Laboratory Technician II

Job Description

Job Summary:

• We are looking for a highly motivated, detail-oriented candidate for the role of Lab Technician to join our Biobanking team.
• A successful candidate will assist in biobanking and key lab operations such as isolating PBMCs, accessioning and aliquoting samples, and performing genomic DNA extractions.
• Training will be provided throughout the course of the role, with the goal of the individual to grow into an independent contributor in the Biobanking team.
• In this position, the candidate will work within a matrix, collaborative, fast-paced, team environment.
• As a member of the Biobanking team, the candidate will support multiple ongoing critical large-scale Immunology projects, through processing of samples from multiple collection studies, ensuring sample data are accurately recorded, and facilitating transfer of biospecimens to scientists as needed.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Coordinate biobanking logistics and operations.
• Accession various sample types as part of the Biobank: scan, (re)label and store samples, data entry and reconciliation, aliquoting, and disposal as needed.
• Isolate and cryopreserve primary PBMCs and serum from whole blood.
• Lead biobank sample processing including isolation of genomic DNA from whole blood.
• Ensure that biospecimen identifiers are captured accurately in LIMS and other file-sharing locations.
• Maintain LIMS workflows. Coordinate with various IT groups as needed for troubleshooting.
• Facilitate transfer of biospecimens and maintain chain-of-custody.
• This can include shipping and receiving shipments or sample exchanges with local-based collaborators.
• Operate and maintain laboratory instrumentation critical to Biobanking.
• Interact with senior staff members, as necessary.
• Ensure compliance with all R&D data integrity practices, ethics codes, standards and training, and safety training and practice.
• Maintain training and compliance in areas of health and safety, security, environmental and operational aspects of daily activities in the working environment.

Education and Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in Biology with 1+ year experience in a biology laboratory environment required.
• Associate degree in Biology with 3+ years’ experience in a biology laboratory environment required.
• High School Degree or equivalent with 7+ years’ experience in a biology laboratory environment required
• Previous experience in biotech and/or pharmaceutical drug discovery.
• Experience with sample handling, PBMC isolation, and DNA Extraction.
• Experience in LIMS/biospecimen management databases.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Proficiency in data analysis using Excel and database systems.
• Strong interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills.
• Highly organized and possess keen attention to detail, keeping meticulous records.
• Strong customer service skills complemented by an ability to listen to and interpret requests.

Physical Requirements/ Work Environment:

• Must be able to work in a laboratory, controlled environments requiring personal protective equipment (e.g., lab coat, safety glasses, etc.) in laboratory.
• Job pace may be fast and job completion demands may be high.
• Must be able to remain in a stationary position more than 25% of the time.
• The person needs to occasionally move between labs, corridors, adjoining rooms, and buildings onsite.
• Frequently operate on instruments, objects, tools or controls, which will require regularly bending, squatting, stretching, and reaching to perform in a service function.
• Occasionally move or lift to 25 pounds (potential for occasional lifting of up to 50 pounds).
• Regularly operates a computer and other office machinery, such as a calculator, copy machine, and computer printer.
• Employee may be required to handle hazardous waste according to local, state, and federal regulations.
• Duties may include identifying, handling, generating, accumulating, storing and labeling hazardous waste.
• Potential risk to lab-based hazards including but not limited to extreme temperature, biological materials, hazardous chemicals.