Biospecimen Coordinator - WVU Cancer Institute (Clinical Research Unit)

The WVU Cancer Institute's Clinical Research Unit at West Virginia University Research Corporation is currently accepting applications for a Biospecimen Coordinator.

About the Opportunity

As a Biospecimen Coordinator, you will be responsible for facilitating all aspects of biological specimen requirements at the WVU Cancer Institute Clinical Research Unit (WVUCI CRU) and other associated researchers on HSC campus. You will process specimens according to the specific procedures provided by each clinical trial and document appropriately in a variety of databases and/or on paper forms. You will Identify and enroll patients on applicable research projects, serve as resource regarding clinical laboratory techniques and procedures, and provide laboratory training to team members as needed.

At WVU Research Corporation, we strongly believe in work-life balance and keeping time for things we love outside our work. WVU Research Corporation offers a comprehensive benefits package with a variety of options to suit your needs:

• 13 paid holidays (staff holiday calendar)

• PTO

• 403(b) retirement savings with a fully vested 3% employee contribution match, (Employees have the option of contributing an additional 1-3% of their earnings to the plan, which is also matched by the WVURC)

• A range of health insurance and other benefits

• Dependent Education Scholarship

• WVU Perks

• And More!!

What you'll do:

• Supervise others in bio-specimen collection, preparation, and storage.

• Serve as first point of contact and resource for internal and external contacts regarding lab techniques and procedures.

• Assist in policy and procedures creation as related to bio-specimen collection, preparation and storage.

• Review new studies for biospecimen requirements. Assess if required lab processes are feasible for site, including time, equipment, and space requirements.

• Obtain informed consent from research participants when applicable.

• Following study protocol, lab manuals and sponsor requirements

• Perform medical history screening for possible study enrollment.

• Collect bio-specimen samples from research participants and perform routine laboratory tests on samples.

• Observe patients, charting and reporting changes in patients' conditions. such as adverse reactions to medication or treatment, and taking any necessary action.

• Obtain and record patients' vital signs, such as height, weight, temperature, blood pressure, pulse and respiration.

• Maintain accurate and thorough documentation to include the chain of custody of each sample from collection through shipment/analysis/destruction.

• Sample preparation may include centrifugation, pipetting, DNA/RNA extraction, white blood cell separation.

• Store and ship samples per federal, institutional and sponsor requirements.

• Data entry of collection and specimen details into study specific specimen tracking systems and/or paper forms. Resolve queries related to submitted specimens.

• Register and track all shipments.

• Attend department or protocol specific meetings as necessary.

• Assist with coordination of patient flow, telephone screening, preparation of patients for examination and procedures, and giving injections as directed.

• Work in conjunction with the pathology departments (may be external to WVU Medicine) for archived tissue collection to confirm adequate tissue is available per protocol. Request de-identified block/slides as available, labels with study provided ID and ships to the corresponding lab.

• Collaborate with interventional radiology, surgical staff or other clinical team for fresh tissue specimens to prepare for tumor biopsy per protocol. On hand during the tumor collection for any immediate required processing and ships the fresh tumor sample out to the corresponding lab.

• Maintain lab equipment, including coordination of routine vendor maintenance, initial troubleshooting of malfunctions, and general condition of laboratory space.

• Wash or discard dirty equipment and lab area as appropriate.

• Oversee supplies as needed to ensure adequate stock is available.

• Communicate with external sponsors regarding kit maintenance, storage and destruction procedures.

• Breakdown kits as needed following completion of study and/or expiration of materials.

• May have additional duties as assigned.

• Bachelor's degree in healthcare, biological sciences or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and directly related experience.

• A minimum of three (3) years of experience in the following:

• Experience in medical or research setting.

• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications and/or EPIC electronic medical records.

• Proficiency with word processing, spreadsheet and database applications required.

• Familiarity with basic laboratory processes preferred.

• Ability to multi-task with multiple processes occurring simultaneously.

• Skilled at working as a team member.

• Ability to prepare and update policy and procedures related to bio-specimen collection, preparation and storage of specimens.

• Should possess good written/oral communication and have knowledge of basic computer applications using Word and Excel.

• Excellent customer service skills and the ability to communicate effectively with patients and families; pharmaceutical company personnel; regulatory and monitoring agency personnel, and internal staff members. Communicates with physicians, patients, students and employees of WVU and Health Sciences Center.

• Working knowledge of appropriate patient assessment techniques and medical terminology.

• Knowledge of appropriate bio-specimen collection and processing techniques.

• Ability to read, analyze and interpret general business periodicals, professional journals, technical procedures or governmental regulations.

• Ability to write reports, business correspondence, and procedure manuals.

• Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from groups of managers, clients, customers, and the general public.

• Ability to develop constructive and cooperative working relationships with others and maintain them over time.

• Basic chemistry lab skills as demonstrated by passing a high school chemistry course.

• Ability to apply concepts of basic algebra and geometry.

• Ability to calculate figures and amounts such as discounts, interest, commissions, proportions. percentages, area, circumference and volume.

• Ability to analyze information and evaluate results to choose the best solution, solve practical problems and deal with a variety of concrete variables in situations where only limited standardization exists.

• Ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram or schedule form.

• Ability to develop specific goals and plans, to prioritize, organize and accomplish tasks independently and through others.

• Ability to learn how to reproducibly use a pipette and maintain safe lab practices.

• Ability to be certified in phlebotomy.

Preferred Qualifications:

• A minimum of three (3) years of familiarity with Clinical Research.

Certifications:

• Phlebotomy certification required within 6 months of start date.