Biospecimen Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Position Objective: The Biobank Assay Specialist will provide support to the National Institute of Mental Health within the National Institutes of Health (NIH).

Assay Specialist, NINDS Biospecimen Core Repository: Oversee operation of the roboticized PhIP-Seq platform (60% effort); provide biobank backup support for biospecimen processing/aliquoting (20%); and learn to support flow cytometry, ELISA, and Quanterix Simoa assays (20%). Work on site in a BSL-2 lab with human biofluids and tissues. Duties include sample labeling, logging, auditing, processing, running assays, and data delivery. Requires MLS/ Medical Technology degree or master's degree or equivalent. Experience with vacutainers, PCR, NGS library prep and working in CAP- or CLIA-certified labs strongly preferred.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Perform fundamental procedures required for research projects.
• Follow established procedures and protocols; utilize aseptic technique to perform experiments.
• Perform a variety of laboratory techniques and procedures.
• Perform flow cytometry-based experiments, including cell preparation, cell sorting and molecular analysis of sorted subsets.
• Perform routine analysis and tests on specimens in the laboratory.
• Prepare materials and equipment for experiments.
• Maintain stocked supplies and records of working reagents, including fixatives, buffers, solvents and staining.
• Process and organize multiple samples simultaneously. 2
• Work with a variety of routine and specialized laboratory instruments and equipment in the laboratory.
• Ensure that all specimens and equipment necessary for experiments are available and in good order. 3
• Prepare specimens and equipment for use in the laboratory.
• Perform processing, description and analysis of specimens.
• Store new samples, update database, retrieve samples with proper authorization. 4
• Upkeep sample and database inventory; monitor overall sample inventory.
• Retrieve, catalog and process samples including but not limited to blood and tumor tissue.
• Maintain inventory system and sample storage according to outlined guidelines.
• Perform processing, description and analysis of samples.
• Update and maintain written laboratory record of the work.
• Collect and enter research data into laboratory notebooks and databases.
• Collect data and prepare for analysis and interpretation.
• Ensure that supplies and consumables are ready and on hand as necessary for maximum efficiency in the laboratory.
• Perform fundamental procedures required for research projects.
• Perform a variety of laboratory techniques and procedures.
• Perform flow cytometry-based experiments, including cell preparation, cell sorting and molecular analysis of sorted subsets.
• Perform routine analysis and tests on specimens in the laboratory. 1
• Perform experiments on samples according to protocols.
• Perform routine experiments and tests; follow established procedures and protocols.
• Monitor and inventory routine laboratory supplies; ensure that supplies are stocked and organized.
• Manage the laboratory logistics and supply flow by tracking the consumption of laboratory materials.
• Plan and organize requests for basic and extraordinary laboratory needs for supplies and consumables.
• Ensure that supplies and consumables are ready and on hand as necessary for maximum efficiency in the laboratory.
• Monitor inventory levels and proper storage of materials and supplies in accordance with established policies and procedures.
• Establish and maintain a record of laboratory supply usage.
• Inventory laboratory supplies and equipment, make recommendations and prepare purchase requests.
• Order and maintain laboratory supplies, reagents and equipment.
• Monitor equipment performance and maintenance schedules.
• Assist in troubleshooting and calibrating various laboratory equipment and instruments.
• Coordinate general laboratory maintenance, including equipment upkeep and calibration.
• Perform calibration, run controls and enter results for various equipment.
• Monitor and maintain contracts for laboratory equipment and monitor equipment performance and maintenance schedule.
• Perform fundamental procedures required for research projects.
• Perform a variety of laboratory techniques and procedures.
• Perform flow cytometry-based experiments, including cell preparation, cell sorting and molecular analysis of sorted subsets.
• Perform routine analysis and tests on specimens in the laboratory.
• Provide experimental progress updates on procedures performed in the laboratory. 5
• Prepare reports and summaries based on results and findings.
• Record details of experimental procedures, results and protocols.
• Coordinate general laboratory maintenance, including equipment upkeep and calibration.
• Perform preventive maintenance on laboratory equipment.
• Monitor and maintain contracts for laboratory equipment and monitor equipment performance and maintenance schedule.
• Provide technical help and expertise to lab members.
• Recognize and initiate the investigation into problems with clinical laboratory procedures and equipment; Undergo Tecan 780 Fluent training
• Communicate assay progress to assay users - Bi-Weekly
• Schedule maintenance for equipment – Yearly
• Prepare annual PhIP-Seq usage and expenditure report - Bi-Annually
• Notify PIs of assay completion
• Deliver processed data to assays users PIs
• Review PhIP-Seq queue Daily
• Biospecimen Logging

Basic Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Medical Technologies Technicians or similar field of study.
• Requires MLS/ Medical Technology degree or master's degree or equivalent
• Skilled in Excel and Pipetting
• At least 2-4 years of hands-on laboratory experience in biomedical, clinical, or translational research settings
• Demonstrated experience working in a BSL-2 laboratory and handling human biofluids and/or tissues.
• Ability to maintain accurate sample records, logs, audit trails, and QC documentation. PCR

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience with vacutainers, PCR, NGS library prep and working in CAP- or CLIA-certified labs strongly preferred
• Ability to communicate effectively, orally and in writing, with non-technical and technical staff
• Detail-oriented and possess strong organizational skills with the ability to prioritize multiple tasks and projects

*This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required by this position.  

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed above are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

GAP Solutions provides reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities. If you need an accommodation to apply for a job, email us at recruiting@gapsi.com. You will need to reference the requisition number of the position in which you are interested. Your message will be routed to the appropriate recruiter who will assist you. Please note, this email address is only to be used for those individuals who need an accommodation to apply for a job. Emails for any other reason or those that do not include a requisition number will not be returned.

Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, protected veteran status or other characteristics protected by law.

This position is contingent upon contract award.