BioBank Research Specialist

The Department of Genetic Medicine is seeking a BioBank Research Specialist, who under the supervision of a faculty investigator, independently assists with the consulting, coordinating and initiation of biobanking projects in a busy core facility. In addition, this role will involve independent performing of a range of analyses and tests on human fluids and/or tissue or cultured cell lines, the cryogenic preservation of analytes and biological isolates and the distribution of biological materials. Work requires good physical fitness, basic and advanced knowledge of cryogenic preservation, clinical trials, consent and IRB regulations, use of scientific methods, procedures and techniques gained through previous training and experience. Uses understanding of biobanking processes and applies skills to implement assigned projects and to identify and trouble-shoot situations needing special attention.

Specific Duties & Responsibilities

• Assist with handling a variety of clinical/research specimens in extreme cold conditions including liquid nitrogen (-180 deg C), ultra-cold (-80 deg C), frozen (-20 deg C) and dry ice temperatures.
• Assist with development and implementation of coordinated BioBank efforts including physical inventory, retrievals, deposits, discards, relabeling, and major projects.
• Independently perform physical duties of retrieving and depositing heavy (up to 30 lbs) cryogenically frozen racks from large liquid nitrogen vessels.
• Assist with preparation, packaging, and shipment of UN3373 Category B cryopreserved/live biospecimens to investigators around the world following IATA and DOT regulations/guidelines.
• Assist with the inventory and organization of cryogenically frozen biospecimens using a vapor-phase liquid nitrogen transport cart.
• Ensure all biospecimens remain within safe and acceptable temperature ranges as dictated by standard operating procedures, protocols, and policies.
• Function as an active member of the Quality Assurance Team Lead: Maintenance log tracking, inventory monitoring, distribution tracking, technology transfer agreement monitoring, sterility testing, equipment maintenance agreement upkeep, investigator billing, weekly success reporting and quarterly function checks.
• Perform regular quality tracking reports and present to the Quality Assurance Team and CAP compliance committee.
• Maintain clinically accurate and compliant data records. Updating of database and documentation in Laboratory notebooks and the Inventory monitoring system (LIMS).
• Maintain and make minor adjustments to equipment, e.g. calibrating, alignment.
• Independently uses various software applications to assemble, manipulate and/or format data and/or reports. Carry out duties and responsibilities with limited supervision.
• Monitor dry ice usage and prepare dry ice invoices for the Johns Hopkins community.
• Support and assist in plans and development for an Institutional Biorepository.
• Analyzing Quality Monitors specific to the biorepository and prepare reporting documents.
• Design and perform biorepository protocol preparation sheets and process accordingly.
• Follows established standard operating procedures or protocols and utilizes appropriate technique to perform laboratory tests and/or experiments, which may include cryopreservation of blood isolates, cells, tissue or other biologicals, tissue culture, cell separation methods, clinical trial support assays, basic and advanced molecular and cellular biology, or other specialized biological and clinical science techniques.
• Perform various clinical support techniques, from sera/ plasma and blood isolations, fibroblast establishment and lymphocytic cell line establishment.
• Assist in general maintenance of the laboratory and associated document tracking to support CAP quality assurance.
• Will assist in the preparation of any manuscripts resulting from work in the lab.
• Will cross-train in other divisions and perform miscellaneous related duties as assigned.
• Will be expected to function in an independent manner and participate in establishing new techniques/assays in the lab.

Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities

• Basic understanding of molecular biology, blood processing, and cell biology.
• Experience working with liquid nitrogen or cryogenic liquids.
• The job requires good physical fitness with duties including lifting racks up to 30 lbs from waist level to shoulder height.
• Requires the ability to safely operate scientific laboratory equipment.
• The job requires superior organizational skills for time and data management.
• Requires excellent communication skills and the ability to function well in a team production setting.

Machines/equipment used

• Liquid Nitrogen Cryogenic Freezers
• -80 deg C Ultra-cold Freezers
• Dry Ice
• MVE Vapor-Phase LN2 Cryocart
• CO2 incubators
• Laminar flow hood
• Centrifuge
• Microscope
• Cell counter
• Autoclave
• Computers/ iPad etc.

Physical Requirements

• Reaching by extending hand(s) or arm(s) in any direction.
• Finger dexterity to manipulate objects with fingers rather than with whole hand or arm.
• Communication skills using the spoken word.
• Ability to see and hear within normal parameters; lift up to 50 lbs (40lbs for women), carry, move supplies, computers, glassware, etc.
• Ability to move about workspace.

• Bachelor's Degree in Biology, Chemistry or related field.
• One year laboratory experience performing relevant techniques.
• Master's Degree, with related graduate research, may substitute for experience to the extent permitted by the JHU equivalency formula.

• Working with liquid nitrogen or cryogenic liquids.
• Experience working in a biobanking or biorepository setting.
• Familiarity with the College of American Pathologists Accreditation Program.
• Additional relevant laboratory experience acquired through extracurricular activities.

• Some related post-undergraduate work experience.

Classified Title: Research Specialist
Job Posting Title: BioBank Research Specialist
Role/Level/Range: ACRP/03/MA
Starting Salary Range: $17.11 - $29.90 HRLY ($48,900 targeted; Commensurate with experience)
Employee group: Full Time
Schedule: M-F, 8:30 to 5pm
Exempt Status:Non-Exempt
Location:School of Medicine Campus
Department name: SOM Genetic Resources Core Facility GRCF
Personnel area: School of Medicine