Research Lab Assistant

SHIFT: Day (United States of America) Seeking Breakthrough Makers Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) offers countless ways to change lives. Our diverse community of more than 20,000 Breakthrough Makers will inspire you to pursue passions, develop expertise, and drive innovation. At CHOP, your experience is valued; your voice is heard; and your contributions make a difference for patients and families. Join us as we build on our promise to advance pediatric care—and your career. CHOP does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, sex, national origin, religion, or any other legally protected categories in any employment, training, or vendor decisions or programs. CHOP recognizes the critical importance of a workforce rich in varied backgrounds and experiences and engages in ongoing efforts to achieve that through equally varied and non-discriminatory means. A Brief Overview Under general supervision, this role is responsible for the introductory operations of specimen collection/processing and lab including processes incoming specimens, handling research lab specimens, including data entry and transport as necessary per the research protocol and supervisor's instructions. Participates in a planned research project by performing basic research protocols. Responsible for organization and tracking of samples in freezer storage using electronic database; Performs quality control and quality assurance functions and inventory control. The Research Lab Assistant is responsible for the efficient and accurate management of biological specimens collected through the Environmental influences on Child Health Outcomes (ECHO), a longitudinal study funded by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and led by Drs. Heather Burris and Sara DeMauro (Division of Neonatology) that seeks to gain better insight into the effects of biological, chemical, and physical exposures; social and behavioral factors; and built and natural environments on child health and development. This role will play a crucial role in ensuring the quality and integrity of these samples, which may be used to study disease, detect exposures to metals or chemicals, understand stress and diet, and advance medical research. This role will primarily focus on processing biological specimens (including urine, stool, blood, hair, saliva, and semen) in support of the ECHO study. Candidates with sample processing and industry experience are encouraged to apply. What You Will Do Responsible for lab specimens collected or deliveredOrganize and track of samples in freezer storage using electronic databaseAssist quality control and quality assurance functions and inventory controlProcess all appropriate specimen types per protocol guidelines including blood, urine, saliva, etc; responsible for spinning in centrifuge, separation of plasma and/or serum, freezing sample, shipping sample or carrying to appropriate labCollaborates with Outpatient Unit specimen identification and tracking. Serves as resource for other staff for specimen processing and tracking issuesOrganizes freezer and tracking of specimens using appropriate software system (LIMS, LDMS)Proficient in the operation of the laboratory information management systemsAssists in special processing procedures (e.g. isolation of PBMCs)Reviews specimen requirements and processing procedures for protocolsProvides assistance to all staff in properly preparing for new study visits including identifying correct draw tubes and identifying amounts of blood required per testAssists in designing study sheets and specimen processing procedures for new studiesFollows appropriate processing, storage and delivery procedures for protocolsReviews that all specimens are properly labeled and processedPrepares tubes and aliquots for staff needing to process in off-hours or out of the main spaceSends the correct sample to the appropriate lab or storage freezer as directedRegister specimens in the automated systems that arrive from outside clientsDelivers specimens to the specific labs where testing is performed as directedManages inventory control of research lab; orders necessary items, informs supervisor of any inventory problems.Maintains certification and appropriate lab technician trainingPrepares laboratory reagents and maintenance of inventory.Performs routine calculations and maintains appropriate log books and lab notebooksMaintains laboratory equipment and recordsMaintains laboratory safety procedures and compliance recordsProcess all specimens and ships to outside laboratories as needed.Must be familiar with the different processing requirements for all of the research protocols.Follows lab procedures for each research protocols and follows up to ensure all shipping is handled timely and accuratelyWorks with a Courier service to schedule and ship specimens and/or paperwork to various locations.Service ExcellenceMaintain record management, ensuring that all records are stored according to established policies.Must always use appropriate and proper documentationDisseminates reports to teams and leadership as per standard procedureMust be flexible in scheduling and cooperation in performing all assigned tasksResponsible for working flexible schedule when necessaryUniversal PrecautionsFollows all safety and infection control rulesLab coats and gloves are consistently worn as requiredUses eye protection devices as requiredFollows universal precautions for handling all biological specimens Education Qualifications High School Diploma / GED - Required Experience Qualifications Previous research or laboratory experience - RequiredAt least one (1) year of research or laboratory experience - Preferred Skills And Abilities Basic proficiency with office software (Microsoft Office)Strong verbal and written communications skillsSolid customer service skillsSolid interpersonal skillsSolid organizational skillsAbility to gather, analyze and make recommendations/decisions based on dataAbility to maintain confidentiality and professionalismAbility to collaborate with stakeholders at all levels To carry out its mission, CHOP is committed to supporting the health of our patients, families, workforce, and global community. As a condition of employment, CHOP employees who work in patient care buildings or who have patient facing responsibilities must receive an annual influenza vaccine. Learn more. EEO / VEVRAA Federal Contractor | Tobacco Statement SALARY RANGE: $21.05 - $26.35 Hourly Salary ranges are shown for full-time jobs. If you're working part-time, your pay will be adjusted accordingly. At CHOP, we are committed to fair and transparent pay practices. Factors such as skills and experience could result in an offer above the salary range noted in this job posting. Click here for more information regarding CHOP's Compensation and Benefits.