Biospecimen Associate I (4 x 10 hour shifts, Tuesday, Thursday- Saturday, 8:30AM - 7:00PM)

Company Description

Guardant Health is a leading precision oncology company focused on helping conquer cancer globally through use of its proprietary tests, vast data sets and advanced analytics. The Guardant Health oncology platform leverages capabilities to drive commercial adoption, improve patient clinical outcomes and lower healthcare costs across all stages of the cancer care continuum. Guardant Health has commercially launched Guardant360®, Guardant360 CDx, Guardant360 TissueNext™, Guardant360 Response™, and GuardantOMNI® tests for advanced stage cancer patients, and Guardant Reveal™ for early-stage cancer patients. The Guardant Health screening portfolio, including the Shield™ test, aims to address the needs of individuals eligible for cancer screening.

Job Description

About the Role:

The Biospecimen Associate I supports the management of patient samples and provides the link between the Clinical Operations and Client Services teams. The Biospecimen Associate I is responsible for receiving, unpacking, processing, and recording samples sent for laboratory testing under the supervision of the Biospecimen Management Supervisor.  The Biospecimen Associate I has demonstrated an understanding of laboratory workflow.

In addition to the primary role of biospecimen management, there may be a need to provide back-up support (non-testing) to the Analytical and/or Post-Analytical team. It is imperative that the Biospecimen Associate has demonstrated the ability to work independently, but also functions effectively as a member of the Guardant Health team. The nature of the work requires keeping organized records, excellent attention to detail, effective written and verbal communication skills, the ability to multi-task and be flexible with tasks and schedules, and the ability to work independently in a team environment.

We are excited to announce that our Biospecimen Management Team has transitioned to a 4-day, 10-hour work schedule. We encourage applicants to apply only if this schedule aligns with your availability and preferences.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Support the laboratory staff with sample intake, accessioning, and processing of all incoming blood specimens.
• Responsible for entering and verifying data in the Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS) database.
• Prepare samples for testing by isolating plasma from whole blood.
• Ability to prepare and document sample transfers to Clinical Operations department for testing.
• Manage storage of plasma aliquots and blood specimens
• Escalate or resolve and document any discrepancies, or incomplete, and/or unacceptable specimens.
• Operate, maintain, and troubleshoot equipment according to the laboratory’s Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).
• Assist in the organization and upkeep of the laboratory area (daily and weekly maintenance).
• Work closely with the Analytical, Post-Analytical, and Client Services teams to provide consistent and ongoing support to the entire service department.
• Communicate test system deviations from the laboratory’s established performance specifications by reporting Nonconforming Event Reports (NCRs).
• May assist with training of new laboratory personnel and training of new procedures with existing personnel.
• Report all concerns of test quality and/or safety to the Supervisor or Safety Officer
• Perform other miscellaneous duties as assigned and assist others as time allows to ensure minimal impact to delivery of results.

Qualifications

• Minimum of Associate of Arts or equivalent experience required.
• Bachelor of Arts or Science in Biomedical Laboratory Science, Clinical Science or related field preferred
• 1-2 years of laboratory work experience preferred.
• Ability to proactively communicate consistently, clearly, and honestly.
• Strong computing skills
• Ability to prepare and maintain records and logs.
• Ability to integrate and apply feedback in a professional manner.
• Ability to prioritize tasks with a high emphasis on quality.
• Solution oriented with ability to escalate issues or problems in a timely manner.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.

Work Environment:

• Hours and days may vary depending on operational needs.
• Standing or sitting for long periods of time may be necessary.
• May be exposed to hazardous materials, blood specimens and instruments with moving parts, heating or freezing elements, and high-speed centrifugation.
• Repetitive manual pipetting may be necessary.
• Some lifting (up to 25 pounds) may be necessary. 

Additional Information

For positions based in Palo Alto, CA or Redwood City, CA, the hourly range for this full-time