, trauma, pediatrics, or infectious diseases (HIV/COVID-19) is beneficial.
• Comfort working in a CAP-accredited, BSL2+ laboratory setting.
• Ability to work effectively as part of a multidisciplinary laboratory team.
• Strong communication skills to document work clearly and coordinate with investigators and colleagues.

Skills

• Strong understanding of sterility and sterile technique in handling and processing human biospecimens.
• Proficiency in pipetting and routine laboratory techniques.
• Experience operating centrifuges for processing blood and other biospecimens.
• Ability to process blood samples, including separation and cryopreservation of Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells (PBMCs).
• Demonstrated accuracy in data entry and electronic documentation using laboratory systems.
• Ability to follow detailed written protocols, IRB documents, and SOPs with minimal errors.
• Commitment to work ethic, reliability, and consistent attendance.
• Willingness to listen, learn, and follow guidance from established procedures and senior staff.
• Strong attention to detail in both laboratory work and documentation.
• Eagerness to learn and grow within a complex research and biobanking environment.
• Ability to participate in on-call rotations, including responding to pager alerts and going onsite outside normal business hours.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $20.75 - $20.75/hr. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following: Medical, dental & vision, Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital, 401(k) Retirement Plan – Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available, Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents), Short and long-term disability, Health Spending Account (HSA), Transportation benefits, Employee Assistance Program, Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave).