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Biosample Operations Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

Biosample Operations information

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Biosample Operations professional, and why are they important?

To thrive in Biosample Operations, you need a solid understanding of biological sciences, sample management processes, and regulatory guidelines, often supported by a degree in life sciences or a related field. Familiarity with Laboratory Information Management Systems (LIMS), sample tracking software, and relevant quality standards such as GCP or GLP is essential. Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and effective communication are crucial soft skills for coordinating between laboratory, clinical, and project teams. These capabilities ensure the integrity, traceability, and timely delivery of biosamples critical to successful research and development outcomes.

What is the difference between Biosample Operations vs Laboratory Technician?

AspectBiosample OperationsLaboratory Technician
Required CredentialsTypically requires a degree in biology, biotechnology, or related field; certifications in lab safety or sample handling are commonUsually requires a high school diploma or associate degree; certifications may include lab safety or specific technical skills
Work EnvironmentInvolves handling, processing, and managing biological samples in labs or biorepositoriesPerforms routine lab tests, prepares samples, and assists in experiments within laboratory settings
Employer & Industry UsageCommon in biotech, pharmaceutical, and research institutionsFound across healthcare, research labs, and clinical settings

While both roles work within laboratory environments, Biosample Operations focuses on managing and processing biological samples, often requiring specialized knowledge and certifications. Laboratory Technicians perform routine testing and sample preparation, supporting experimental and diagnostic activities. Understanding these differences helps in choosing the right career path or job search focus.

What are some common challenges faced in a Biosample Operations role, and how are they typically addressed?

Professionals in Biosample Operations often encounter challenges related to sample tracking, data integrity, and timely coordination between clinical sites and laboratories. Managing large volumes of biosamples across multiple studies requires robust logistical planning and strict adherence to regulatory guidelines. To address these issues, teams utilize specialized tracking software, implement standardized operating procedures, and maintain close communication with cross-functional teams such as clinical operations and data management. Proactive problem-solving and attention to detail are essential for ensuring sample quality, compliance, and study timelines.

What are Biosample Operations?

Biosample Operations refers to the processes and activities involved in the collection, handling, tracking, and management of biological samples in clinical research and pharmaceutical studies. Professionals in this field ensure that samples such as blood, tissue, or urine are collected, processed, stored, and shipped according to strict protocols and regulatory requirements. Their work is critical for maintaining sample integrity and supporting high-quality, reliable data for research and development. Biosample Operations teams collaborate closely with clinical sites, laboratories, and project managers to ensure the success of studies and trials.
What cities in Illinois are hiring for Biosample Operations jobs? Cities in Illinois with the most Biosample Operations job openings:
Infographic showing various Biosample Operations job openings in Illinois as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 15% Full Time, 76% Part Time, 4% Temporary, 1% Contract, and 2% Nights. Highlights an 19% Physical, 80% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution.
PostDoctoral Fellow - Public Health Focus

PostDoctoral Fellow - Public Health Focus

Meharry Medical College

Campus, IL

$47K - $64K/yr

Full-time

Posted 9 days ago


Job description

The Postdoctoral Fellow will support work performed via a National Institute for Health P50 funded research award titled, "Community Team Lifestyle Immersion Program for Chronic Disease Prevention and Control". This position affords the candidate experience in conducting health behavior modification intervention and translational research under PI mentorship.
The Postdoctoral Fellow will work directly with our MDHA community partners and assist clinicians to identify, recruit and consent eligible patients for the research study, schedule study visits at various time intervals, instrument the study survey in hard copy or REDCap, urine and blood specimen collection, processing and storage, educate participants, record keeping, and data management/analysis.
The Post-Doctoral Fellow will understudy management and maintenance of IRB protocols, adhere to research standard operating procedures (SOP), be fully engaged with data collection, data entry, data management, data analysis, presentation of research in the form of scientific poster, and manuscript. The Postdoctoral Fellow will prepare monthly reports and present same at the TLIP monthly seminar and will be expected to develop a hypertension related pilot research project to be submitted for Career Development award such as a KO1.

Daily Operations

  • Complete all required research training in-person & Identify eligible study participants and consent them.
  • Complete the study questionnaire by interview onto hard copy surveys or REDCap, including physical body-fat distribution measurements (Weight, height, skin-fold thickness, waist & hip circumference).
  • Collect urine and blood samples from all participants, handle, process, label accurately, and store the Biosamples appropriately.
  • Train study participants in the following areas of blood pressure self-management, nutrition, and physical fitness by education presentation and practical demonstration.
  • Assist investigators to complete follow-up of participants at 1-month, 3-months, and 6-months post intervention, and complete their follow-up surveys, measurements, and biosample collection.
  • Complete research data entry into the study database, manage the database, and analyze research sata.
  • Develop and submit a scientific poster and a pilot grant proposal or an NIH Career Development Grant proposal.

Required Skills

  • Must have the ability to express self clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing, and to establish and maintain effective rapport and effective working relations with participants and research team members.
  • Must have the ability to operate personal computer, other office equipment, and a variety of audio-visual equipment, and proficiency using Microsoft Work, Microsoft Excel, Microsoft, PowerPoint, etc.
  • Should have proficiency in biosample collection and handling, including phlebotomy.
  • Must be familiar with entering and managing research study data via SPSS database or electronic database such as REDCap, with willingness to learn same within 2 weeks.
  • Must have basic physical fitness and nutrition recommendation knowledge, and the ability to demonstrate physical fitness and healthy plate activities.
  • Must express readiness to learn research skills required to successfully develop a scientific poster and a pilot project for the purpose of submitting a career development grant.

Required Education and Experience

  • Doctoral Degree in Public Health related specialty, Nutrition, Health Education, Health administration and Planning, social work, behavioral science from an accredited college or university with at least one-year related work experience required. Additional related Certification preferred.
  • Prior experience conducting human subjects research.
  • Prior experience in recruitment and retention of racial/ethnic minorities into research studies.
  • Evidence of a submitted thesis and/or publication in peer reviewed journal.