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 and records biological samples and supplies; and maintains sample and shipment documentation. The technician inventories, scans, and verifies frozen biological samples using the BSI data management system, reports discrepancies, assists with returned specimens, and aliquots frozen specimens using aseptic technique. The role also retrieves samples for shipment, performs outgoing quality-control checks, updates batch records, coordinates receipt details with destination laboratories, ships dangerous and non-dangerous goods, and completes required paperwork. Additional tasks include labeling vials and shipping boxes, performing dry shipper quality control, maintaining current IATA shipping regulations knowledge and certification, and carrying out other assigned duties or projects.

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 and adapt quickly to changing activities, directions, assignments, and business needs.
Familiarity with Excel and its basic functions.
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; occasional squatting, bending, stooping, pushing, kneeling, reaching, and repetitive-motion tasks.
Ability to work in a cold freezer environment, with 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.
Monitor assigned freezers, refrigerators, and room temperatures.
Unpack incoming biological specimens and record pertinent information in the Incoming Shipment Batch and incoming folder.
Create folders for associated paperwork, store samples at appropriate temperatures according to procedures, and distribute shipment receipt confirmations 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 and scan samples into the BSI data management system.
Correct paperwork when necessary and notify a supervisor or manager of discrepancies by generating a discrepancy report.
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 the Outgoing Batch Record.
Contact receiving laboratories before shipment to confirm shipping addresses and recipient availability.
Ship dangerous and non-dangerous goods by commercial or local courier and complete required shipment and sample paperwork.
Label vials and shipping boxes, perform dry shipper quality control, and maintain current IATA shipping regulations knowledge, certification, and standards.
Carry out other duties and projects as assigned.