Job description

Research Assistant I, REQ: 3216014

GENERAL SUMMARY/ OVERVIEW STATEMENT:

Channing/Harvard Cohorts Biorepository (CHCB) is one of the largest, most intensively studied, longitudinal cohorts in the world, it includes the Nurses' Health Study (I and II), the Health Professionals Follow-up Study, Growing Up Today Study, and the Physician's Health Study I. CHCB manages the safe storage of over 3 million research biospecimens and distributes thousands of specimens annually for research.

We are currently recruiting for one fulltime, Research Assistant- Level I (entry level) position to perform laboratory work and office duties associated with the CHCB under supervision of the Senior Biobank Manager and Collections Manager.

PRINCIPAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES (No Direct Patient Care):

1. Collections: Responsible on a day-to-day basis, under the Collection Laboratory Manager, for receiving, opening, and checking incoming specimen collection kits for completeness, logging received kits and specimens into a Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS) and record systems, processing biospecimens according to standard operating protocols (SOPs), and then storing samples in liquid nitrogen (LN2) freezers. Will perform testing for random quality control tests (QCT) to confirm original storage locations by checking: sample type, location, and IDs. Conduct data entry either manually or via Scantron for questionnaires and QCT the data entry.

2. Production and Distribution (P/D): As part of a team, execute distribution projects by preparing the necessary computer files; pulling specimen from LN2 freezers; aliquoting; adding quality control samples (QCs) to projects; double checking the project; creating of ship lists; arrange delivery of shipments; and record all details/steps for each project.

3. Data Recordation: Incumbent will be trained on how to use the LIMS and UNIX System and assist upper management, regularly, by discussing the process, improvement needs, and workflow.

4. Infrastructure: As part of a team, incumbent will be involved in semi-weekly monitoring: freezer health of 130 liquid nitrogen and 6 mechanical -80C freezers; the LN2 delivery system level and pressure; external bulk tank; and Dewar deliveries. Consolidation of freezers when warranted.

5. Emergency Responder: In very rare cases, incumbent is expected to respond and join the team when a freezer emergency occurs. May be asked to come in during the evening or on a weekend for a few hours to assist for the urgent transfer of biospecimens, which will be compensated.

6. General: As needed, incumbent will be required to contribute to other general activities such as proofreading, contributing, and/or typing SOPs. Carryout weekly inventorying of supplies and present items that need to be ordered and recommend supply organization needs.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s degree in life sciences, required.
• Ability to follow Standard Operating Protocols.
• Excellent organizational, interpersonal, and communication skills are essential.
• Comfort handling human biological specimen strongly preferred.
• Experience with Robotics, a plus;
• Ability to lift 26-pound freezer racks is required- see “PHYSICAL/ENVIRONMENTAL REQUIREMENTS OF THE JOB” (Below);

SKILLS/ ABILITIES/ COMPETENCIES REQUIRED:

• Ability to understand scientific terminology and experience following SOPs.
• The ability to pay strict attention to detail on a continuous basis to ensure that research results are valid and error-free.
• A high comfort level with computers and databases.
• Friendly, professional, and thoughtful listener when interacting with team members and collaborators.
• Ability to maintain participant confidentiality.
• Excellent communication skills; both verbal and written.
• Excellent organizational skills to formulate, implement, and monitor several interrelated tasks.
• Careful laboratory technique.
• Strong scientific curiosity is a plus.
• Must be able to lift heavy racks and push heavy equipment.

HOSPITAL WIDE RESPONSIBILITIES: These are required of all staff, regardless of position.

Works within legal, regulatory, accreditation and ethical practice standards relevant to the position and as established by BWH/Partners; follows safe practices required for the position; complies with appropriate BWH and Partners policies and procedures; fulfills any training required by BWH and/or Partners, as appropriate; brings potential matters of non-compliance to the attention of the supervisor or other appropriate hospital staff.

Comply with all HIPPA regulations. Uphold all safety standards of the hospital and EHS. Keep hospital and laboratory safety, as well as, CITI training “up-to-date” and current.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY:

Not Applicable.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

The work takes place in both an office and laboratory settings. Frequent exposure to LN2 freezers, which are in strictly monitored air ventilation. Walking between the three sites is required throughout the year. Exposure to human biological specimen and LN2 occurs daily.

Occasional trips to area hospitals are required to meet with collaborating investigators and to deliver samples. Infrequently, weekend work to process blood samples may be required.

FISCAL RESPONSIBILITY: Not Applicable

The above is intended to describe the general contents and requirements of work being performed by people assigned to this classification. It is not intended to be construed as an exhaustive statement of all duties, responsibilities or skills of personnel so classified.

PHYSICAL/ENVIRONMENTAL REQUIREMENTS OF JOB

Activity

• Outdoor weather conditions: 5 % of the time per month, to deliver projects to labs
• Extreme cold (non-weather): 25 % of the time
• Exposure to blood borne pathogens: 50% of the time
• Dust or other irritants: 50% of the time
• Infectious / contagious disease: 50% of the time
• Cleaning agents/chemicals: 10% of the time
• Hot equipment: 1% of the time
• Noisy equipment: 10% of the time
• Humid or wet conditions (non -weather): 10% of the time
• Other LN2: LIQUID NITROGEN: 25-50% of the time

Lifting/Carry Requirements of this job

Number of pounds

• Up to 10 pounds: Lift 25-50% of the time/Carry 25-50% of the time
• Up to 25 pounds: Lift 25-50% of the time/Carry 25-50% of the time

Push/Pull Requirements of this job:

Number of pounds

• Up to 10 pounds: 25-50% of the time
• Up to 25 pounds: 25-50% of the time
• Up to 50 pounds: 1-25% of the time
• Up to 100 pounds: 1-25% of the time
• Over 100 pounds: 1-25% of the time

Physical Activity requirements of this job:

• Stand: 1-25% of the time
• Walk: 1-25% of the time
• Sit: 25-50% of the time
• Use of hands requiring fine motor skills and sense of touch: Over 75% of the time
• Move / rotate / bend wrist(s): 50-75% of the time
• Type / use keyboard or other data entry device: 50-75% of the time
• Reach with hands & arms: 50-75% of the time
• Climb stairs: 1-25% of the time
• Climb ladder or other equipment: 1-25% of the time
• Balance: over 75% of the time
• Stoop, kneel, crouch, bend, crawl: 1-25% of the time
• Speak: 50-75% of the time
• Hear: over 75% of the time

Vision Requirements of this job:

• Close vision: Required
• Distance vision: Required
• Color vision: Required
• Peripheral vision: Required
• Depth perception: Required
• Ability to adjust focus: Required

Safety equipment used while performing this job: Safety eye glasses, Lab Coat, Face Shield, Ear Plugs (during sonication), surgical mask (during COVID-19), latex or nitrile gloves, and Cryo gloves when needed.

Level of noise typical in this work environment: Moderate

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $38,000.00 - $44,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Employee discount
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Parental leave
• Professional development assistance
• Tuition reimbursement
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift

Education:

• Bachelor's (Required)

Work Location: In person

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