Biospecimen Research Technician - WVU Cancer Institute (Clinical Research Unit)

The WVU Cancer Institute's Clinical Research Unit at West Virginia University Research Corporation is currently accepting applications for a Biospecimen Coordinator.

About the Opportunity

As a Biospecimen Coordinator, you will be responsible for completing protocols of all aspects of biological specimen requirements at the WVU Cancer Institute Clinical Research Unit (WVUCI CRU) for associated researchers on HSC campus. Maintain quality standards in correlative lab processing and banking databases. Process specimens according to the specific procedures provided by each clinical protocol and document appropriately in a variety of databases and/or on paper forms. Identify and enroll patients on applicable research projects involving research correlatives. Serve as resource regarding clinical laboratory techniques and procedures and provide laboratory training to team members as needed.

At WVU Research Corporation, we strongly believe in work-life balance and keeping time for things we love outside our work. WVU Research Corporation offers a comprehensive benefits package with a variety of options to suit your needs:

• 13 paid holidays (staff holiday calendar)
• PTO
• 403(b) retirement savings with a fully vested 3% employee contribution match, (Employees have the option of contributing an additional 1-3% of their earnings to the plan, which is also matched by the WVURC)
• A range of health insurance and other benefits
• Dependent Education Scholarship
• WVU Perks
• And More!!

What you'll do:

• Oversee bio-specimen collection, preparation, and storage.
• Maintain policy and procedures creation as related to bio-specimen collection, preparation and storage.
• Review new studies for biospecimen requirements and provide budget guidance.
• Assist with assessment if required lab processes are feasible for site, including time, equipment, and space requirements.
• Obtain informed consent from research participants when applicable.
• Follow study protocol, lab manuals and sponsor requirements.
• Collect bio-specimen samples from research participants and perform routine laboratory processing.
• Sample preparation may include centrifugation, pipetting, DNA/RNA extraction, white blood cell separation.
• Maintain accurate and thorough documentation to include the chain of custody of each sample from collection through shipment/analysis/destruction.
• Store and ship samples per federal, institutional and sponsor requirements.
• Data entry of collection and specimen details into study specific specimen tracking systems and/or paper forms. Resolve queries related to submitted specimens.
• Register and track all shipments with sponsors and third party shippers.
• Attend department or protocol specific meetings as necessary.
• Work in conjunction with the pathology departments (may be external to WVU medicine) for archived tissue collection to confirm adequate tissue is available per protocol. Requests de-identified block/slides as available, labels with study provided ID and ships to the corresponding lab.
• Collaborate with interventional radiology, surgical staff or other clinical team for fresh tissue specimens to prepare for tumor biopsy per protocol. On hand during the tumor collection for any immediate required processing and ships the fresh tumor sample out to the corresponding lab.
• Maintain lab equipment, including coordination of routine vendor maintenance, initial troubleshooting of malfunctions, and general condition of laboratory space.
• Wash or discard dirty equipment and lab area as appropriate.
• Oversee supplies as needed to ensure adequate stock is available.
• Communicate with external sponsors regarding kit maintenance, storage and destruction procedures.
• Breakdown kits as needed following completion of study and/or expiration of materials.
• May have additional duties as assigned.

• Associates degree in healthcare, biological sciences or a related field.
• A minimum of two (2) years experience in the following
  
  
  
  • Experience in Medical or research setting
  • Familiarity with Clinical Research Desired
  • Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications and/or EPIC electronic medical records
  • Proficiency with word processing, spreadsheet and database applications required.
  • Familiarity with basic laboratory processes preferred.
  
  
  
  
• Any equivalent combination of related education and/or experience will be considered.
• All qualifications must be met by the time of employment.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Ability to multi-task with multiple processes occurring simultaneously.
• Skilled at working as a team member.
• Ability to prepare and update policy and procedures related to bio-specimen collection, preparation and storage of specimens.
• Should possess good written/oral communication and have knowledge of basic computer applications using Word and Excel.
• Excellent customer service skills and the ability to communicate effectively with patients and families; pharmaceutical company personnel; regulatory and monitoring agency personnel, and internal staff members. Communicates with physicians, patients, students and employees of WVU and Health Sciences Center.
• Working knowledge of appropriate patient assessment techniques and medical terminology.
• Knowledge of appropriate bio-specimen collection and processing techniques.
• Ability to read, analyze and interpret general business periodicals, professional journals, technical procedures or governmental regulations.
• Ability to write reports, business correspondence, and procedure manuals.
• Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from groups of managers, clients, customers, and the general public.
• Ability to develop constructive and cooperative working relationships with others and maintain them over time.
• Basic chemistry lab skills as demonstrated by passing a high school chemistry course.
• Ability to apply concepts of basic algebra and geometry.
• Ability to calculate figures and amounts such as discounts, interest, commissions, proportions. percentages, area, circumference and volume.
• Ability to analyze information and evaluate results to choose the best solution, solve practical problems and deal with a variety of concrete variables in situations where only limited standardization exists.
• Ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram or schedule form.
• Ability to develop specific goals and plans, to prioritize, organize and accomplish tasks independently and through others.
• Ability to learn how to reproducibly use a pipette and maintain safe lab practices.
• Ability to be certified in phlebotomy.

Certifications:

• Phlebotomy certification preferred.

• This position may or may not require Medical Monitoring, including periodic health monitoring and/or training.

The WVURC was created as a not-for-profit corporation in 1985 to support research (R1) at West Virginia University. We provide evaluation, development, patenting, management, and marketing services for inventions of the faculty, staff and students of the University.

The WVURC receives and administers funds awarded by external agencies for research and other activities and is responsible for helping protect intellectual property through patents, copyrights and licensing agreements for start-up companies based on University research.

Creating an inclusive, engaged, and dynamic environment is core to WVURC's mission. We welcome candidates who can contribute a range of ideas, approaches and experiences.

West Virginia University Research Corporation is proud to be an Equal Opportunity employer. We value diversity among its employees and invites applications from all qualified applicants regardless of race, ethnicity, color, religion, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, nationality, genetics, disability, or Veteran status.