Tissue Associate II (Tues-Sat 8:30am-5:00pm)

Guardant Health•New York, NY

1d•$33 - $46•Onsite

About The Position

Guardant Health is a leading precision oncology company focused on guarding wellness and giving every person more time free from cancer. Founded in 2012, Guardant is transforming patient care and accelerating new cancer therapies by providing critical insights into what drives disease through its advanced blood and tissue tests, real-world data and AI analytics. Guardant tests help improve outcomes across all stages of care, including screening to find cancer early, monitoring for recurrence in early-stage cancer, and treatment selection for patients with advanced cancer. For more information, visit guardanthealth.com and follow the company on LinkedIn, X (Twitter) and Facebook. Position Summary: The Tissue Associate II provides a vital link between internal customer service, clinical operations, and Histology in support of Tissue Genotyping. The Tissue Associate II is responsible for receiving, unpacking, processing and recording samples sent for laboratory testing under the supervision of the Supervisor/Manager. The Tissue Associate II works with the Tissue Associate to coordinate tasks, divide workload and manage projects. He/she has demonstrated a good understanding of the laboratory workflow. In addition to the primary role of sample accessioning, there may be a need to provide back-up support (non-testing) to the Analytical and/or Post-Analytical team, on an as needed basis. It is imperative that the Tissue Associate II have demonstrated the ability to work independently, but also function effectively as a member of the Guardant Health team. The nature of the work requires keeping meticulous and organized records, excellent attention to detail, effective written and verbal communication skills, the ability to multi-task and be flexible with tasks and schedules, and the ability to work independently in a team environment.

Requirements

Minimum of Associate of II Arts or equivalent experience required
A minimum of 1-2 years of related experiences in a high complexity laboratory required
A minimum of 1 year of sample accessioning experience or equivalent data entry required
Pipetting or other equivalent laboratory experience required
Strong computing skills
Strong communicator with ability to maintain open communication with internal employees, managers and customers, as needed
Strong analysis and problem solving skills
Ability to prepare and maintain records and logs
Ability to integrate and apply feedback in a professional manner
Ability to prioritize tasks with a high emphasis on quality
Ability to analyze and solve basic issues
Ability to work independently and as part of a team

Nice To Haves

Bachelor of Arts or Science in Biomedical Laboratory Science, Clinical Science or related field preferred
Previous experience with Excel, Smartsheet, and Salesforce applications preferred
Previous experience working with LIMS or other data management systems preferred
Demonstrate a high level of competency when assisting in the pre-analytical sample processing steps
Ability to proactively communicate consistently, clearly, and honestly

Responsibilities

Support the Clinical Lab personnel in performing task such as sample intake, verification, accessioning, returning of clinical specimen to source pathology laboratories and conducting transfers to internal departments as well as external laboratories.
Responsible for receiving, unpacking and processing all incoming clinical and non-clinical specimens.
Responsible for entering and verifying data in the Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS) database.
Understand, execute, and maintain the Tissue (Pharma) RUO/IST and IUO workflows.
Prepare clinical samples for in-house testing and/or the use of an external reference laboratory.
Apply unique labels to Formalin Fixed Paraffin Embedded (FFPE) blocks and slides during sample accessioning to maintain genealogy during downstream testing and report generation.
Manage sample storage inventory of FFPE blocks, unstained slides, and stained slides
Resolve and document discrepancies, incomplete, and/or unacceptable specimens.
Review and analyze pathology reports from source pathology laboratory that corresponds with the specimen received and verify Diagnosis correlation.
Verify aspects of incoming samples and assess acceptability of sample for testing.
Resolve and document incomplete or unacceptable specimens.
Mediate transfers to and from an external reference laboratory while maintaining chain of custody and GDP requirements.
Organize clinical specimens and manage sample storage inventory and arrange sample transfers to various departments.
Prepare, package, and return patient specimens to corresponding source pathology laboratory within allocated time frame, once testing is complete.
Coordinate with Guardant Health facilities to ensure specimens are returned accordingly.
Input and update Tissue Trackers to assist with day-to-day workflow.
Document all corrective actions taken when test systems deviate from the laboratory’s established performance specifications.
Initiate, investigate, and complete Nonconformance Reports (NCRs) within 30 days/Corrective and Preventative Action (CAPAs)
Follow Good Lab Practice (GLP) with the organization and upkeep of the laboratory, lab benches and other laboratory supplies
Operate, maintain, and troubleshoot equipment maintenance and maintain equipment logs and records according to the laboratory’s SOPs.
Verify, monitor, and record temperatures of equipment and storage units by applying quality control procedures and initiate a service request when necessary.
Carry out and maintain sufficient inventory of laboratory stock for daily operations.
Work closely with the Leads of the Analytical, Post Analytical, Client Services, Reporting and Tech Dev Teams to provide consistent and ongoing support to the entire service department.
Support the administrative functions of the lab as required.
Perform other miscellaneous duties as assigned and assist others as time allows.
Assist in the update and development of SOPs pertaining to Biospecimen Management workflows.
Assist with training of new laboratory personnel and training of new procedures with existing personnel.
Provide support, guidance, and constructive feedback to Tissue Associate.
The Tissue Associate II may be a point of contact for Tissue Associates in the absence of Supervisor and/or designee.
Assist with internal audits and inspection preparation, as needed.
Identify process improvement opportunities and report to laboratory management.
Report all concerns of test quality and/or safety to the Supervisor or Safety Officer.