Technical Research Assistant II DOM Channing
Brigham & Women's Hospital(BWH)

Boston, Massachusetts

Posted in Health and Safety


This job has expired.

Job Info


GENERAL SUMMARY/ OVERVIEW STATEMENT: Summarize the nature and level of work performed.

The Channing Division of Network Medicine is a research division within the Department of Medicine at Brigham and Women's Hospital. The Channing mission is: To use an integrated, network-based, systems biology-driven approach to define the etiology of complex diseases; to reclassify complex diseases based on systems pathobiological mechanisms; and to develop new treatments and preventive strategies based on these new disease classifications using systems pharmacology approaches. To these aims, one of the three units of the Channing, the Chronic Disease Epidemiology unit, includes several of the largest, most intensively studied, longitudinal cohorts in the world, including the Nurses' Health Study, the Health Professionals Follow-up Study, Growing Up Today Study, and the Physician's Health Study. Epidemiology of a broad range of complex chronic diseases is studied in these cohorts, using a variety of traditional and novel approaches, including genomics, metabolomics, and molecular pathoepidemiology. Biospecimen from these and other well-known research studies are the custody of the BWH/Harvard Cohorts Biorepository. As one of the largest longitudinal biorepositories in the country, the Cohorts Biorepository manages the safe storage of over 3-million research biospecimen and distributes an average of 50,000 specimens annually for research. We are currently expanding our capabilities to manage specimen collections from research subjects.

We are currently recruiting for an intermediate laboratory position to perform laboratory work and office duties associated with the BWH/Harvard Cohorts Biorepository under supervision of the Collections Lab Manager and Senior Research and Biobank Manager. Routine duties involve: Preparation of collection material (instruction manuals, consent forms, standard operating protocols, etc.); Assist with design, testing, tracking, and processing of collection kits; Become proficient at Laboratory Information Management (LIMS); Professionally interact with study participants to answer questions, etc.; From multiple cohorts distribute biospecimen to assay laboratories for biochemical analyses. This includes generating all necessary computer files; creation of shipping lists and labels using appropriate software programs; labeling of tubes and shipping boxes; removal of blood from freezers; thawing and aliquoting of samples to be sent to collaborating laboratories; creation of sub-aliquots in appropriate volumes; careful check of contents of boxes against shipping lists; updating computer and hardcopy files of work accomplished; and arranging shipment of samples to collaborating laboratories via Federal Express.

Additional duties include: assistance with ongoing infrastructure projects; consolidating existing freezers to optimize space; monitoring the liquid nitrogen storage facility; inventory support; as well as, responding to freezer alarms.

PRINCIPAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: Indicate key areas of responsibility, major job duties, special projects and key objectives for this position. These items should be evaluated throughout the year and included in the written annual evaluation.

NO PATIENT CONTACT.

1. Collections: This candidate must be fluent in LIMS. The primary responsibility for this position is in collections. The TRAII is expected to have a vast knowledge and expertise in receipt and processing of incoming biospecimen: Responsible on a day-to-day basis, under the Senior Laboratory Manager, for receiving, opening and checking incoming specimen collection kits for completeness, logging received kits and specimens into a LIMS system and logbooks, processing biospecimen according to standardized SOPs, and storing samples in liquid nitrogen freezers. Assisting in the design and development of collections from kit and questionnaire design to writing SOP for fellow technicians and instruction manuals for participants. Assist in graphic design for print material associated with the collection. Addressing issues as they arise when kits are received. Ability to interact with the participants to answer and record their questions. Perform data entry tasks and when issues are seen, enter a ticket into Redmine to request a repair to the LIMS and work with programmers to ensure all details surround the issue are clear. Design and perform QC tests of the location of samples in the freezer to confirm proper data entry

2. Production and Distribution P/D: The candidate will primarily assist with pulling and aliquoting samples from P/D and double checking the work from completeness only because the level of the work for this candidate with be primarily in Collections. However, when needed during times of great need. The candidate is well versed in P/D and may be asked to prepare specimens for distribution. This means the incumbent is required to participate in the preparation of blood samples, drawn from two banks of specimens for biochemical analyses. This includes creation of shipping lists and labels using appropriate software programs (such as the LIMS and GENERATE), labeling of tubes and shipping boxes, removal of blood from freezers (involves lifting 26 lb. racks), thawing and aliquoting of samples to be sent to collaborating laboratories as well as creation of sub-aliquots in appropriate volumes, determination of which Quality Control (QCs) samples to use and addition of the QCs, careful check of contents of boxes against shipping lists, updating of computer and hardcopy files of work accomplished, and shipment of samples to collaborating laboratories via Federal Express and/or Quik International.

