Senior Laboratory Technician

START Center for Cancer Research • Fort Worth, TX

1d • Onsite

About The Position

The Senior Laboratory Technician, Labs and PK, supports the investigation team in conducting phase 1 research in accordance with study protocols and departmental Standard Operating Procedures. Under general supervision, the position performs point-of-care testing and receives, processes, handles, stores, and ships clinical and research specimens. It also supports equipment maintenance, inventory control, study documentation, and administrative operations within the Labs and PK Department.

The role works Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., with participation in on-call weekend and emergency rotations. The position is based at 900 W Magnolia Ave, Suite 200, Fort Worth, Texas.

The technician ensures specimen integrity and traceability, performs authorized laboratory testing, records and escalates results and testing concerns, and maintains quality, safety, and regulatory documentation. The role also prepares and ships biospecimens and tissue specimens according to study specifications, coordinates receipt of patient tissue with healthcare providers, and supports the Pharmacokinetic Department’s sample-management and administrative needs.

START is an oncology clinical research site network dedicated to early-phase research and its mission of “Hope Through Access.”

Requirements

• Associate’s degree in chemical, physical, biological, or clinical laboratory science, or medical technology.
• Two years of experience in a laboratory setting, with a solid understanding of laboratory techniques and safety protocols.
• Experience in data management.
• Experience in logistics and operations.
• Experience with electronic medical record programs and laboratory information systems.
• General knowledge of medical terminology.
• High attention to detail and strong organizational skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work well independently.
• Ability to troubleshoot unplanned situations while meeting established deadlines.
• Proficient experience with Microsoft Office and ability to learn new software.
• Ability to maintain punctuality and good attendance and to work flexibly to accommodate the clinic patient schedule.
• Ability to perform only testing authorized by the laboratory and consistent with the employee’s license, validated procedures, and documented training and competency.

Nice To Haves

• Bachelor’s degree or higher from an accredited college or university in clinical laboratory science, medical technology, biological science, chemistry, or a related discipline.
• At least one year of clinical laboratory experience; qualifying clinical training or internship experience may be considered.
• Demonstrated knowledge of pre-analytical, analytical, and post-analytical laboratory processes; quality control principles; instrument maintenance; troubleshooting; and accurate result documentation.

Responsibilities

• Ensure accurate specimen labeling, documentation, chain of custody, handling, processing, storage, packaging, and shipment in accordance with protocols and laboratory and organizational requirements.
• Evaluate specimens against acceptability criteria and identify issues that may affect specimen integrity, including hemolysis, clotting, contamination, incorrect labeling, temperature excursions, and insufficient volume.
• Centrifuge, aliquot, process, store, and prepare clinical and research specimens for shipment under approved procedures.
• Perform CLIA-waived, point-of-care, and other specifically authorized laboratory testing.
• Operate approved point-of-care analyzers and laboratory equipment according to manufacturer instructions and written procedures.
• Review analyzer alerts, error codes, and quality control results; suspend testing and escalate concerns when acceptance criteria are not met.
• Participate in proficiency testing, competency assessments, inspections, audits, corrective action activities, and quality improvement initiatives as assigned.
• Prepare specimens for shipment to external laboratory vendors.
• Enter, document, or transmit laboratory and point-of-care results according to written procedures and system permissions.
• Review results for completeness and identify critical values, abnormal findings, analyzer flags, and testing concerns that require escalation.
• Notify the ordering provider or designated licensed professional of critical results or significant findings according to established procedures.
• Document communications, interventions, read-backs, and follow-up actions related to laboratory results.
• Maintain required nursing, laboratory, instrument, testing, and specimen-management competencies.
• Follow applicable laws and regulations, the site laboratory certificate or permit, study protocols, laboratory procedures, and START policies.
• Maintain quality control, maintenance, competency, communication, and testing records, and support inspection, accreditation, and audit readiness.
• Maintain supplies, monitor lot numbers and expiration dates, and remove expired or compromised materials from use.
• Follow infection prevention, exposure control, biohazard, chemical safety, privacy, and waste-disposal requirements.
• Stop testing and notify appropriate laboratory or clinical leadership when equipment, specimen, quality control, authorization, or patient-safety concerns arise.
• Receive, process, handle, store, and ship biospecimens according to study specifications.
• Prepare research sample-collection supplies according to study specifications.
• Follow company SOPs and GLPs and record data in electronic data systems in compliance with them.
• Process and ship tissue specimens according to protocol requirements; coordinate with healthcare providers to receive patient tissue and prepare tissue as needed under the study protocol.
• Perform Pharmacokinetic Department administrative tasks, including work tally records, scanning forms, filing, and sample-management documentation.
• Complete study forms, including shipping logs and documentation, sample requisition forms, flow sheets, and sample manifests.
• Sanitize laboratory equipment on daily, weekly, monthly, and yearly schedules.
• Perform and record daily, weekly, and annual equipment maintenance.
• Participate in on-call rotations for emergency response involving drug and specimen storage and for emergency management.

Benefits

• 401(k) retirement savings plan with employer match.
• Eligibility for an annual performance bonus, based on role and company results.
• Paid time off and paid holidays.
• Medical, dental, and vision coverage, with optional insurance options.
• Company-paid life and disability insurance.
• Employee Assistance Program providing confidential, no-cost support for employees and their families from day one.
• Flexible spending account (FSA) and health savings account (HSA) plans.
• Supportive environment that values balance, wellbeing, and flexibility.
• Collaborative workplace emphasizing continuous learning, professional growth, shared ideas, inclusivity, and innovation.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior
• Education Level: Associate degree