Research Technician III - Biorepository
Baylor College of Medicine · Houston, TX · 1 mo ago
ResearchFull-time
Job Duties
- Receive, accession, and process human biospecimens (e.g., blood, saliva, and other body fluids) in accordance with approved protocols, SOPs, and regulatory requirements.
- Perform biospecimen processing workflows, including centrifugation, aliquoting, labeling, stabilization, and cryopreservation.
- Accurately identify, chain of custody, and trace biospecimens from receipt through storage and distribution.
- Enter, verify, and maintain biospecimen metadata in laboratory information management systems (LIMS) and/or inventory databases (e.g., OpenSpecimen).
- Maintain organized and compliant physical and electronic documentation, including processing logs, temperature logs, deviation reports, and notes-to-file.
- Support quality control (QC) and quality assurance (QA) activities, including documentation reviews, audit readiness, and corrective actions as needed.
- Monitor, operate, and perform routine maintenance of biorepository equipment, including: −80°C freezers, liquid nitrogen (LN₂) storage systems, refrigerators, centrifuges, and biosafety cabinets.
- Perform routine equipment checks, cleaning, calibration coordination, and maintenance documentation; promptly report equipment issues or deviations.
- Manage biospecimen storage and retrieval, including sample pulling, packaging, and preparation for internal or external distribution.
- Assist with sample shipments, including preparation of shipping documentation and coordination in compliance with IATA and institutional policies.
- Maintain appropriate biosafety, HIPAA, and human subject protection standards during all handling of human specimens.
- Assist with SOP review, updates, and implementation, including acknowledgment of revisions and training documentation.
- Manage inventory by monitoring consumables, reagents, and cryogenic supplies, and coordinating orders as needed.
- Collaborate with investigators, coordinators, and core leadership to ensure timely, accurate, and compliant sample support for research studies.
- Participate in required training, competency assessments, and continuing education relevant to biorepository operations.
- Coordinate sample acquisition from DLDCCC and other TMC affiliated clinics/hospitals to ensure timely transfer/processing of all biological samples.
- Attend weekly meetings with laboratory, clinical coordinators, and management to ensure all projects stay on track and address any issues that may arise.
- Train junior staff and assign tasks as directed by the supervisor.
- May work with laboratory directors to develop and test new techniques/assays to support core projects.
Requirements
- Bachelor's degree in a Basic Science or related field.
- Four years of related experience may substitute for degree requirement.
- One year of relevant experience.
Qualifications
- Master's degree in basic science or a related field is preferred.