Research Technician - Cancer Center Protocol Office

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Mass General Brigham relies on a wide range of professionals, including doctors, nurses, business people, tech experts, researchers, and systems analysts to advance our mission. As a not-for-profit, we support patient care, research, teaching, and community service, striving to provide exceptional care. We believe that high-performing teams drive groundbreaking medical discoveries and invite all applicants to join us and experience what it means to be part of Mass General Brigham.

• GENERAL SUMMARY/OVERVIEW STATEMENT:
  • The MGH Special Processing Laboratory (SPL) provides pre-analytical laboratory services involved in preparing research samples obtained from patients enrolled in clinical trials of investigational cancer treatments for storage and shipment.
  • The primary responsibilities involve processing samples according to specific written procedures for short term storage until packaged for shipment to external laboratories.
  • The position assumes overall responsibility for managing the storage of samples received by the SPL and executing their shipment to other facilities such as external sponsors, contracted reference laboratories, and other research laboratories at MGH.
• PRINCIPAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
  • Sample Processing Responsibilities:
    • Processes biological samples (i.e., blood, urine, saliva, bone marrow aspirate, cerebrospinal fluid, etc.) for short term storage according to specific written procedures.
    • Properly follows all Universal Precautions and utilizes Engineering Controls, Work Practices, and Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) as listed in the laboratories Exposure Control Plan (ECP) and the MGH Biosafety Manual.
    • Completes required safety training annually and as required.
    • Ensures the accuracy and integrity of all data recorded to serve the mission of the SPL.
    • Enters all information for all samples submitted to the laboratory in a printed daily log form.
    • Transfers data in the hard copy daily log form into an electronic sample receipt log.
    • Performs quality control on the hard copy/electronic sample log as required daily.
    • Transfers processed sample transport tubes into their designated locations in ultralow temperature freezers according to established standard operating procedures and freezer inventory logs.
    • Prepares and safely handles reagents used for processing biological samples for storage and shipment.
    • Properly follows all directives in the laboratory’s Chemical Hygiene Plan (CHP).
    • Has knowledge of a chemical’s labeling and information found in the material safety data sheet (MSDS).
    • Performs inventory check of all chemicals, consumables, and other supplies within the laboratory routinely and communicates the ordering needs of the laboratory to appropriate personnel.
    • Transports research samples from clinical patient treatment areas within the hospital to the laboratory for processing.
    • Requires walking to and from other areas of the hospital.
    • Represents the SPL in a positive and professional manner when interacting with both collegial healthcare providers, patients, and the public.
    • Performs routine maintenance and cleaning of laboratory equipment according to standard operating procedures.
    • Monitors acceptable performance of SPL equipment.
    • Troubleshoots equipment issues as necessary.
    • Communicates any equipment issues to the appropriate personnel.
    • Assists with packaging samples required to be shipped from the SPL on the same day of collection (ambient, refrigerated, frozen).
    • Independently operates and works collaboratively with other laboratory personnel to effectively manage the daily activities of the SPL.
    • Monitors the SPL SharePoint Collection schedule and predicts/prepares requirements of scheduled protocol collections.
    • Processes research liquid biopsy collections in a timely and efficient manner.
    • Reviews and responds periodically to emails directed to the general shared email inbox of the SPL in a professional and timely manner.
    • Assists with or performs any other tasks as directed by senior staff in the laboratory.
  • Sample Packaging/Shipping Responsibilities:
    • Prepares a daily sample shipment schedule from information obtained from the daily specimen receipt log, SPL SharePoint Collection Schedule, and received laboratory requisitions.
    • Prioritizes the shipment of samples required to be shipped on the day of collection or at other designated frequencies (weekly, bi-weekly, monthly, etc.).
    • Effectively shifts prioritization of shipments based on daily received samples, needs of the department, and inventory of supplies.
    • Works in collaboration with SPL laboratory personnel to expedite the shipping of samples requiring to be immediately shipped (ambient, refrigerated, frozen day of collection samples).
    • Prepares required documentation – performs sample preparation, packaging and labeling, effectively delegates tasks to others in the department, serves as a resource to delegate, and prepares packages containing processed biological samples according to all standard operating…