Junior Research Technician

Department

BSD SRF - Human Tissue Resource Center - Biobank

About the Department

The Human Tissue Research Center (HTRC) is a University of Chicago Biological Sciences Division (BSD) Core Facility that is managed by the Office of Shared Research Facilities (OSRF). The HTRC is accredited by the College of American Pathologists (CAP) and is administratively divided into two sub-cores: Histology and Biospecimen Bank (Biobank). The Biobank sub-core provides institutional biospecimen banking services for IRB-approved protocols involving human tissues and body fluids. The Biobank sub-core also serves as the biospecimen distribution center, providing previously collected samples to investigators for their research needs. In addition, the Biobank sub-core offers Digital Pathology services with automated, high-throughput scanning for publication quality images, quantitative image analysis and laser capture microdissection.

Job Summary

The job provides basic technical support activities related to scientific research projects. Complies with institutional, state, and federal regulatory policies, procedures, directives and mandates. Assists in drafting presentations on research findings.

The Junior Research Technician provides technical support activities related to biomedical research projects by processing and managing of human biospecimens. Responsibilities include processing whole blood components, isolation of peripheral blood mononuclear cells, and assisting processing of human tissue samples. Additional duties include communicating with Clinical Research Coordinators and investigators regarding sample handling and timelines, and maintaining adequate laboratory supplies.

Responsibilities

• Processing of whole blood into components (plasma, serum and DNA).

• Isolation peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC).

• Aliquoting of fecal samples.

• Assisting in processing of human tissue samples.

• Use of an electronic inventory management system to track sample custody and long-term storage locations in the HTRC Freezer Farm.

• Communicating with CRCs and investigators about sample delivery, process times, and questions about samples via phone/email/pager.

• Accessing -80C and liquid nitrogen (-196C) freezers and dry ice chest with appropriate PPE to retrieve and store biospecimens.

• Maintaining adequate stock of supplies.

• This job provides technical and administrative support in a laboratory environment performing basic laboratory techniques, research and analysis under direction.

• Provides routine or standardized laboratory duties by collecting data in support of research projects under direct supervision.

• Collects and enters data. Assists in analysis of data and with preparation of reports, manuscripts and other documents.

• Complies with institution, state and federal regulatory policies, procedures, directives, and mandates.

• Performs other related work as needed.

Minimum Qualifications

Education:

Minimum requirements include vocational training, apprenticeships or the equivalent experience in related field (not typically required to have a four-year degree).

Work Experience:

Minimum requirements include knowledge and skills developed through < 2 years of work experience in a related job discipline.

Certifications:

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Preferred Qualifications

Education:

• College/University Degree in related field strongly preferred.

Experience:

• Experience using centrifuges strongly preferred.

• Experience with DNA extraction strongly preferred.

• Experience with PBMC isolation strongly preferred.

• Experience working with human biospecimens strongly preferred.

• Familiarity with Windows-based operating systems and common software programs such as Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Web-based applications strongly preferred.

Preferred Competencies

• Multitask in a fast-paced environment strongly preferred.  

• Attention to detail, responsible, and professional strongly preferred.

• Strong communication skills with the ability to collaborate effectively with individuals at all levels and from diverse backgrounds strongly preferred.

Working Conditions

•    Lab Environment strongly preferred.