3. Data Recordation: Incumbent will be or expected to become a fluent LIMS user and assist the project manager regularly in discussions about process improvement and workflow needs.

4. Biorepository Monitoring: Incumbent will be highly involved in monitoring: freezer health, liquid nitrogen levels, LN2 Piping System pressure, and external bulk deliveries. This includes, upkeep of freezer and repair logs; measuring liquid Nitrogen levels; and ordering, moving and replacing heavy liquid nitrogen Dewars or freezers. Also assists in monitoring 8 mechanical freezers for thermal accuracy and weekly confirmation of properly functioning alarm systems. Responds promptly and efficiently to any freezer alarm situation and contacts the Laboratory Manager, communicates with facilities maintenance and repair personnel when warranted. Every two months carry the On-Call pager for a week and respond to all night and weekend alarm calls.

5. Consolidation Project: As needed, Inventory and Quality Control: When required, incumbent will assist in the consolidation of specimen collections within Liquid Nitrogen (LN2) freezers to optimize sample storage space, Re-label existing vials with 2-D Barcode labels to enhance ease of tracking vials, Add sentinel vials to each new and then carefully move relabeled vials from existing box into these new boxes, Update inventory records and, consolidate boxes from one rack to another and move racks, as needed, from freezer to freezer. Design and perform QC tests of the Consolidated freezers to confirm proper data entry.

6. Communications: Incumbent will be required to serve as a liaison of the organization in working with partner laboratories, third party companies, and other logistical and shipping entities inside and outside of BWH when asked.

7. General: As needed, incumbent will be required to contribute to other general activities such as writing Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), answering participant questions regarding collection and shipping via email or phone, general lab maintenance, conduct supply inventory updates and ordering of needed supplies via Peoplesoft, as well as, work on special projects: such as the toenail inventory update in LIMS.

Qualifications
QUALIFICATIONS: (MUST be realistic, neitheroverstated nor understated, and related to the essential functions of the job.)

§ Bachelor's degree in lifesciences, required;

§ Demonstrated carefullaboratory techniques, with strict attention to detail, and accuracy with studydata and numeric identification numbers;

§ Excellent organizational,interpersonal, and communication skills;

§ High degree of customerservice and business acumen;

§ Experience dealing with participants,patients or customer questions.

§ One to two year(s) ofexperience in a bio-repository preferred;

§ Comfort handling humanbiological specimen, strongly preferred;

§ Experience withQuestionnaire and Instruction writing and design;

§ Information Management skillsrequired;

§ LIMS design experience, aplus.

§ Proficiency with Excel, UNIXand/or LIMS: a plus;

§ Candidates are encouraged todescribe experience working with identifiable and/or coded and/or de-identifiedhuman biospecimen.

§ Ability to lift 26-poundfreezer racks- see "PHYSICAL/ENVIRONMENTAL REQUIREMENTS OF THE JOB" (Below);

SKILLS/ ABILITIES/ COMPETENCIES REQUIRED: (MUST be realistic, neither overstated norunderstated, and related to the essential functions of the job.)

1. Ability to work independently under the direction of the senior labmanager or senior project manager

2. A high degree of computer literacy, especially UNIX, PMdB, And LIMS aswells as MS Office 360.

3. Friendly, professional, and thoughtful listener when speaking toparticipants on the phone. Able to keep participant confidentiality.

4. Excellent communication skills; both verbal and written.

5. Ability to design, write and/or update standard operating procedures(SOP).

6. Ability to troubleshoot and/or contribute to finding resolutions toissues as they arise or prevent them from happening.

