Research Lab Assistant

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A Brief Overview
Under general supervision, this role is responsible for the introductory 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 basic 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.

The Research Lab Assistant is responsible for the efficient and accurate management of biological specimens collected through the Environmental influences on Child Health Outcomes (ECHO), a longitudinal study funded by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and led by Drs. Heather Burris and Sara DeMauro (Division of Neonatology) that seeks to gain better insight into the effects of biological, chemical, and physical exposures; social and behavioral factors; and built and natural environments on child health and development. This role will play a crucial role in ensuring the quality and integrity of these samples, which may be used to study disease, detect exposures to metals or chemicals, understand stress and diet, and advance medical research. This role will primarily focus on processing biological specimens (including urine, stool, blood, hair, saliva, and semen) in support of the ECHO study. Candidates with sample processing and industry experience are encouraged to apply.

What you will do

• Responsible for lab specimens collected or delivered
• Organize and track of samples in freezer storage using electronic database
• Assist quality control and quality assurance functions and inventory control
• Process 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
• Collaborates with Outpatient Unit specimen identification and tracking. Serves as resource for other staff for specimen processing and tracking issues
• Organizes freezer and tracking of specimens using appropriate software system (LIMS, LDMS)
• Proficient in the operation of the laboratory information management systems
• Assists in special processing procedures (e.g. isolation of PBMCs)
• Reviews specimen requirements and processing procedures for protocols
• 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 in designing study sheets and specimen processing procedures for new studies
• Follows appropriate processing, storage and delivery procedures for protocols
• Reviews that all specimens are properly labeled and processed
• Prepares tubes and aliquots for staff needing to process in off-hours or out of the main space
• Sends the correct sample to the appropriate lab or storage freezer as directed
• Register specimens in the automated systems that arrive from outside clients
• Delivers specimens to the specific labs where testing is performed as directed
• 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
• Works with a Courier service to schedule and ship specimens and/or paperwork to various locations.
• Service Excellence
• Maintain 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

Experience Qualifications

• Previous research or laboratory experience - Required
• At least one (1) year of research or laboratory experience - Preferred

Skills and Abilities

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

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 receive an annual influenza vaccine. Learn more.

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SALARY RANGE:

Salary ranges are shown for full-time jobs. If you're working part-time, your pay will be adjusted accordingly.

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At CHOP, we are committed to fair and transparent pay practices. Factors such as skills and experience could result in an offer above the salary range noted in this job posting. Click here for more information regarding CHOP's Compensation and Benefits.