Biorepository Lab Technician I - McNulty - Nationwide Children's Hospital

The Biopathology Center (BPC) within The Research Institute at Nationwide Children’s Hospital (NCH) is a primarily grant-funded biorepository and clinical laboratory with the objective of acquisition and long-term storage  of cancerous, normal, and diseased human biospecimens and related data. These biospecimens are used for the purpose of supporting clinical trials, facilitating cutting edge research, and advancing clinical patient care.

This is a fast-paced, team-oriented laboratory. This role does not perform hypothesis-based research on the biospecimens – we serve a supporting role to facilitate clinical testing and research.

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• Handles various types of human biospecimens, including fresh and frozen biofluids (e.g., blood, bone marrow, urine, stool, saliva, etc.), frozen tissue, and fixed paraffin-embedded tissue (e.g., glass slides).
• Visually inspects biospecimens for quality performs biospecimen processing and handling to prepare the biospecimens for long-term storage or distribution. Reads pathology reports and other supporting documents as needed.
• Maintains technical and computer skills required in the laboratory. Performs data entry in the laboratory information management system throughout the biospecimen lifecycle, including reviewing biospecimen-related documentation, data entry, biospecimen handling, and labeling.
• Prepares biospecimens and related data for shipment to clinical laboratories, clinical trial pathologists, or research investigators. May coordinate couriers for transport of biospecimens and supplies. May ship or prepare biospecimens for shipment to external sites per IATA specifications.
• Demonstrates knowledge of and upholds applicable laws and regulations related to position. Maintains knowledge of techniques, procedures, and protocols, lab-wide and within lab section. Reviews and acknowledges policies and procedures as required.
• Demonstrates the ability to communicate respectfully with coworkers, staff, sponsors, and clients. Continuously be the best at providing customer service in an efficient and effective manner to assure customer satisfaction and quality patient care.
• Maintains a safe environment. Wears appropriate personal protective equipment as designated by lab area. Reports spills and hazardous situations immediately and acts appropriately. Follows established guidelines for disclosure of patient information.
• Performs routine and complex technical procedures and functions in the laboratory information system in an adequate and timely manner. Performs preventive maintenance and quality control with appropriate documentation and communication.
• Assists in process development/improvement within the department including participating in quality assurance, continuing education programs, and department meetings.
• Demonstrates the initiative and ability to provide feedback that is useful and assists in individual improvement. Promotes a cohesive work environment and possesses a solution-driven mentality.
• Demonstrates the ability to make determinations regarding course of action and alternatives by addressing problems by using resolutions and basic troubleshooting skills. Able to resolve technical, computer, and customer service problems within the lab section.
• Performs other related duties, as required.

Reports to: Supervisor and Manager of the assigned laboratory area.

Education and Experience Requirement:

• Bachelor’s degree in a biological, chemical, or physical science (preferred)
• Associate degree in a chemical, physical or biological science, or other related field with at least 2 years of experience in a clinical laboratory or medical office
• High school diploma with 4 years of experience with at least 2 years of experience in a clinical laboratory or medical office.

Organizational skills, attention to detail, and computer experience.

Will be able to present information effectively through oral or written communication.

Maintain and foster interpersonal relationships with internal and external customers.

Demonstrates the ability to work efficiently and independently promoting a team environment and maintaining a cooperative and supportive atmosphere. When personal workload is light, helps others to stay productive.

Demonstrates the ability to adjust to change, handle interruptions and function with changing circumstances.

Demonstrate the ability to change manner of communication styles to adapt to various cultural differences.

Ability to stand for more than 1 hour at a time, sit for more than 1 hour at a time. Good visual and auditory acuity. Full use of hands and arms. Ability to speak clearly. Ability to lift up to 50 pounds occasionally. 

Intensity of the workload in this position will vary; it will be heavy but manageable most of the time. Pressure may arise due to deadlines associated with clinical testing, biospecimen processing, manuscripts, or grant proposals.

The above list of duties is intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by individuals assigned to this classification. It is not to be construed as an exhaustive list of duties performed by the individual so classified, nor is it intended to limit or modify the right of any supervisor to assign, direct, and control the work of employees under his/her supervision.