Biorepository Team Lead

Position Summary:

The Biorepository Team Lead will provide training to laboratory staff on laboratory-related procedures and activities as well as perform competency assessments.  Perform laboratory-related activities including receiving and cryopreservation of biological samples on a daily basis.  Perform data reconciliation and assist on an on-going basis with organizing, planning, and prioritizing activities in the laboratory.  Supervise, identify and successfully manage all employee and performance related situations that may arise.

Essential functions of the job include but are not limited to:

Training and Competency Assessment:

• Train, as necessary, all laboratory technicians in proper use of all procedures and protocols
• Perform competency assessments of repository personnel
• Act as a resource and advise new Lab Technicians and Lab Assistants on appropriate resolution to questions in keeping with documented procedures, safety protocols and/or company policies

Assistance with Organizing, Planning, Prioritizing: 

• Assist with organizing and planning laboratory activities
• Help with prioritization of workload for other staff members
• Assist with coordinating rotations between areas
• Coordinate ordering lab supplies and maintain appropriate inventory levels
• Assist, as requested, with development of new methods and protocols
• Effectively communicate all problems, concerns, incidents to the Supervisor/Manager

Data Reconciliation:

• Investigate and resolve data discrepancies in conjunction with project collaborators
• Prepare and analyze reports from the BSI to identify possible errors in data
• Re-inventory batches of specimens known or suspected to be incorrect and update the BSI accordingly
• Perform the 1st key of data modification and coordinate with Data Entry personnel, data reconciliation coordinators, or supervisors to perform 2nd key and commit modification as required

Receive biological samples: 

• Unpack specimens and record all pertinent information in Incoming Shipment Batch and incoming folder
• Create a folder to house all associated paperwork
• Store at appropriate temperature following guidelines set by procedures
• Distribute confirmation of shipment receipt form if required by project

Inventory of Frozen Biological Samples:

• Utilize Quality Control Vials to estimate volume of frozen samples
• Check information on sample vial against information provided by the study site or data coordinating center
• Scan samples into data management system, BSI
• Correct paperwork where necessary and inform Supervisor/Manager of any discrepancies by generating a discrepancy report
• Assist data entry in generation of reports and inventory work lists as well as perform first key of data collection sheets
• Perform quality control checks of sample inventory and modify database (if appropriate)
• Aliquot frozen specimens utilizing aseptic technique

Retrieve Frozen Samples from Inventory:

• Pull samples according to requisition, SOP, and instructions
• Perform quality control verification of outgoing samples
• Update Outgoing Batch Record
• Investigate missing specimens using the BSI and hardcopy data
• Contact receiving labs prior to shipment to confirm shipping address and ensure contact will be available to receive specimens
• Ship samples (dangerous and non-dangerous goods) by Commercial or local courier
• Inventory specimen returns
• Complete all paperwork (background forms, link-up forms, aliquot forms, return forms or BSI data collection sheets and any other forms which may be necessary)

Miscellaneous:

• In absence of supervisor, identify and successfully manage all employee and performance related situations that may arise
• Perform annual competency assessments for Repository staff
• Order and inspect lab supplies and manage supply inventories
• Respond to freezer alarms in accordance with standard operating procedures
• Keep current on IATA Shipping Regulations and maintain certification and standards
• Carry out other duties/projects as assigned

Qualifications:

Minimum Required:

• High School Diploma or equivalent combination of education and experience
• 4 years of relevant laboratory experience

Other Required:

• Ability to work independently and make decisions with minimal supervision and guidance
• Must possess basic laboratory skills and be trained in aseptic technique
• Current knowledge of IATA Shipping Regulations and maintenance of certification and standards
• Comfortability with excel and its functions, as well as BSI
• Requires excellent attention to detail, excellent documentation skills, and must work well in a group environment
• Must be a flexible agile team player who can change activities and directions quickly and respond to a variety of assignment and changing business needs
• Ability to lift and carry between 31-50 lbs.; Ability to lift up to 50 lbs. overhead with assistance; frequently required to sit, stand and walk for prolonged periods; occasionally required to squat, bend, stoop, push, kneel, reach and perform tasks with repetitive motion; Will be exposed to a cold freezer environment (Freezer temperatures range between -20ºC -196ºC)
• Must be able to read, write, speak fluently and comprehend the English language

Salary : $21 - $28