Research Technician I

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

• Assist with select clinical research projects
  • Implement study procedures for each study, per study protocols
    • Demonstrate good judgement and problem solving to troubleshoot and modify protocol implementation when necessary
    • Cook with research team members as part of sponsored or multi-PI studies
• Organize, collect, process, and maintain human tissue samples
  • Lead procurement, processing, and shipping of biospecimens, as directed by the primary Clinical Research Coordinator and Laboratory Director for specific research projects
  • Absorb biospecimen organization, including blood, swabs, and in some scenarios, urine and stool
  • Assist with shipping and receipt of specimens to and from external facilities
• Perform analytic techniques according to laboratory SOPs
  • Set up instruments, material and apparatus, and operate standard laboratory equipment required for specific tests
  • Prepare culture media, chemicals, reagents, and solutions
  • Aid in developing and optimizing research procedures and techniques with the MERL Laboratory Director
  • Maintain sufficient inventory of materials, supplies, and equipment for performance of duties, including ordering of supplies as necessary
  • Clean and maintain standard laboratory equipment and facilities
• Collect, organize, and maintain data for clinical research projects
  • Absorb the maintenance of the study binder and electronic data capture systems under the direction of the primary Clinical Research Coordinator for specific research projects
  • Maintain digital and/or paper study records for research participants including but not limited to case report forms, and sample acquisition forms
  • Screen study binders and participant study records for completeness and compliance with protocol and appropriate regulations; investigate incomplete, inaccurate or missing documents to ensure accuracy and completeness of data collected and follow-up with subjects as needed
• Collaboration & Team Engagement
  • Work with research team members to ensure overall study objectives are met for all clinical research
  • Follow SOPs for various tasks and provide input on day-to-day operations
  • Participate in study meetings, conference calls, and leadership discussions
  • Support current and future collaborations with clinical departments and VHA research partners nationwide

Minimum Qualifications

• Education: Bachelor's degree in biology, immunology, microbiology or other directly related scientific field
• Experience: 1-2 years full-time microbiology or molecular biology lab experience preferred