CU Skin Cancer Biorepository Lab Sciences Professional

University of Colorado•Aurora, CO

1d•Onsite

About The Position

The CU Skin Cancer Biorepository Lab Sciences Professional will perform required operations related to the Skin Cancer Biorepository. This includes identifying patients eligible to provide specimens, obtaining informed consents, and collecting samples such as blood (will need phlebotomy certification if not already certified), tissue, and other bodily fluids. This position will also maintain the specimen database and assist with specimen preparation for storage, as well as for the preparation of DNA, RNA, plasma, and serum. This role involves spending time both in the Cutaneous Oncology Clinic at the University Hospital and in the research laboratories at the University of Colorado AMC. Under a Study Use Agreement, samples and clinical information collected by the Skin Cancer Biorepository will be made available to researchers at the University of Colorado medical campus, other academic institutions, and commercial biotech and pharmaceutical companies. This position will be the primary point of contact for these collaborations, organizing and managing contract records. Key responsibilities include consenting eligible patients, coordinating the shipment of materials, performing routine follow-up blood draws, and providing clinical data for analysis. This role will also schedule and attend weekly Scientific Advisory Committee meetings, maintain records of these meetings, and assist in preparing quarterly reports on the bank’s activities. The tissue bank is a critical component of the Cutaneous Oncology Research Laboratory, directed by Dr. William Robinson, MD/PhD, and Dr. Kasey Couts, PhD.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in biology, molecular biology, chemistry, genetics or related field
A combination of education and related technical/military/paraprofessional experience may be substituted for a bachelor’s degree on a year for year basis.
Applicants must meet minimum qualifications at the time of hire.
Willingness to become Phlebotomist certified and draw blood, if not already certified.
Knowledge of basic laboratory techniques including safety procedures and techniques.
Ability to communicate effectively, both in writing and orally.
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with employees at all levels throughout the institution.
Outstanding customer service skills.
Knowledge of basic human anatomy, physiology, and medical terminology.
Ability to interpret and master complex research protocol information.
Proficient daily use with MS Office software (Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Access) and Viper including internet and electronic mail capabilities for University of Colorado business only.
Possess knowledge of Good Clinical Practices, FDA Rules and Regulations, NHI guidelines, ICH guidelines and HIPAA regulations in relation to clinical trials.
Understanding of basic laboratory skills including sterile technique, specimen preparation, handling and storage.

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree in biology, molecular biology, chemistry, genetics or related field.
Two (2) years of experience in oncology clinical research.
Previous phlebotomy experience.
Previous experience as a Clinical Research Coordinator.

Responsibilities

Identify and recruit prospective skin cancer research participants for sample collection for the Cutaneous Oncology Tissue Bank.
Draw blood from consented patients.
Ensure the informed consent process is completed and properly documented as required.
Obtain medical history, current medications, and review protocol inclusion/exclusion criteria to confirm patient eligibility; perform blood draws as needed.
Transport blood and/or tissue samples from the clinic to the melanoma research laboratory.
Work closely with pathology and outside facilities to obtain FFPE blocks and fresh tissue from consented patients.
Track patients undergoing surgery to obtain tissue samples then coordinating with laboratory staff and the Tissue Bank to facilitate research activities.
Collaborate with Principal Investigators (PIs) and other stakeholders that support laboratory and research functions to coordinate biorepository sample collections.
Communicate timely updates to the Institutional Review Board and Regulatory Affairs Coordinator regarding protocols to ensure smooth study flow and compliance with governing regulations.
Review patient medical history and enter data for all Tissue Bank patients; initiate phone contact with patients and obtain outside medical records when necessary.