Research Lab Assistant I

Children's Hospital of Philadelphia•Philadelphia, PA

21h•$21 - $26

About The Position

Under general supervision, the Research Lab Assistant I performs introductory specimen collection, processing, and laboratory operations in support of research protocols. The role handles incoming research specimens, including data entry and transport, and participates in planned research projects by carrying out basic research protocols. The position is responsible for organizing and tracking samples in freezer storage using electronic databases, supporting quality control and assurance, and maintaining inventory. The assistant processes specimens such as blood, urine, and saliva according to protocol requirements, including centrifugation, plasma or serum separation, freezing, shipping, and delivery to appropriate laboratories. The role supports study setup and visit preparation, specimen identification and tracking, special processing procedures, laboratory documentation, equipment maintenance, safety compliance, and timely shipment of samples to internal and external destinations. The position also coordinates with staff, teams, leadership, and courier services, and requires flexibility in scheduling when necessary.

Requirements

High School Diploma or GED.
Previous research or laboratory experience.
Basic proficiency with office software, including Microsoft Office.
Strong verbal and written communication skills.
Solid customer service, interpersonal, and organizational skills.
Ability to gather and analyze data and make recommendations or decisions based on data.
Ability to maintain confidentiality and professionalism.
Ability to collaborate with stakeholders at all levels.
Follow laboratory safety, infection control, and universal precautions; wear lab coats, gloves, and eye protection as required.

Nice To Haves

At least one year of research or laboratory experience.

Responsibilities

Receive, process, identify, label, and track research specimens collected or delivered, following the applicable protocol requirements.
Organize and track samples in freezer storage using electronic databases and appropriate software systems, including LIMS and LDMS.
Perform quality control and quality assurance functions and assist with inventory control.
Process specimen types such as blood, urine, and saliva, including centrifugation, separation of plasma or serum, freezing, shipping, and delivery to the appropriate laboratory or storage location.
Collaborate with the Outpatient Unit on specimen identification and tracking and serve as a resource to staff on specimen processing and tracking issues.
Assist with special processing procedures, such as isolation of PBMCs.
Review protocol specimen requirements and processing procedures, and help staff prepare for study visits by identifying appropriate draw tubes and blood volumes.
Assist in designing study sheets and specimen processing procedures for new studies.
Prepare tubes and aliquots for staff who need to process specimens outside regular hours or the main workspace.
Register specimens received from outside clients in automated systems and deliver specimens to designated testing laboratories as directed.
Manage research laboratory inventory, order necessary items, and inform the supervisor of inventory problems.
Maintain certification and appropriate laboratory technician training.
Prepare laboratory reagents and maintain reagent inventory.
Perform routine calculations and maintain appropriate log books and laboratory notebooks.
Maintain laboratory equipment and records, ensuring records are stored according to established policies and properly documented.
Maintain laboratory safety procedures and compliance records, follow infection control rules and universal precautions, and use required protective equipment.
Process and ship specimens to outside laboratories as needed, follow protocol-specific procedures, and ensure shipments are handled accurately and on time.
Coordinate with courier services to schedule and ship specimens or paperwork to various locations.
Disseminate reports to teams and leadership according to standard procedures.
Work a flexible schedule when necessary and cooperate in performing assigned tasks.