Research Lab Tech I DOM Channing

Mass General Brigham•Boston, MA

20h•Onsite

About The Position

The Research Lab Tech I (Technical Research Assistant – Level I) performs laboratory and office duties associated with the Channing/Harvard Cohorts Biorepository (CHCB). The biorepository houses biospecimens from several large longitudinal research cohorts and distributes thousands of specimens for research each year. This is an entry-level position; training will be provided. There is no direct patient care. Under the direction of the Senior Laboratory and Biobank Manager, the role supports biospecimen distribution and collection, specimen and questionnaire data entry, quality control, electronic recordkeeping, freezer infrastructure upkeep, and general laboratory operations. The employee is trained to use the Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS) and UNIX System and contributes to discussions about processes, workflow, and improvements. Work takes place in office, laboratory, and freezer-farm settings, including regularly monitored ventilation rooms. The position involves daily exposure to human biological specimens and liquid nitrogen (LN2), and walking between three sites throughout the year. Occasional trips to area hospitals, universities, and companies may be required to meet collaborators or deliver samples. In rare freezer emergencies, the employee may be asked to assist in the evening or on a weekend for a few hours; additional compensation is noted for such events. The role is onsite, with 40 scheduled hours per week on the day shift.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in life sciences.
Excellent organizational, interpersonal, and communication skills.
Ability to understand scientific terminology.
Strict attention to detail and ability to perform careful laboratory techniques.
Comfort using computers and databases.
Friendly, professional demeanor and thoughtful listening skills.
Ability to maintain confidentiality.
Ability to repeatedly lift 19- to 25-pound freezer racks.
Ability to push heavy equipment.

Nice To Haves

Comfort handling human biological and frozen specimens is strongly preferred.
Experience with robotics is a plus.

Responsibilities

Prepare computer files and retrieve biospecimens from liquid nitrogen freezers for distribution projects.
Print labels; aliquot specimens; add quality control samples; double-check projects; create ship lists; arrange local deliveries or courier shipments; return remaining samples to permanent storage; update electronic records; and document project details.
Assist the Collection Laboratory Manager with creating collection kits when needed.
Process incoming biospecimen collections using standard operating protocols (SOPs).
Enter specimen and questionnaire data into a Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS).
Perform quality control testing to confirm specimen storage locations.
Use the LIMS and UNIX System after training, and regularly discuss processes, improvement needs, and workflow with upper management.
Participate in semi-weekly monitoring and upkeep of liquid nitrogen and -80 C freezer health, the external bulk tank, and Dewar replacements.
Consolidate and update samples in freezers and help organize temporary storage, including quality controls and drift pools.
Assist the team during rare freezer emergencies, including urgent biospecimen transfers when needed.
Contribute to proofreading, contributing to, or writing SOPs; organize and inventory supplies; and present items for ordering as needed.
Travel between the three work sites and occasionally visit area institutions or companies to meet collaborators or deliver samples.