Biorepository and Laboratory Technologist I -Jones

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 a large number of cancerous, normal and diseased biospecimens and related data. These biospecimens are used for the purpose of supporting and facilitating cutting edge research and advancing clinical patient care. In accordance with provisions of approved protocols, the BPC serves as biorepositories for the Children’s Oncology Group (COG), NRG Oncology, SWOG (formerly the Southwest Oncology Group), the Pediatric Division of the Cooperative Human Tissue Network (pCHTN), Experimental Therapeutics Clinical Trials Network (ETCTN), and other sponsor groups. This is a fast-paced, team-oriented laboratory that requires the ability to work well under pressure and maintain constant attention to detail. The position requires frequent communication via phone and email with submitting institutions, internal coordinating laboratories, and external investigators. This role does not perform hypothesis-based research on the biospecimens – we serve a supporting role to facilitate clinical testing and research. The Laboratory Technologist is responsible for accurate and timely processing, testing and resulting. Additional duties include completing tasks, preventive maintenance, quality control and providing customer service. Each employee is expected to be a supportive link between laboratory customers and other areas within the department and project a professional image through telephone communication to internal and external Nationwide Children's Hospital customers.

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PRINCIPAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Receives and accessions various types of biospecimens, including fresh blood and bone marrow, frozen tissue, frozen biological liquids, and paraffin materials (ex. glass slides, paraffin-embedded tissue). 
• Visually inspects specimens for quality and data accuracy, communicates with external sites to resolve discrepancies, performs basic biospecimen processing and handling to prepare the biospecimens for long-term storage or distribution, and enters data into an electronic specimen tracking system. Reads pathology reports for additional information needed to accession specimen data.
• Maintains technical and computer skills required in the laboratory; May include specimen receiving, processing, reporting, and storage. May coordinate couriers for transport of specimens and supplies. May ship specimens to external sites per IATA specifications.
• Accessions biospecimens into applicable databases (e.g., STARS, LabVantage, etc.), and performs data entry throughout the biospecimen lifecycle, including reviewing pathology and receipt documentation, data entry, biospecimen handling, and labeling.
• Organizes and coordinates projects with external clients, collecting appropriate documents and preparing biospecimens and related data for shipment to clinical laboratories, clinical trial pathologists, or research investigators.
• 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 procedures and policies as required. Assists with procedure and technical development.
• Demonstrates the ability to communicate respectfully with coworkers, staff, patients, parents 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, department meetings, and special projects as assigned. 
• Responsible for presenting continuing education. Participates in special projects and presentation of results. Assists with development and monitoring of specific competencies. Required to complete at least four hours of medical/technical continuing education, yearly. 
• Demonstrates the initiative and ability to provide feedback that is useful and assists in individual improvement. Assist with training of new employees, students, fellows, rotators, etc. 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 with in the lab section. Performs in-depth problem solving and serves as a resource for others in department and related departments. 
• May assume responsibilities of immediate supervisor or laboratory lead, as assigned.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES REQUIRED

• Bachelor’s degree in a chemical, physical or biological science or clinical laboratory science; and a certification as a Medical Technologist (MT)/Medical Laboratory Scientist (MLS), or Category Technologist/Specialist (i.e. MB) by an approved agency. - OR - Medical Laboratory Technician (MLT) certification with a Bachelor’s degree in a chemical, physical or biological science or clinical laboratory science and experience in a similar laboratory. As of June 1, 2015: If not certified, must be eligible for certification by an approved agency. Certification exam must be completed within 3 years of hire date. If the candidate is hired but has not taken exam, they must take the exam within 3 years, or will be moved to a suitable position that does not require certification. Exceptions include those already working in the department prior to June 1, 2015 and those staff who have been in a related position for 10 years or longer. 
• If traveling to/from the Kinnear location: Able to provide current driver’s license with minimal violations on record and provide evidence of personal automobile insurance with limits of $100,000 liability per person, $300,000 per accident and $50,000 property damage. 
• Organizational skills, attention to detail, and computer experience. 
• 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. 8. Demonstrate the ability to change manner of communication styles to adapt to various cultural differences.

MINIMUM PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• 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 30 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, specimen 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.

EOE M/F/Disability/Vet