Research Lab Assistant I

About the role

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.

Responsibilities

• Responsible for lab specimens collected or delivered
• Organize and track samples in freezer storage using electronic database
• Assist quality control and quality assurance functions and inventory control
• Process 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 lab
• Collaborates with Outpatient Unit specimen identification and tracking; serves as resource for other staff for specimen processing and tracking issues
• Organizes freezer and tracking of specimens using appropriate software system (LIMS, LDMS)
• Proficient in the operation of the laboratory information management systems
• Assists in special processing procedures (e.g. isolation of PBMCs)
• Reviews specimen requirements and processing procedures for protocols
• Provides assistance to all staff in properly preparing for new study visits including identifying correct draw tubes and identifying amounts of blood required per test
• Assists in designing study sheets and specimen processing procedures for new studies
• Follows appropriate processing, storage and delivery procedures for protocols
• Reviews that all specimens are properly labeled and processed
• Prepares tubes and aliquots for staff needing to process in off-hours or out of the main space
• Sends the correct sample to the specific lab or storage freezer as directed
• Register specimens in the automated systems that arrive from outside clients
• Delivers specimens to the specific labs where testing is performed as directed
• Manages inventory control of research lab; orders necessary items, informs supervisor of any inventory problems
• Maintains certification and appropriate lab technician training
• Prepares laboratory reagents and maintenance of inventory
• Performs routine calculations and maintains appropriate log books and lab notebooks
• Maintains laboratory equipment and records
• Maintains laboratory safety procedures and compliance records
• Process 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 protocol and follows up to ensure all shipping is handled timely and accurately
• Works with a Courier service to schedule and ship specimens and/or paperwork to various locations
• Maintain record management, ensuring that all records are stored according to established policies
• Must always use appropriate and proper documentation
• Disseminates reports to teams and leadership as per standard procedure
• Must be flexible in scheduling and cooperation in performing all assigned tasks
• Responsible for working flexible schedule when necessary
• Follows all safety and infection control rules; lab coats and gloves are consistently worn as required; uses eye protection devices as required; follows universal precautions for handling all biological specimens

Education Qualifications

• High School Diploma / GED Required

Experience Qualifications

• Previous research or laboratory experience Required
• At 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 skills
• Solid customer service skills
• Solid interpersonal skills
• Solid organizational skills
• Ability to gather, analyze and make recommendations/decisions based on data
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and professionalism
• Ability to collaborate with stakeholders at all levels

Pay

• Salary range: $21.05 – $26.35 hourly