Biorepository Technician III

Position Summary:

The Biorepository Technician III will perform with a high degree of accuracy and quality for a variety of laboratory-related activities, including cryopreservation of biological samples that arrive daily in the repository, as well as advanced specimen handling such as aliquoting and molecular biology tasks. The role is responsible for data reconciliation, discrepancy resolution, management of post-commit activities in an inventory management system (e.g. BSI) and using the reporting features of an inventory management system. This technician is expected to support special projects (e.g. process improvement, integration of automation or molecular work) that may involve working across functional groups. Must be a flexible team player who can change direction quickly, accept new higher responsibilities, and respond to a variety of Repository needs.

Essential functions of the job include but are not limited to:

Training and Competency Assessment:

• Train, as necessary, laboratory technicians in proper use of all procedures and protocols
• Perform competency assessments of repository personnel
• Act as a resource and advise lab technicians on appropriate resolution to questions in keeping with documented procedures, safety protocols and/or company policies

Data Reconciliation:

• Investigate, review, and resolve data discrepancies in conjunction with project collaborators
• Coordinate discrepancy resolution actions to include data investigations, relabels, and physical sample checks
• Investigate missing specimens using the BSI and hardcopy data
• Prepare and analyze reports from the BSI to identify possible errors and trends in data
• Verify discrepancies noted by Lab Technicians during withdrawal or inventory procedures
• Commit data and data modifications in BSI per outlined procedures

Receive/Inventory/Retrieve biological samples: 

• Unpack specimens and record all pertinent information in Incoming Shipment Batch
• Store at appropriate temperature following guidelines set by procedures
• Distribute confirmation of shipment receipt form if required by project
• Check information on sample vial against information provided by the study site
• Scan samples into data management system, BSI
• Correct paperwork where necessary and inform supervisor/manager of any discrepancies by generating a discrepancy report
• Assist in the inventory of returned specimens
• Pull samples according to requisition, SOP, and project-specific instructions
• Perform quality control verification of outgoing samples
• Triage and coordinate shipment requests and communicate/assign shipment dates for outgoing activities
• Contact receiving labs prior to shipment to confirm shipping address and ensure contact will be available to receive specimens
• Ship samples (dangerous and non-dangerous goods) by Commercial or local courier

Laboratory techniques

• Aliquoting of materials under aseptic conditions
• Perform molecular techniques independently (e.g. nucleic acid extraction, quantification and qualification)
• Prepare reagents used in the lab
• Must have the ability to organize and analyze data, as well as prepare reports
• Work with managers and team members to meet project timelines and milestones
• Uses professional concepts in accordance with company objectives to solve basic/routine problems by performing scientific functions in collaboration with others
• Quantify and Assess DNA/RNA purity using technology such as Qubit or Nanodrop
• Complete routine maintenance and calibration of laboratory equipment
• Assist in organizing laboratory workspace and equipment while maintaining best practices
• Ability to perform basic mathematical conversions using aliquoting templates

Miscellaneous:

• Label vials and shipping boxes
• Perform dry shipper QC
• Coordinate and execute the quarterly temporary freezer investigation
• Coordinate Repository Equipment preventative maintenance
• Keep current on IATA Shipping Regulations and maintain certification and standards
• Respond to freezer alarms in accordance with standard operating procedures
• Monitor freezers, refrigerator and room temperatures as assigned by Manager
• Carry out other duties/projects as assigned

Qualifications:

Minimum Required:

• High School Diploma or equivalent combination of education and experience
• 3+ years of relevant laboratory experience
• Aseptic sample handling (e.g. aliquoting)

Other Required:

• Ability to work independently and make decisions with minimal supervision and guidance
• Must possess basic laboratory skills and be trained in aseptic technique
• Comfortability with excel and its functions, as well as inventory management systems (e.g., BSI)
• Requires excellent attention to detail, excellent documentation skills, and must work well in a group environment
• Must be a flexible agile team player who can change activities and directions quickly and respond to a variety of assignment and changing business needs
• Ability to lift and carry between 31-50 lbs.; Ability to lift up to 50 lbs. overhead with assistance; frequently required to sit, stand and walk for prolonged periods; occasionally required to squat, bend, stoop, push, kneel, reach and perform tasks with repetitive motion; Will be exposed to a cold freezer environment (Freezer temperatures range between -20ºC -196ºC)
• Must be able to read, write, speak fluently and comprehend the English language

Preferred:

• Molecular biology experience
• Current knowledge of IATA Shipping Regulations and maintenance of certification and standards