Biorepository Technician

Department Summary

At the VCU Office of the Vice President for Research and Innovation, our mission is to foster transformative research, discovery, and innovation at Virginia Commonwealth University through excellence in service.

We partner with faculty in all schools and departments as they seek funding, plan studies, establish collaborations, calculate budgets, submit grant applications, negotiate industry contracts, and secure patents and licensing agreements.

Our commitment to supporting and elevating the research community at VCU has resulted in record levels of sponsored research and has placed VCU among the nation’s premier public research universities.

Through our passion for discovery and willingness to take on challenges, we continue to advance the work that matters most and position the university as a national leader in research, innovation, creativity, and scholarship.

Duties & Responsibilities

The Biorepository Technician plays a vital role in supporting the Massey Comprehensive Cancer Center’s mission by managing and coordinating the activities of the biorepository. The mission of the Massey is to serve the Commonwealth of Virginia as an internationally recognized institute of clinical, educational and research excellence dedicated to improving the quality of human life through prevention, control and cure of cancer.

The candidate will procure, process and send out repository specimens for ongoing projects performed at Massey Comprehensive Cancer Center. The candidate will report to the Operations Director and Lab Manager. The applicant will support the lab and Massey by ensuring collected research sample integrity is held to the highest standards.

The Biorepository Technician is involved with the processing of biospecimens and ensures the integrity of data within the laboratory information management software (LIMS). This position serves as a liaison between researchers and the biorepository, ensuring all requests for biospecimens are appropriately vetted, tracked, and fulfilled. This role combines technical expertise, data management skills, and exceptional organizational abilities to support cutting-edge cancer research at VCU.

Job Duties

Specimen Management

• Coordinate and perform the processing and storage of biorepository samples (solid and liquid), adhering to strict protocols to ensure sample integrity
• Perform quality control checks as needed on processed samples to ensure suitability for research use
• Oversee the proper labeling, tracking, and storage of biospecimens within the repository
• Assist with patient screening to identify potential biorepository participants
• Works directly with Laboratory Manager/Director to integrate new technologies and state-of-the-art services into the laboratory operations

Liaison Duties

• Serve as the primary point of contact between researchers and the biorepository, ensuring clear communication and adherence to institutional protocols
• Vet and prioritize incoming requests for biospecimens, working collaboratively with researchers to fulfill their needs efficiently
• Maintain thorough documentation of all requests and ensure accurate tracking from submission to fulfillment
• Consults with Manager/Director on project designs and execution on frequent and as needed basis

Data Integrity and Management

• Maintain and monitor data in the LIMS to ensure accuracy and completeness
• Regularly audit data entries and provide updates or corrections as necessary
• Collaborate with IT and other departments to troubleshoot and improve the LIMS functionality

General Laboratory and Administrative Duties

• Monitor and maintain laboratory equipment and supplies necessary for biorepository operations
• Assist with the development and documentation of standard operating procedures (SOPs) and adhere to them
• Assist in organizing the lab space
• Assist in ordering and billing
• Must adhere to all lab safety policies and expectations
• Report to operations director and lab manager

Other Duties as Assigned

Must be flexible, team-oriented, and eager to learn new tasks and responsibilities, while also supporting and collaborating effectively with other team members

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications

• Demonstrated ability to work in and foster an environment of respect, professionalism and civility with a population of faculty, staff, and students from all backgrounds and experiences, or a commitment to do so as a staff member at VCU.
• Only applicants who do not require current or future sponsorship for employment will be considered
• Experience in a life science field (e.g., biology, biochemistry) or equivalent experience
• Experience with handling biohazard specimens, biohazard waste disposal and handling valuable research samples
• Exceptional attention to detail and organizational skills
• Ability to communicate effectively with researchers, staff, and stakeholders
• Problem-solving skills and resourcefulness to address complex or unprecedented challenges
• Maintain assigned work schedule

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or advanced degree in a life science field.
• Over 3 years of experience with biospecimen handling, processing, and storage in biorepository environment
• Strong knowledge of biospecimen processing protocols and laboratory best practices
• Familiarity with laboratory information management systems (LIMS) and data auditing
• Independently manage multiple tasks and meet deadlines