Research Lab Assistant II

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A Brief Overview
Under general supervision, this role is responsible for the 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 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.This role will require candidates to have a flexible schedule to meet laboratory needs.

What you will do

• Responsible for lab specimens collected or delivered
• Responsible for organization and tracking of samples in freezer storage using electronic database
• Performs quality control and quality assurance functions and inventory control.
• Responsible for processing 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.
• Serves as main contact for Outpatient Unit specimen identification and tracking. Serves as resource for other staff for specimen processing and tracking issues.
• Maintains freezer organization and tracking of specimens using appropriate software system, LIMS and LDMS.
• Highly proficient in the operation of the LIMS system with ability to train staff in its use
• Assists in special processing procedures (e.g. isolation of PBMCs)
• Reviews specimen requirements and processing procedures for every protocol.
• 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 Manager in designing study sheets and specimen processing procedures for each new study
• Follows appropriate processing, storage and delivery procedures for each protocol.
• Reviews that all specimens are properly labeled and processed. Makes inquiries as needed to ensure that all tasks are completed in a timely manner.
• Prepares tubes and aliquots for staff needing to process in off-hours or out of the main space
• Must verify that the correct sample is sent to the appropriate lab or storage freezer as directed by protocol. Follows up with the appropriate supervisor or study team member when needed.
• Knows how to register specimens in the automated systems that arrive from outside clients.
• Delivers specimens to the specific labs where testing is performed when necessary.
• 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 protocols and follows up to ensure all shipping is handled timely and accurately.
• Makes inquiries as needed.
• Works with a Courier service to schedule and ship specimens and/or paperwork to various locations.
• Service Excellence
• Must respond to work demands with a minimum of error and should be able to perform the essential duties assigned.
• Is expected to assist research staff on issues involving any aspects of pre-analytical and post-analytical testing, answering technical questions as they relate to the research lab.
• Must be able to use good problem solving skills to address any and all problems that arise and follow through with appropriate action.
• Responsible for maintaining 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.
• Universal Precautions
• 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
• Technical Diploma Category A Transport of Infectious Substances from IATA Required
• Technical Diploma Phlebotomy Preferred

Experience Qualifications

• At least two (2) years research or laboratory experience Required
• At least two (2) years research or laboratory experience Preferred
• Phlebotomy experience Preferred

Skills and Abilities

• Intermediate proficiency with office software (Microsoft Office) (Required proficiency)
• Strong verbal and written communications skills (Required proficiency)
• Strong customer service skills (Required proficiency)
• Strong interpersonal skills (Required proficiency)
• Strong organizational skills (Required proficiency)
• Ability to gather, analyze and make recommendations/decisions based on data (Required proficiency)
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and professionalism (Required proficiency)
• Ability to collaborate with stakeholders at all levels (Required proficiency)
• Centrifuge
• Processing sample
• Sample shipments

Licenses and Certifications

• Medical Laboratory Technician (MLT) - American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP) - within 6 months - Preferred

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 be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and receive an annual influenza vaccine. Learn more.

Employees may request exemptions for valid religious and medical reasons. Start dates may be delayed until candidates are immunized or exemption requests are reviewed.

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