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 and quantitative image analysis. This at-will position is wholly or partially funded by contractual grant funding which is renewed under provisions set by the grantor of the contract. Employment will be contingent upon the continued receipt of these grant funds and satisfactory job performance.

Job Summary

The job performs routine assignments related to scientific research projects. Ensures compliance of research activities with institutional, state, and federal regulatory policies, procedures, directives and mandates. Analyzes possible solutions using standard procedures. Writes articles, reports and manuscripts. Assists in drafting presentations on research findings.

The Research Specialist 2 will provide a wide array of routine assignments related to scientific research projects. The role ensures compliance of research activities with institutional, state, and federal regulatory policies, procedures, directives and mandates. Analyzes possible solutions using standard procedures. Writes articles, reports and manuscripts. Assists in drafting presentations on research findings. Additional primary functions include but are not limited to biospecimen processing, storage and distribution, as well as Biobanking protocol development, approval and communications.

Responsibilities

• Process various types of biofluid specimens including blood, plasma, serum, lymphocyte DNA, peripheral blood monocyte (PBMC) isolation, urine, and saliva.

• Registration, storage and retrieval of biospecimens in the freezer farm.

• Perform day-to-day digital pathology slide scanning and interact with investigators using this service.

• Assist the Technical Director of Biobanking in working with researchers to develop biospecimen banking protocols.

• Assist the Technical Director in coordinating, scheduling and running biobanking meetings for all new and existing protocols (track, edit and update HTRC Service Applications).

• Assist in LabVantage laboratory information management (LIM) system monitoring and maintenance and billing activities as needed.

• Assist the Technical Director in ensuring compliance with institutional and regulatory policies and procedures, including CAP accreditation.

• Other duties as determined by the Scientific Director.

• Maintains technical and administrative support for a research project.

• Analyzes and maintains data and/or specimens. Conducts literature reviews. Assists with preparation of reports, manuscripts and other documents.

• Installs, sets up and performs experiments; interacting with students and other laboratory staff under the direction of the principal investigator.

• Maintains recruiting and scheduling research subjects; assisting with developing or amending study protocols; assisting with developing data collection tools; assisting with building databases; and providing general administrative support. Has general awareness in research techniques or methods, regulatory policies and procedures, and relevant scientific field.

• Performs other related work as needed.

Minimum Qualifications

Education:

Minimum requirements include a college or university degree in related field.

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Work Experience:

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

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Certifications:

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Preferred Qualifications

Education:

• B.S./B.A. degree from an accredited college or university.

Experience:

• Wet lab experience.

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

• Strong analytical and mathematical skills.

Preferred Competencies

• Exceptional responsibility and attentiveness to detail.

• Mature, reliable, and professional demeanor.

• Ability to interact effectively with a variety of health care professionals, including faculty investigators, research managers, nursing and technical support staff.

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

Working Conditions

• Office/Lab environment.

Application Documents

• Resume (required)

• Cover Letter (preferred)

Job Family

Research

Role Impact

Individual Contributor

FLSA Status

Exempt

Pay Frequency

Monthly

Scheduled Weekly Hours

40

Benefits Eligible

Yes

Drug Test Required

No

Health Screen Required

Yes

Motor Vehicle Record Inquiry Required

No

Posting Statement

The University of Chicago is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity/Disabled/Veterans and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, national or ethnic origin, age, status as an individual with a disability, military or veteran status, genetic information, or other protected classes under the law. For additional information please see the University's Notice of Nondiscrimination.

Staff Job seekers in need of a reasonable accommodation to complete the application process should call 773-702-5800 or submit a request via Applicant Inquiry Form.

We seek a diverse pool of applicants who wish to join an academic community that places the highest value on rigorous inquiry and encourages a diversity of perspectives, experiences, groups of individuals, and ideas to inform and stimulate intellectual challenge, engagement, and exchange.

All offers of employment are contingent upon a background check that includes a review of conviction history. A conviction does not automatically preclude University employment. Rather, the University considers conviction information on a case-by-case basis and assesses the nature of the offense, the circumstances surrounding it, the proximity in time of the conviction, and its relevance to the position.

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