CRSL Laboratory Supervisor

About the role

The Clinical Research Support Laboratory (CRSL) is the primary non-CLIA certified laboratory responsible for collecting, processing, stabilizing, documenting, shipping, and tracking all research biospecimens from patients participating in clinical trials supported by the Yale Cancer Center Clinical Trials Office in New Haven at Smilow Cancer Hospital as well as across the Smilow Cancer Hospital Cancer Center network.

Responsibilities

• Schedules and uses laboratory resources in the collection of clinical research specimens.
• Ensures compliance with protocol processing and shipping requirements and oversees adherence to institutional and safety regulations and policies within the assigned laboratory.
• Directly supervises Research and Operational Assistants.
• Recruits, hires, develops, evaluates, communicates deadlines and special circumstances, disciplines, and manages workloads for non-exempt employees.
• Provides direct supervision for non-exempt employees.
• Assists in feasibility review and operational planning of clinical research protocols to provide feedback and recommendations related to resourcing, operational needs, limitations, and capabilities.
• Participates in regular meetings with CTO Clinical Operations staff, meets with external study monitors (as needed).
• Oversees the team and is responsible for successfully completing the daily work schedule for assigned lab unit, ensuring quality, productivity, and efficiency of team.
• Sets clear priorities, interprets protocol instructions, and enforces standards, giving direction to staff to ensure the best possible service.
• Organizes the workflow, proactively identifies and addresses needs, manages multiple ongoing priorities.
• Investigates complaints and collaborates with others, as necessary, to resolve issues arising within the unit.
• Escalates to management all important information necessary to ensure department success.
• Evaluates work requests to determine if they are appropriate to the unit or another area.
• Schedules external couriers for delivery of patient-specific protocol materials to Smilow Care Centers for drops off outside of regularly scheduled courier hours.
• Maintains knowledge of the regulatory environment governing the collection, storage, and shipment of human samples.
• Sustains up-to-date best practices and participates in local and international professional organizations, as appropriate.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Minimum requirement of Bachelor’s Degree in related field and three years of related experience or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Professional demeanor with strong interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work well with research faculty, staff, and administrators.
• Proven effectiveness in managing workload to meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Project management skills and experience managing personnel effectively including unionized positions.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Ability to initiate actions and solve problems using sound judgment.
• Superior attention to detail and accuracy.
• Strong organizational skills.
• Ability to multi-task and effectively manage competing priorities.
• High-level of understanding of research and lab environments.
• Advanced technical expertise in complex specimen processing procedures and familiarity with BSL-2 laboratory standards.

Qualifications

• Preferred at least (2) two years of experience with complex specimen processing, safety management, and supervision of staff.
• Previous clinical trials experience and/or experience in an oncology setting.