Research Associate, Translational Sciences & Clerical Innovation (TraCI) Biobank

Wayne State University is searching for an experienced Research Associate, Translational Sciences & Clerical Innovation (TraCI) Biobank at its Detroit campus location.

Wayne State is a premier, public, urban research university located in the heart of Detroit, Michigan where students from all backgrounds are offered a rich, high-quality education. Our deep-rooted commitment to excellence, collaboration, integrity, diversity and inclusion creates exceptional educational opportunities which prepare students for success in a global society.

Position Purpose:

The research associate position at Wayne State University Biobank combines applied artificial intelligence (AI) and data expertise with biobanking operations expertise to advance the collection, management, transformation, and utilization of biospecimens and research data. This role drives the development and implementation of AI-enabled solutions that improve research project execution, specimen lifecycle management, and data integration pipelines. In addition, the role will focus on biobank operations, specimen workflow support, and research project coordination in compliance with federal regulations, accreditation standards, and institutional policies. This position will report directly to the Biobank Manager.

 

Essential Functions:

 

Facilitate biobank research data management and integration by auditing, cataloging, evaluating source medical records and biospecimen research data.

 

Assess data for quality, format, completeness, and personal health identifiers (PHI)/de-identification status produce a formal Data Inventory & Assessment Report.

 

Map source fields to destination system and define transformation rules, logic, and Artificial Intelligence Natural Language Processing tool selections for extracting and normalizing unstructured clinical data for research.

 

Build and document scalable, automated research data transformation pipelines with integrated Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) compliance checkpoints, implemented as repeatable pipeline components, to support ingestion into the PHOENIX Prevalence Profiler and other research data systems.

 

Execute end-to-end testing of transformed research datasets against acceptance criteria, remediate data quality issues, and deliver final aggregated source and output research datasets.

Maintain accurate specimen and data records in OnCore, inventory systems, and other tracking platforms; support inventory reconciliation and data cleanup.

 

Identify biobanking and research workflows suited for AI, automation, data analysis, or digital process optimization. · Design, prototype, and support AI-enabled tools for specimen tracking, inventory review, documentation support, standard operating procedures (SOP) navigation, discrepancy review, research reporting, and operational decision support. · Develop workflow maps, AI use-case inventories, prompt libraries, tool documentation, and implementation guides for AI-supported biobanking and research processes. · Monitor AI-assisted tools for accuracy, usability, and operational risk; support validation activities, document tool limitations, and ensure AI outputs are used appropriately. · Train and support research staff in approved AI-assisted tools, digital workflows, and automation processes; contribute to continuous improvement efforts that strengthen research efficiency and audit readiness.

 

Manage specimen lifecycle activities including receipt, accessioning, labeling, aliquoting, storage, retrieval, distribution, and shipment in accordance with established protocols.

 

Responsible for physical sample verification and consent validation prior to sample distribution. Oversee extraction of patient samples for research and clinical testing; ensure sample quality for diagnostic testing or other analyses.

 

Develop and maintain environmental control protocols including storage at ambient and - 80°C temperatures, including freezer maintenance.

 

Support inventory reconciliation, discrepancy resolution, quality control checks, and operational reporting for all biobank samples.

 

Maintain chain-of-custody documentation, barcoding accuracy, and compliance with Institutional Review Board (IRB) and Institutional Biosafety Com