Research Lab Specialist Assoc

at  University of Michigan

HOW TO APPLY

A cover letter is required for consideration for this position and should be attached as the first page of your resume. The cover letter should address your specific interest in the position and outline skills and experience that directly relate to this position.

SUMMARY

The Michigan Clinical Research Unit (MCRU), part of the Medical School Office of Research Clinical Trials Support Office, is seeking an experienced, energetic candidate to provide laboratory support in accordance with the good clinical practices as well as OSHA guidelines for a biosafety level 2+ lab. Reports directly to the Laboratory Manager and MCRU Leadership.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS*

• Bachelor’s degree in related field.
• 1-3 years experience in a clinical research setting
• This position requires accountability, teamwork, open communication, and the ability to continually update and improve operations within the facility.
• This position may be filled with a lower title if a promising candidate does not meet the minimum requirements.

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS*

• Bachelor’s Degree in a health-related discipline or equivalent experience in chemistry, biology, or a related health science.
• Flexibility to work late hours on short notice.
• Ability to work at satellite locations in addition to the MCRU Processing Lab.
• Good customer service skills are highly desirable.
• Experience with Lab Vantage - inventory tracking database system is preferred.

Principally responsible for bench scale processing of specimens of human origin to stabilized forms and distribution/shipping to study teams and resulting institutions. Specific tasks include

• Understand the basic principles of specimen processing.
• Specimen processing and IATA-compliant shipping for study specific protocols under supervision of the MCRU Lab Manager.
• Safeguard Protected Health Information by stringently following HIPAA regulations
• Ensure proper labeling and documentation of protocol-specific study specimens.
• Data entry for sample data accessioning and reporting.
• Ensure work area and lab are well maintained, stocked, and clean.
• Complete and maintain lab specific training certifications including Good Clinical Practice, High Reliability Skills, and Lab safety for a BSL-2 environment.
• Understand care and use of standard laboratory equipment.
• Understand and enforce MCRU Lab interaction guidelines set for study teams.
• Assist in evaluating lab methods, procedures, and techniques based on established protocols.
• Monitor, analyze, and troubleshoot workflows.
• Assist in the management of frozen specimens, accurately preparing shipments on protocol-mandated timelines.
• Assist with training new laboratory staff and new study team members utilizing MCRU lab space.
• Assist with quality control of research specimens.
• Troubleshoot study team problems with collections, kits, and/or specimen issues.
• Maintain working relationships with clinical study coordinators to ensure accurate completion of study trial tasks.
• Assist in the development of laboratory SPG (Standard Practice Guide) documents and MCRU lab working tools.
• Attend scheduled meetings with MCRU lab group, MCRU all-staff, and CTSO all-staff.
• Other duties as assigned prioritizing and executing daily laboratory workflows to ensure the MCRU Core Lab is performing to a high standard.
• Maintain and adhere to quality control standards and practices set by MCRU Lab Manager.