GENERAL SUMMARY/ OVERVIEW STATEMENT:

The goal of the NEALS Biorepository is to provide infrastructure to collect, store, and share biofluids (blood, spinal fluid, urine, fibroblasts, DNA, and RNA) and the accompanying clinical data with ALS researchers locally and globally. The Neurological Clinical Research Institute at MGH (MGH NCRI) maintains and continuously improves the infrastructure, coordination, operating procedures, and activities of the NEALS biorepository to provide consistent sample receipt, access and usage, and continued benefits in the form of scientific discovery and support for ALS translational and clinical research.

Working as a part of the Coordinating Center at the Neurological Clinical Research Institute (NCRI) and as a member of the biorepository team on the site level, the incumbent will be responsible for supporting site research and coordinating center tasks associated with the collection, storage, and distribution of specimens from single and multi-site research studies which are stored within the biorepository. Duties include but are not limited to routine processing of blood, urine, and CSF, isolation of plasma and serum, receipt of specimens from external sites, distribution of specimens for approved research, maintaining processing room supplies and equipment, freezer maintenance, general specimen management, and project tracking. The incumbent will also be responsible for administrative support of the biorepository, including coordination of the regulatory and administrative requirements of the ALS Repository (Living Library) biobanking protocol.

PRINCIPAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Relevant activities include, but are not limited to the following:

Working under the supervision of the Biorepository Manager and the Biorepository Specialist, the successful applicant will perform various routine procedures following established methodologies. Responsibilities include:

1. Adheres to the biorepository's quality assurance procedures, including documenting all:

a. quality control activities;

b. instrument and equipment verifications;

c. maintenance and preventive maintenance.

2. Identifies and document problems that may adversely affect specimen management and notify the supervisor and or biorepository manager,
3. Document all corrective actions taken when specimen management procedures deviate from the biorepository's established processes or requirements.
4. Monitoring and maintaining supplies associated with specimen collection, storage, and management under the biorepository's purview.
5. Corresponds with the Institutional Review Board (IRB) for protocol approval, study continuation, annual reporting of studies, and submission of amendments.
6. Supports the research activities of the center associated with the processing and managing samples collected in research studies.
7. Maintains records and databases.

Routine procedures and duties will include but are not limited to:

* Accession routine patient specimens.

* Accurately enters information from source documents and manifests into the computer following study-specific work instructions.

* Printing labels and affixing bar-coded labels to tubes and related documents.

* Managing inventory-related issues.

* Maintaining freezer temperature logs.

* Record keeping of equipment service, calibration, and preventative maintenance.

* Scheduling routine maintenance of biorepository equipment, including freezers, pipettes, and centrifuges.

* Assists in moving samples to backup freezers when equipment fails, is under repair, or for general inventory management initiatives.

* Maintenance of shared specimen processing spaces.

* Monitoring and ordering sample processing and management supplies.

* Maintaining sample inventory records, including location and distribution

* Pulling and distributing samples for approved projects.

* Specimen processing, transfers specimens from racks to centrifuges and decant station. Decants, sorts, and labels specimens.

a. Plasma extraction and storage,

b. Serum extraction and storage,

c. CSF processing and storage,

d. Whole blood processing and storage,

e. Urine processing and storage.

* Interacts internally with other hospital departments such as wet labs, other biobanks, and Environmental Services as needed.

* Assists in collecting data for quality assurance and quality control programs.

* Sorts and prioritizes specimens delivered to the biorepository.

* Maintaining documentation regarding sample management, including but not limited to receipt and distributions. Collects and organizes patient data, verifies accuracy, and updates study and biorepository documents required by the NCRI-MGH Biorepository program.

* Data entry of information into study databases.

* Maintains safety. Practices safe work habits and directs staff as needed. Compliance with all biorepository regulations, CAP and other regulatory agencies, as applicable. Complies with biohazard safety standards by properly handling potentially hazardous chemical and biological agents in the workplace. Uses universal safety precautions and proper personal protective equipment to protect self and co-workers from bio-hazardous materials, including blood-borne pathogens. Completes annual biohazard/universal precaution safety training, as appropriate.

* Act as a resource for site staff on sample management questions as needed.

* Performs other administrative support duties as assigned.

* All other duties as assigned.

SKILLS/ABILITIES/COMPETENCIES REQUIRED:

1. Must have interpersonal skills to interact effectively with colleagues from varied backgrounds, MDs, researchers, and other team members.

2. Must have careful attention to detail and good organizational skills. Ability to identify potential problems and troubleshoot solutions. Motivated.

3. Must possess integrity to maintain confidentiality and respect for subjects' rights and individual needs.

4. Must demonstrate accuracy in recording data.

5. Must have excellent verbal and written communication skills.

6. Some basic computer literacy. Use of Microsoft Office suite, especially Excel, and electronic data capture databases, preferred.

EDUCATION:

• Bachelor's degree required.
  

EXPERIENCE:

• Two years experience working in a biorepository or laboratory.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

* The operations office of the NCRI-MGH Biorepository is located at the Sean M Healey and AMG Center for ALS. Standard office environment

* Samples are maintained in freezer farms at various locations on the MGH Main Campus and the Charlestown Navy Yard.

* May be exposed to disease-bearing specimens or other hazards normally associated with a biorepository setting.

* Some repetitive movement, i.e., pipetting, moving samples to and from freezers. Sitting and standing for extended periods of time

* Able to lift 20 pounds

Massachusetts General Hospital is an Affirmative Action Employer. By embracing diverse skills, perspectives and ideas, we choose to lead. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religious creed, national origin, sex, age, gender identity, disability, sexual orientation, military service, genetic information, and/or other status protected under law. We will ensure that all individuals with a disability are provided a reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment.