Biorepository Medical Lab Assistant

The Biopathology Center (BPC) within The Research Institute at Nationwide Children’s Hospital (NCH) is a primarily grant-funded biorepository and clinical laboratory with the objective of acquisition and long-term storage of a large number of cancerous, normal and diseased biospecimens and related data. These biospecimens are used for the purpose of supporting and facilitating cutting edge research and advancing clinical patient care. In accordance with provisions of approved protocols, the BPC serves as biorepositories for the Children’s Oncology Group (COG), NRG Oncology, SWOG (formerly the Southwest Oncology Group), the Pediatric Division of the Cooperative Human Tissue Network (pCHTN), Experimental Therapeutics Clinical Trials Network (ETCTN), and other sponsor groups. This is a fast-paced, team-oriented laboratory that requires the ability to work well under pressure and maintain constant attention to detail. The position requires frequent communication via phone and email with submitting institutions, internal coordinating laboratories, and external investigators. This role does not perform hypothesis-based research on the biospecimens – we serve a supporting role to facilitate clinical testing and research. The Biorepository Medical Laboratory Assistant is responsible for providing clerical and patient care support, especially in specimen handling and processing, as assigned. May perform any of the following depending on work location: specimen accessioning and data verification; specimen handling and transport to facilitate clinical testing and clinical trials; performing laboratory or equipment maintenance; maintains inventory of various laboratory and operating supplies. Perform waived laboratory testing. The Biorepository Medical Laboratory Assistant will be a supportive link between Nationwide Children’s Hospital laboratory customers and other areas within the Laboratory. This position should project a professional image through direct and indirect communication to both internal and external Nationwide Children’s Hospital customers.

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PRINCIPAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Maintains the technical skills required in the laboratory. Including specimen accessioning, specimen preparation and processing, and specimen delivery and storage. Handles specimens, including fresh blood and bone marrow, frozen tissue, frozen biological fluids, fixed paraffin-embedded tissue, and formalin-fixes tissue, according to standard operating procedures. 
• Maintains the computer skills required in the laboratory. Performs clerical tasks and specimen accessioning while maintaining knowledge of processing protocols and clinical trials. Enters specimen data into the appropriate laboratory information management system (e.g., LabVantage, STARS). Contacts external customers (via phone or email) for incomplete paperwork, missing information, etc. as needed to complete data entry.
• When performing waived laboratory testing, documents quality control, maintenance and troubleshooting appropriately. 
• Maintains laboratory operations by performing equipment maintenance and other required quality control and preventive maintenance. Performs routine safety and functional checks of equipment and temperature-controlled storage. 
• Prepares reagents and laboratory supplies for use. Orders and maintains working inventory of supplies.
• Demonstrates knowledge of and upholds applicable laws and regulations related to position and laboratory operations. Meets the standards of patient care and performs within the policies and procedures of Nationwide Children’s Hospital and the Department of Laboratory Medicine. 
• Maintains a safe environment. Wears appropriate personal protective equipment and uses NCH Zero Hero tools. Reports spills and hazardous situations immediately and acts appropriately. Follows established guidelines for disclosure of patient information.
• Performs and documents daily, weekly and monthly tasks on assigned work area task lists. 
• Communicates respectfully with co-workers and customers. Displays a positive attitude and ability to handle conflict. 
• Provides customer service in an efficient and effective manner to assure customer satisfaction and quality patient care. Including the ability to change manner of communication styles to adapt to various cultural differences. 
• Addresses sponsor or customer concerns by researching problems and identifying resolutions, using basic troubleshooting skills.
• Demonstrates the initiative and ability to provide feedback that is useful and assists in individual improvement. Actively engages in and supports efforts to develop an atmosphere of mutual respect and inclusiveness.
• Demonstrates the ability to adjust to change, handle interruptions and function with changing circumstances
• Participates in quality assurance and continuing education programs.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES REQUIRED

• High school diploma or equivalent; plus one to two years clinical laboratory/ medical experience and office experience. 
• Prefer American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP) certified. 
• Organizational skills, multitask, attention to detail, and computer experience.
• Maintains and fosters interpersonal relationships with internal and external customers.
• Presents information through oral and written communication effectively. 
• Works efficiently and independently promoting a team environment and maintaining a cooperative and supportive atmosphere. When personal workload is light, helps others to stay productive. 
• Demonstrates the ability to adjust to change, handle interruptions and function with changing circumstances.
• Demonstrates the ability to change manner of communication styles to adapt to various cultural differences.

MINIMUM PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Ability to stand for more than 1 hour at a time, sit for more than 1 hour at a time.
• Good visual and auditory acuity.
• Full use of hands and arms.
• Ability to speak clearly.
• Ability to lift up to 30 pounds occasionally.
• Intensity of the workload in this position will vary; it will be heavy but manageable most of the time. Pressure may arise due to deadlines associated with clinical testing, specimen processing, manuscripts, or grant proposals.
• The above list of duties is intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by individuals assigned to this classification.