Biorepository Assistant

Biorepository Assistant

The goal of the NEALS Biorepository is to provide infrastructure to collect, store, and share biofluids (blood, spinal fluid, urine, fibroblasts, DNA, and RNA) and the accompanying clinical data with ALS researchers locally and around the globe. The Neurological Clinical Research Institute at MGH (MGH NCRI) maintains and continuously improves the infrastructure, coordination, operating procedures, and activities of the NEALS biorepository to provide consistent sample receipt, access and usage, and continued benefits in the form of scientific discovery and support for ALS translational and clinical research.

Working as a part of the Coordinating Center at the Neurological Clinical Research Institute (NCRI) and as a member of the biorepository team on the site level, the incumbent will be responsible for supporting site research and coordinating center tasks associated with the collection, storage, and distribution of specimens from the biorepository associated with single and multi-site research studies supported by the NCRI. Duties include but are not limited to, routine processing of blood, urine, and CSF, isolation of plasma and serum, receipt of specimens from external sites, distribution of specimens for approved research, maintaining processing room supplies and equipment, freezer maintenance, general specimen management, and project tracking.

PRIMARY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Working under the supervision of the Biorepository Manager and senior staff, the successful applicant will perform various routine procedures following established methodologies. Responsibilities include:

• Documenting the biorepository’s quality control activities, instrument and equipment verifications, equipment maintenance, and scheduling preventive maintenance.
• Assists in moving samples to backup freezers when equipment fails, is under repair, and general inventory management initiatives.
• Identifying and documenting problems that may adversely affect specimen management and notifying the biorepository manager.
• Documenting all corrective actions taken when specimen management procedures deviate from the biorepository's established processes or requirements.
• Monitoring and maintaining supplies associated with specimen collection, storage, and management within the center.
• The processing of biofluids (blood, CSF, and urine) collected from research participants.
• Labeling, organizing, and accessioning samples into the biorepository.
• Maintaining sample inventory records, including location and distribution.
• Troubleshoots inventory problems and implements corrective action plans.
• Maintenance of shared specimen processing spaces.
• Coordinates with other members of the biorepository team to pull and distribute samples for approved projects.
• Maintains documentation regarding sample management, including but not limited to receipt and distributions. Collects and organizes patient data, verifies accuracy, and updates study and biorepository documents required by the NCRI-MGH Biorepository program, responsible for some data entry.
• Compliance with all biorepository regulations, including Joint Commission, CAP, and other regulatory agencies, as applicable. Completes annual biohazard/universal precaution safety training, as appropriate.
• Act as a resource for site staff on sample management questions as needed.
• Maintains confidentiality and respect for participants’ rights and individual needs.
• All other duties as assigned.

SKILLS & COMPETENCIES REQUIRED:

1. Must have interpersonal skills to interact effectively with colleagues from varied backgrounds, MDs, researchers, and other team members.

2. Must have careful attention to detail and good organizational skills. Ability to identify potential problems and troubleshoot solutions. Motivated.

3. Must possess integrity to maintain confidentiality and respect for subjects’ rights and individual needs.

4. Must demonstrate accuracy in recording data.

5. Must have excellent verbal and written communication skills.

6. Some basic computer literacy. Use of Microsoft Office suite, especially Excel, and electronic data capture databases.

MINIMUM JOB REQUIREMENTS:

High school Diploma, GED, or equivalent

WORKING CONDITIONS:

• The operations office of the NCRI-MGH Biorepository is located at the Sean M Healey and AMG Center for ALS. Standard office environment

• Samples are maintained in freezer farms at various locations on the MGH Main Campus and the Charlestown Navy Yard.

• May be exposed to disease-bearing specimens or other hazards normally associated with a biorepository setting.

• Some repetitive movement, i.e., pipetting, moving samples to and from freezers. Sitting and standing for extended periods

• Able to lift 20 pounds
  

Massachusetts General Hospital is an Affirmative Action Employer. By embracing diverse skills, perspectives, and ideas, we choose to lead. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religious creed, national origin, sex, age, gender identity, disability, sexual orientation, military service, genetic information, and/or other status protected under law. We will ensure that all individuals with a disability are provided a reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment.