The primary purpose of the Tissue Procurement Specialist is to assist with sample collection, processing, storage & distribution activities within the GU Clinical Research Laboratory. This position directly contributes to the department’s translational research efforts by collecting well-annotated, high quality specimens for use in clinical and laboratory research, especially serial collections.
The ideal candidate will be courteous (patient facing), detail-oriented, and enthusiastic to learn new skill sets surrounding sample collection & processing, and clinical research execution.
KEY FUNCTIONS
Assists in the procurement of tissue and related data for clinical research protocols:
* May collect or obtain research samples including blood, urine, bone marrow aspirate and biopsy, and or tissue biopsies using routine phlebotomy procedures or other techniques. Processes research samples according to the standard operating procedure (SOP). Remains knowledgeable of all policies and procedures that are essential to the collection, processing, transportation, storage, and/or shipping of research samples. Packages biologic samples and coordinates shipment with courier services.
* Assists with collection and preparation of bone marrow aspirates and biopsies. Prepares slide smears, clots, and touch preps and assists bone marrow technician. Assists with the scheduling, check-in, and processing of forms for appointments.
* Assists with the request and transfer of samples to and from outside centers. Maintains a file system to document the progress and status of each request. Locates, files, and/or retrieves the required documents for tissue requests in the regulatory file.
* Enters data regarding tissue collection and processing into logs, requisitions, and or computer database systems. Maintains a file storage system of completed test requisitions and related protocol documents.
* Assist in the storage, maintenance and distribution of specimens within the GU Biorepository. Ensures that freezers are working within at their optimal levels, and reports to supervisor when freezer maintenance and repairs are required. Participates as a member of the 24 hour call out team to coordinate activities between facilities and other team members as required, if a freezer fails. Responds to call out immediately and provides a report to manager and supervisor, on activities within 24 hours.
* Assists with the preparation of laboratory protocol documents for submission. Is aware of local and federal regulations regarding informed consent and tissue procurement.
* Demonstrates precision in interpreting orders and obtaining appropriate clinical research samples, precision in sample identification and labeling, and accuracy in manual pipetting, sample or media preparation, and documentation.
Maintains a level of professional expertise through educational programs:
* Attends protocol start up meetings to ensure an understanding of procedures and forms for the collection, processing, storage, and distribution of clinical research specimens
* Attends appropriate departmental meetings and institutional continuing education programs.
* Shares information and, as requested, develops educational presentations for the Laboratory meeting and the Clinical Research Group Meeting as requested by supervisor.
* Maintains working knowledge of current Code of Federal Regulation and Good Clinical Practice guidelines.
MARGINAL FUNCTIONS:
* Demonstrates excellent oral and written communication skills when contacting other institutions, patients, and agencies (i.e., NCI, pharmaceutical companies, sponsoring agencies, etc.) by phone, email, and/or face-to-face interactions. Assimilate pertinent information in order to compose written correspondence.
* Orders supplies as needed from appropriate sources
* Restocks laboratory supplies, maintains clean work environment
* Other duties as required.
EDUCATION:
Required: High school diploma or equivalent.
Preferred: Associate's degree.
EXPERIENCE: Required: Three years of medical or laboratory research experience. With preferred degree, one year of required experience.
Preferred: Ideal candidates would be courteous (patient facing), detail-oriented, and enthusiastic to learn new skill sets surrounding sample collection & processing, and clinical research execution.
It is the policy of The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center to provide equal employment opportunity without regard to race, color, religion, age, national origin, sex, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, disability, protected veteran status, genetic information, or any other basis protected by institutional policy or by federal, state or local laws unless such distinction is required by law. http://www.mdanderson.org/about-us/legal-and-policy/legal-statements/eeo-affirmative-action.html
