Biobank Central Technician I

The mission of Mass General Brigham (MGB) Department of Personalized Medicine is to utilize genetics and genomics to improve the care of patients through the promotion and implementation of personalized medicine in caring for patients throughout MGB and in healthcare nationally and globally.
 

The successful candidate will perform as part of a laboratory team supporting human subject studies at the MGB Biobank and Genomics Core.  The candidate should be comfortable handling samples of human origin in a laboratory setting, demonstrate a high attention to detail, and an ability to learn in a fast-paced setting.  Duties include but are not limited to, routine performance of Plasma and Serum extractions from blood sample. The department is responsible for all receipt, processing, storage and shipping of research specimens for all users of the MGB Biobank and Genomic Core. The technician will be expected to be knowledgeable and comply with all MGB patient privacy guidelines.

This position provides an opportunity to work in a dynamic, clinical research setting with a specific focus on personalized medicine. The position is ideal for candidates interested in pursuing careers in medicine, clinical research, or public health, and particularly for a person interested in genetic counseling, implementation medicine, and patient engagement.

PRINCIPAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:    
Successful candidate will promote the mission of the MGB Personalized Medicine to enable personalized medicine through the following tasks:

Working under the supervision of laboratory manager and senior technicians the successful applicant will perform a variety of routine procedures following established methodologies. 

Testing personnel responsibilities include: 

1.     following the laboratory's pre-analytic and analytic procedures and maintaining records of tests;

2.     maintaining records that demonstrate that proficiency testing samples are tested in the same manner as patient specimens;

3.     adhering to the laboratory's quality assurance procedures, including documenting all:

a.      quality control activities;

b.     instrument and equipment verifications;

c.      maintenance and preventive maintenance; and

4.     following the laboratory's policies and procedures whenever test systems are not within the laboratory's established performance specifications;

5.     identifying and documenting problems that may adversely affect test performance and notifying the supervisor, assistant director(s) or director; and

6.     documenting all corrective actions taken when test systems deviate from the laboratory's established performance specifications.

Routine procedures and duties will include but are not limited to:

Accessions routine patient specimens:
Accurately enters information from requisition into the computer following study specific work instructions.
Affixes bar-coded labels to requisition and tubes.
      With patient specimens performs:

a.      Plasma extraction and storage

b.     Serum extraction and storage

Assists in collecting data for quality assurance and quality control programs
Transfers samples from racks to centrifuges and decant station.
Decants and sorts specimens.
Sorts and prioritizes samples delivered in the lab.
Maintains safety. Practices safe work habits and directs staff as needed.
Compliance with all laboratory regulations, including Joint Commission, CAP and other regulatory agencies
Complies with biohazard/radiation safety standards through proper handling of potentially hazardous chemical and biological agents and/or radiation sources in the workplace.
Uses universal safety precautions and proper personal protective equipment to protect self and co-workers from bio-hazardous materials, including blood-borne pathogens.
Completes annual biohazard/universal precaution safety training, as appropriate.
      All other duties as assigned

QUALIFICATIONS: 

• High School Diploma with at least 2 years directly related laboratory experience required or bachelor's degree in life sciences, biochemistry, or chemistry. Experience in molecular laboratory and/or a directly related research setting not required but will be considered favorably. 
• Prior experience with DNA extraction or cell lines not required but will be considered favorably.
• Must be well-versed in laboratory standards and practices
• Must have US citizenship or appropriate visa/work status for the US.

SKILLS/ ABILITIES/ COMPETENCIES REQUIRED:           

       Ability to identify potential problems and troubleshoot solutions.

       Motivated and able to master new techniques.

       Demonstrated ability to work independently.

• Proven ability to work well with others in a team environment
• Must have sound interpersonal skills
• High degree of computer literacy including, experience using Microsoft Office suite
• Demonstrate flexibility to adjust schedule in accordance with the needs of the department.

 WORKING CONDITIONS:      

•  Biobank work will be conducted in the MGB Personalized Medicine facilities.
• May be exposed to disease-bearing specimens, hazardous chemicals or fumes, or other hazards normally associated with a laboratory setting.  Work environment may be noisy or crowded. Some repetitive movement, i.e. pipetting.  Sitting for extended periods of time.