Biorepository Technician I

Precision for Medicine•Frederick, MD

About The Position

The Biorepository Technician I assists with the shipment and receipt, retrieval, and preservation of biological samples that arrive daily or are stored in the repository. The role monitors freezers, refrigerators, and room temperatures; responds to freezer alarms according to standard operating procedures; receives biological samples and supplies; and maintains sample inventory and associated documentation. The technician retrieves, verifies, aliquots, and ships frozen samples, including completing required records and coordinating with receiving laboratories. The role also labels vials and shipping boxes, performs dry shipper quality control, and maintains current IATA shipping regulations knowledge and certification. Other duties and projects may be assigned.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent combination of education and experience.
Two years of general working experience.
Good attention to detail and excellent documentation skills.
Ability to work well in a group environment.
Familiarity with Excel and its basic functions.
Ability to adapt quickly to changing activities, directions, assignments, and business needs.
Ability to read, write, speak fluently, and comprehend English.
Ability to lift and carry 31–50 pounds and lift up to 50 pounds overhead with assistance.
Ability to sit, stand, and walk for prolonged periods; occasionally squat, bend, stoop, push, kneel, reach, and perform repetitive-motion tasks.
Ability to work in a cold freezer environment, with freezer temperatures ranging from -20°C to -196°C.

Nice To Haves

One year of relevant laboratory experience.
Basic laboratory skills.
Training in aseptic technique.

Responsibilities

Respond to freezer alarms in accordance with standard operating procedures and monitor assigned freezers, refrigerators, and room temperatures.
Unpack received biological specimens, record pertinent information in the incoming shipment batch and folder, create folders for associated paperwork, and store samples at the appropriate temperature under applicable procedures.
Distribute shipment receipt confirmation forms when required by a project.
Verify received supply shipments against packing lists and quarantine raw materials for release by the QA department.
Check sample vial information against information provided by study sites, scan samples into the BSI data management system, correct paperwork where necessary, and notify a supervisor or manager of discrepancies by generating discrepancy reports.
Assist with inventory of returned specimens and aliquot frozen specimens using aseptic technique.
Retrieve samples according to requisitions, SOPs, and instructions; perform quality control verification of outgoing samples; and update outgoing batch records.
Contact receiving laboratories before shipment to confirm the shipping address and recipient availability.
Ship dangerous and non-dangerous goods by commercial or local courier and complete required shipping and sample documentation.
Label vials and shipping boxes, perform dry shipper quality control, and maintain current IATA shipping regulations knowledge, certification, and standards.
Carry out other assigned duties and projects.