7. Sound independent judgment accepts responsibility for designated assignmentsand meet deadlines efficiently.

8. Adhere to established laboratory SOPS, directions of supervisors, andcomplex institutional guidelines.

9. Excellent organizational skills in order to formulate, implement, andmonitor a number of interrelated tasks.

10. Careful laboratory technique.

11. Ability to contribute as a member of a laboratory team.

12. Strong scientific curiosity and demonstrated involvement in scientificendeavors

13. The ability to pay strict attention to detail on a continuous basis toensure that research results are valid and error-free.

14. Excellent interpersonal and writing skills are necessary, in order tocommunicate and interact effectively with individuals from various fields ofexpertise and various levels of experiences

15. Must be able to lift heavy racks and push heavy nitrogen tanks

PHYSICAL/ENVIRONMENTALREQUIREMENTS OF JOB

Indicate requirements andfrequency by placing an "X" in the appropriate box.

Work Environment:
Activity

Amount of Time Spent

None

1 - 25%

25 - 50%

50 - 75%

Over 75%

Outdoor weather conditions

X to deliver samples to local labs

Extreme cold (non-weather)

X

Work in high place(s)

X

Work in confined space(s)

X

Risk of electrical shock

X

Risk of radiation exposure

X

Exposure to blood borne pathogens

X

Flammable/explosive gases

X

Toxic / caustic chemicals

X

Dust or other irritants

X

Grease or oils

X

Hazardous specimens

X

Exposure to lab animals

X

Infectious / contagious disease

X

Cleaning agents/chemicals

X

Hot equipment

X

Noisy equipment

X

Humid or wet conditions (non -weather)

X

Other LN2: LIQUID NITROGEN

X

Lifting/Carry Requirementsof this job
No Lifting required

No Carrying required

Number of pounds
Amount of Time

1 - 25%

25 - 50%

50 - 75%

Over 75%

Lift
Carry
Lift
Carry
Lift
Carry
Lift
Carry

Up to 10 pounds

X

X

Up to 25 pounds

X

X

Up to 50 pounds

Up to 100 pounds

Over 100 pounds

Push/Pull Requirements ofthis job:
No Pushing required

No Pulling required

Number of pounds
Amount of Time

1 - 25%

25 - 50%

50 - 75%

Over 75%

Push
Pull
Push
Pull
Push
Pull
Push
Pull

Up to 10 pounds

X

X

Up to 25 pounds

X

X

Up to 50 pounds

X

X

Up to 100 pounds

X

X

Over 100 pounds

X

X

Physical Activityrequirements of this job:

Activity
Amount of Time Spent

None

1 - 25%

25 - 50%

50 - 75%

Over 75%

Stand

X

Walk

X

Sit

X

Use of hands requiring fine motor skills and sense of touch

X

Move / rotate / bend wrist(s)

X

Type / use keyboard or other data entry device

X

Reach with hands & arms

X

Climb stairs

X

Climb ladder or other equipment

X

Drive / operate motor vehicle

X

Balance

X

Stoop, kneel, crouch, bend, crawl

X

Speak

X

Hear

X

Taste

X

Smell

X

Other

Vision Requirements of thisjob:
Vision Requirement

Required

Not Required

Close vision

X

Distance vision

X

Color vision

X

Peripheral vision

X

Depth perception

X

Ability to adjust focus

X

Other

Safety equipment used whileperforming this job:

Safety eye glasses

X

Gowns

Filter lens (welding/soldering)

Scrubs

Face shields

X

Boots

Ear plugs or Mufflers

Hard hat

Surgical mask / dust mask

X

Coveralls

Self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA)

Gloves

X

Other X

LAB COAT, and Ear plugs while sonicating

Levelof noise typical in this work environment:

Very quiet

Quiet

Moderate

X

Loud

Very loud

EEO Statement
Brighamand Women's Hospital is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicantsreceive consideration for employment without regard to race, sex, color,religion, national origin, sexual orientation, protected veteran status, or onbasis of disability.


This job has expired.

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