Laboratory Assistant (Clinical Research Center) - Joslin Diabetes Center

Overview

The Laboratory Assistant will be responsible for assisting in the collection and processing, cataloging and storage of multiple specimens in accordance with clinical research protocols and procedures. Duties will include oversight, general maintenance and quality control of laboratory equipment as well as inventory, ordering and maintenance of CRC supplies.

As a health care organization, we have the responsibility to do everything in our power to care for and protect our patients, our colleagues and our communities. We require that all staff be vaccinated against influenza (flu) and COVID-19 as a condition of employment.

Responsibilities

I Job Specific Responsibilities:

• Provides general support for laboratory procedures related to clinical research protocols including sorting, labeling, storing and/or shipment of multiple specimens.
• Guide set up and maintain study specific research specimen databases such as Freezerworks.
• Assists study personnel and CRC staff in compiling study specific paperwork, label preparation for specimen collection, and sample coding for FREEZERWORKS storage including retrieval of bio specimens from long-term cold storage.
• Act as resource for study teams regarding complex specimen and assay processing.
• Attends CRC study start-up meetings to become familiar with protocols, protocolspecific specimen processing procedures and maintains/updates CRC Processing Manual.
• Assists study staff and/or performs point of care testing.
• Processes and prepares specimens and requisitions for samples going to both the clinic laboratory and outside reference laboratories (Quest, central lab).
• Performs quality control measures on CRC equipment and storage units. Joslin Diabetes Center Job Description
• Coordinates the ordering and maintains the inventory of laboratory and patient care supplies and stocks accordingly. Oversees the general maintenance of equipment and processing areas.
• Assures appropriate supply and storage of laboratory items (special preservatives, etc.), rotates stock supplies in the laboratory to ensure that all supplies and materials are used before their expiration dates. Ensures supplies are not used if expired and are disposed of properly.
• Successfully completes appropriate clinical competencies in order to assist CRC nursing staff.
• Work with study teams and participate in the coordination of specific studies.
• Ensure appropriate regulatory compliance and documentation of specific studies.
• Recruit potential study participants and contact study participants to schedule visits and enhance retention.
• Follow OSHA, NIH, COMS, and MaRCP regulations with regard to handling of specimens and laboratory duties. This includes appropriate dress and the wearing of personal protective equipment.
• Functions and participates as a member of the Clinical Research Center team.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

II Customer Service/Internal Teamwork:

• Effectively communicates and interacts with CRC colleagues and research study teams as well as other internal departments.
• Effectively communicates and interacts with various members of the research and clinical groups with regards to safety and compliance
• Maintains HIPAA standards and patient confidentiality at all times
• Self-directed, takes directions from multiple resources and able to prioritize tasks or escalate accordingly.
• Accomplishes tasks in a timely manner and advises supervisor if there is a delay.

Qualifications

• Associate's degree or equivalent relevant experience; BS preferred
• Minimum 1 year of experience with routine clinical and laboratory processing procedures preferred. Biomedical research environment preferred.
• Computer literacy including knowledge of Microsoft Office applications required.
• Strong communication, interpersonal and organizational skills.
• Self-starter