Research Technician I or II

University of Louisville•Aurora, CO

About The Position

The Research Technician I or II will support clinical and translational research within the Division of Surgical Oncology, with a focus on gastrointestinal malignancies. This position is responsible for biospecimen collection, biorepository management, laboratory-based experimental procedures, and coordination of clinical research activities. The role includes participation in advanced translational research initiatives, including ex vivo tumor analysis using the Elephas Live Platform to assess immune-based therapeutic responses. The technician will work closely with surgeons, research staff, and laboratory personnel to ensure high-quality specimen handling, regulatory compliance, and data integrity. One position available that will be filled at the Research Technician I or II level based on candidate qualifications and experience.

Requirements

Research Technician I: Bachelor's degree in a related field or an equivalent combination of education and experience. May require professional certification.
Research Technician II: Bachelor's degree in a related field and two (2) years of relevant experience or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
Analytical thinking and problem-solving.
Attention to detail and technical precision.
Strong organizational and time management skills.
Effective communication and interpersonal skills.
Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a team environment.
Adaptability and willingness to learn new techniques and technologies.

Nice To Haves

Experience with cell culture techniques and/or organoid models.
Experience handling fresh human tissue specimens.
Familiarity with translational or immuno-oncology research.
Experience with multiplex assays (e.g., Luminex) or functional assay platforms.
Knowledge of IRB protocols and human subjects research.
Strong organizational, analytical, and problem-solving skills.

Responsibilities

Clinical Research & Biorepository Operations Collect, process, and preserve human biospecimens (tissue, blood, serum) under IRB-approved protocols.
Screen clinical schedules to identify eligible patients for research studies.
Coordinate patient consent in accordance with Good Clinical Practice (GCP) and IRB guidelines.
Maintain and expand the Surgical Oncology biorepository, including specimen tracking and quality control.
Coordinate with pathology, surgical teams, and clinical staff for specimen acquisition.
Prepare and ship specimens in compliance with IATA and institutional regulations.
Laboratory & Translational Research Perform sterile cell culture techniques, including maintenance and passaging of patient-derived organoids.
Conduct molecular and cellular assays, including immunostaining, nucleic acid isolation, and PCR.
Maintain laboratory records, inventory, and quality assurance/quality control procedures.
Support collaborative translational research projects across multidisciplinary teams.
Elephas Platform & Functional Assay Responsibilities Perform ex vivo tumor processing using the Elephas Live Platform, including tissue preparation, sectioning, and encapsulation.
Conduct functional immunotherapy response assays on fresh tumor specimens.
Coordinate specimen handling workflows to meet strict timing and viability requirements.
Utilize multiplex immune profiling tools (e.g., Luminex assays) as part of study protocols.
Upload and manage assay data within secure data platforms and institutional databases.
Participate in training and implementation of Elephas workflows in collaboration with platform specialists.
Assist in correlating laboratory findings with clinical outcomes, including treatment response and survival endpoints.
Data Management & Administrative Support Maintain accurate clinical and research databases.
Assist with electronic data capture (EDC) systems and study documentation.
Generate reports, data queries, and summaries for investigators.
Participate in lab meetings, protocol development, and quality improvement efforts.
Additional Responsibilities Coordinate and schedule research activities across multiple protocols.
Review and process biorepository access and collaboration requests.
Serve as backup support for research coordination and laboratory operations as needed, including occasional off-hours support.