Laboratory Technician I - Brain Tissue Repository

Join the HJF Team!

HJF is seeking a Laboratory Technician I to perform laboratory procedures to assist with tissue handling and preparation for processing. Provides support in various areas of a laboratory as needed. Complies with appropriate laboratory quality assurance and quality control (QA/QC) plans and procedures.

This position will be in support of DoD/USU Brain Tissue Repository (BTR) under the Department of Pathology at the Uniformed Services University. The BTR was established by the Department of Defense to advance traumatic brain injury research. The BTR's mission is to better understand the effects of traumatic brain injury and promote overall brain health of the Warfighter. Using the best science, we support our service members and their families to help care for our military personnel after a head injury.

The Henry M. Jackson Foundation for the Advancement of Military Medicine (HJF) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing military medicine. We serve military, medical, academic and government clients by administering, managing and supporting preeminent scientific programs that benefit members of the armed forces and civilians alike. Since its founding in 1983, HJF has served as a vital link between the military medical community and its federal and private partners. HJF's support and administrative capabilities allow military medical researchers and clinicians to maintain their scientific focus and accomplish their research goals.

The Laboratory Technician I staff will be expected to support various pathology processes in the Brain Tissue Repository and perform laboratory functions that include, but are not limited to the following:

Tissue Handling and Sample Cataloging Processes:

• Assist with receipt, documentation, and processing brain tissue specimens based on established protocols.
• Properly label, store, and document tissue samples to facilitate accurate data records.
• Perform sampling of brain tissue specimens for genetic procedures, while adhering to established guidelines.

Inventory Management:

• Assist with management of inventory levels of reagents, consumables, and required equipment for tissue processing.
• Order supplies as needed and keep track of expiration dates; assemble and ship out specimen kits for tissue retrieval.
• Assist with tracking kit availability with donor sites and resupply kits as needed; track and retrieve dry ice delivery from loading dock.

Waste Management:

• Assist with monitoring and maintaining generated medical and chemical reagent wastes processes.
• As needed, update the waste management shared drive platform according to established protocols and inform supervisor of crucial waste accumulation level based on established protocols.

Data Management:

• Assist with maintenance of a detailed and organized database of brain tissue samples, capturing information such as collection and received dates, tissue type, preservatives and other pertinent clinical information.
• Ensure data accuracy and update records regularly.

Equipment Operation and Maintenance:

• Monitors and records daily temperature of specimen freezers and refrigerators.
• Monitor and respond to the freezer/refrigerator alarm system.
• Perform routine maintenance on equipment as needed.
• Operate and maintain laboratory equipment established for tissue processing, thus ensuring their proper functioning.

Documentation and Reporting:

• May assist with preparation of reports on the status of tissue inventory, processing, and any issues encountered.
• Document all laboratory activities, ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements.

Collaboration and Communication:

• Collaborate with other team members, researchers, and external collaborators to meet project goals.
• Communicate effectively with other departments and researchers to coordinate sample requests and deliveries.

Adherence to Safety Protocols:

• Follow strict safety guidelines and protocols to ensure a safe working environment.
• Adhere to ethical standards in handling human brain tissues and maintain confidentiality.

Regulatory Compliance:

• Ensure compliance with stipulated laboratory regulations, Good Laboratory Practice (GLP), and other ethical guidelines associated with safe handling of patient information in adherence to Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA).

Education and Experience

• Associate's Degree
• Minimum of 0-2 years' experience required

Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Technical knowledge of basic scientific disciplines.
• Knowledge of basic tissue handling and processing techniques is desired.
• Knowledge of proper handling of biological hazards and their safe use and disposal.
• The ability to obtain and maintain a T1 Public Trust with CAC

Physical Capabilities

• Lifting: Requires lifting materials up to 25 lbs.
• Ability to stand at a laboratory workbench or sit at a computer for prolonged periods

Work Environment

• This position will take place primarily in a laboratory setting.
• Work schedule will be either 7am-3:30pm or 10:30am-7pm with a potential for after-hours and/or weekend work as needed.

Compensation

• The hourly range for this position is $18.25-$21.63. Actual salary will be determined based on experience, education, etc.

Benefits

• HJF offers a comprehensive suite of benefits focused on your health and well-being, from medical, dental, and vision coverage to health savings and retirement plans, and more.

Some HJF employees are required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19. Proof of vaccination or an approved religious or medical accommodation will be required.

Employment with HJF is contingent upon successful completion of a background check, which may include, but is not limited to, contacting your professional references, verification of previous employment, education and credentials, a criminal background check, and a department of motor vehicle (DMV) check if applicable. Any qualifications to be considered as equivalents, in lieu of stated minimums, require the prior approval of the Chief Human Resources Officer.

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities

The contractor will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. However, employees who have access to the compensation information of other employees or applicants as a part of their essential job functions cannot disclose the pay of other employees or applicants to individuals who do not otherwise have access to compensation information, unless the disclosure is (a) in response to a formal complaint or charge, (b) in furtherance of an investigation, proceeding, hearing, or action, including an investigation conducted by the employer, or (c) consistent with the contractor's legal duty to furnish information. 41 CFR 60-1.35(c)

Any qualifications to be considered as equivalents, in lieu of stated minimums, require the prior approval of the Chief Human Resources Officer.