Biorepository Technician - Guardant Health

Guardant Health is a leading precision oncology company focused on helping conquer cancer globally through use of its proprietary tests, vast data sets and advanced analytics. The Guardant Health oncology platform leverages capabilities to drive commercial adoption, improve patient clinical outcomes and lower healthcare costs across all stages of the cancer care continuum. Guardant Health has commercially launched Guardant360®, Guardant360 CDx, Guardant360 TissueNext™, Guardant360 Response™, and GuardantOMNI® tests for advanced stage cancer patients, and Guardant Reveal™ for early-stage cancer patients. The Guardant Health screening portfolio, including the Shield™ test, aims to address the needs of individuals eligible for cancer screening.

Biospecimen Management (BSM) performs the accessioning, plasma isolation, and data verification of patient samples and provides the link between the Clinical Operations, Client Services, and Reporting teams.

About the Role:

The Biorepository Technician supports the management of patient samples and provides the link between the Clinical Operations and Client Services teams. The Biorepository Technician is responsible for receiving, unpacking, processing, and recording samples sent for laboratory testing under the supervision of the Biospecimen Management Supervisor.  The Biorepository Technician has demonstrated a good understanding of laboratory workflow.

In addition to the primary role of biospecimen management, there may be a need to provide back-up support (non-testing) to the Analytical and/or Post-Analytical team. It is imperative that the Biorepository Technician has demonstrated the ability to work independently, but also functions 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.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Support the laboratory staff with sample intake and accessioning
• Responsible for receiving, unpacking, and processing all incoming specimens
• Responsible for entering and verifying data in the LIMS database
• Verify aspects of incoming samples and assess acceptability of the sample testing
• Prepare samples for testing by isolating plasma from whole blood and managing specimen aliquot storage inventory
• Resolve and document discrepancies, incomplete, and/or unacceptable specimens
• Operate, maintain, and troubleshoot equipment according to the laboratory’s Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs)
• Assist in the organization and upkeep of the laboratory (equipment and inventory of laboratory stock) for daily operations
• Work closely with the Analytical, Post-Analytical, and Client Services teams to provide consistent and ongoing support to the entire service department
• Document test system deviations from the laboratory’s established performance specifications by reporting Nonconforming Event Reports (NCRs)
• May assist with training of new laboratory personnel and training of new procedures with existing personnel
• Report all concerns of test quality and/or safety to the Supervisor or Safety Officer
• Perform other miscellaneous duties as assigned and assist others as time allows

• Minimum of Associate of Arts or equivalent experience required
• Bachelor of Arts or Science in Biomedical Laboratory Science, Clinical Science or related field preferred
• 0-12 months of laboratory work experience preferred
• Ability to proactively communicate consistently, clearly, and honestly
• Strong computing skills
• 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
• Escalate issues or problems in a timely manner
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team

Work Environment:

• Hours and days may vary depending on operational needs
• Standing or sitting for long periods of time may be necessary
• May be exposed to hazardous materials, blood specimens and instruments with moving parts, heating or freezing elements, and high-speed centrifugation
• Repetitive manual pipetting may be necessary
• Some lifting (up to 25 pounds) may be necessary

For positions based in Palo Alto, CA or Redwood City, CA, the hourly range for this full-time position is $24.34 to $33.00 USD. The range does not include benefits and, if applicable, overtime, bonus, commission, or equity.

Within the range, individual pay is determined by work location and additional factors, including, but not limited to, job-related skills, experience, and relevant education or training. If you are selected to move forward, the recruiting team will provide details specific to the factors above.

Employee may be required to lift routine office supplies and use office equipment. Majority of the work is performed in a desk/office environment; however, there may be exposure to high noise levels, fumes, and biohazard material in the laboratory environment. Ability to sit for extended periods of time.

Guardant Health is committed to providing reasonable accommodations in our hiring processes for candidates with disabilities, long-term conditions, mental health conditions, or sincerely held religious beliefs. If you need support, please reach out to Peopleteam@guardanthealth.com

Guardant Health is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, or protected veteran status and will not be discriminated against on the basis of disability.

All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.

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Please visit our career page at: http://www.guardanthealth.com/jobs/