Research Lab Tech I

Mass General Brigham•Boston, MA

1d•$21 - $29•Onsite

About The Position

The Channing/Harvard Cohorts Biorepository (CHCB) manages sample collections and distributions for some of the largest and most intensively studied longitudinal cohorts in the world. CHCB safely stores more than 3 million research biospecimens and distributes thousands of specimens annually for research. This is a full-time position, Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The role involves performing laboratory and office duties associated with CHCB under the supervision of the Senior Biobank Manager, Collections Manager, and Distribution Project Manager. Responsibilities include building and shipping collection kits to study participants; picking up collection kits from receiving; logging kit information; processing biological specimens; storing samples; conducting data entry; and inspecting and processing questionnaires.

Requirements

Bachelor's Degree in a Related Field of Study required.
Prior laboratory experience, either through academic coursework, internships, or employment (1-2 years preferred).
Strong theoretical and practical knowledge of laboratory techniques and procedures.
Familiarity with common laboratory equipment and instruments used in research experiments.
Proficiency in data collection, analysis, and scientific software tools.
Excellent attention to detail, organizational skills, and the ability to multitask and prioritize tasks effectively.
Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to troubleshoot technical issues.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills to effectively convey experimental procedures, results, and challenges.

Nice To Haves

Candidates who are in the process of completing their bachelor's degree have a grace period of six months from their hire date (up to 1 year if starting per diem) to provide degree equivalency verification.

Responsibilities

Picking up, opening, and checking incoming specimen collection kits for completeness.
Logging received kits and specimens into the Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS) and logbooks.
Processing biospecimens according to standardized SOPs.
Storing samples in liquid nitrogen freezers.
Assisting with the design of quality control testing and performing random QC checks to ensure sample type, location, and sample IDs are accurate.
Conducting data entry manually or by scanning Scantron questionnaires, and performing QC checks on the entered data.
Building and shipping collection kits to participants enrolled in cohort studies.
Executing production and distribution projects by preparing computer files, pulling specimens from LN2 freezers, aliquoting specimens, adding quality control samples, double-checking project materials, creating shipping lists, arranging shipments, and recording all details and steps for each project.
Becoming a proficient Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS) user and assisting management by discussing processes, improvement needs, and workflow.
Assisting with weekly monitoring of the health of 130 liquid nitrogen freezers, LN2 piping system levels and pressure, and external bulk tank levels and deliveries.
Consolidating freezers when warranted, troubleshooting issues, and following SOPs to carry out freezer updates.
Contributing to other general activities, such as writing Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), maintaining inventory of supplies, and recommending items that need to be ordered.
Maintaining laboratory equipment, organizing and preparing samples, conducting experiments, and recording and analyzing data.
Performing laboratory experiments following established protocols and procedures.
Preparing and handling samples, reagents, and solutions, ensuring accuracy and adherence to safety guidelines.
Operating and maintaining laboratory equipment and instruments, conducting routine calibration and troubleshooting as needed.
Recording experimental data accurately and maintaining organized records of procedures, protocols, and results.
Compiling and analyzing data using appropriate statistical and analytical methods.
Assisting in data interpretation and presentation, contributing to research findings and reports.