Biorepository Operations Research Assistant

Vanderbilt Health; Nashville (TN); On-site; USD 42,000 - 54,000; Full time

Job summary

Vanderbilt Health seeks a Research Assistant II to support the ECHO Biorepository, handling specimens, accessioning, freezer management, and data accuracy per institutional standards. This role focuses on biorepository operations without wet-lab research tasks.

The candidate will maintain SOPs, track inventory, ensure cold-chain integrity, and collaborate with research, laboratory, and operations teams to ensure timely, accurate documentation and shipment records.

Qualifications

• Experience working in a biorepository, biobank, clinical laboratory, healthcare operations environment, or other setting involving biological specimen management.
• Experience with specimen receipt, accessioning, inventory control, chain-of-custody documentation, and shipping/receiving processes.
• Working knowledge of biological sample handling, including proper labeling, cold-chain management, freeze-thaw considerations, and specimen integrity best practices.
• Experience maintaining accurate records in a Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS), inventory database, or other electronic tracking systems.
• Strong computer skills with the ability to quickly learn new software applications and perform accurate data entry.
• Experience with barcode scanning systems, electronic specimen tracking, and inventory reconciliation processes.
• Familiarity with ultra-low temperature freezers, liquid nitrogen storage systems, freezer alarms, temperature monitoring, and backup storage procedures.
• Knowledge of biosafety practices, including bloodborne pathogen precautions and safe handling of human biological specimens.
• Understanding of applicable regulations and best practices related to the shipment and transport of biological materials.
• Experience following Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and maintaining accurate documentation in a regulated or quality-controlled environment.
• Strong attention to detail with a demonstrated ability to identify and resolve discrepancies in inventory, specimen records, and shipment documentation.
• Excellent organizational and time management skills with the ability to prioritize multiple tasks while maintaining a high degree of accuracy.
• Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively with research, laboratory, and operations teams.

Responsibilities

• Under moderate supervision, conduct and evaluate experiments and assays.
• Understand and follow experimental protocols (may include animal handling, tissue culture, etc.).
• Record, compile, interpret, and communicate data/results.
• Follow University safety protocols (may include use of combustibles, radioactivity, toxic material, and/or carcinogens).
• Perform calculations involving molarity, % solutions, and serial dilutions.
• Prepare, operate and troubleshoot equipment in experimental procedures.
• Read and follow all equipment manuals.
• Maintain and repair equipment according to manufacturer and University guidelines.
• Ensure Laboratory is prepared for experiments.
• Maintain inventories.
• Maintain sterile conditions as required.
• Prepare reagents.
• Demonstrate an understanding of acceptable procedures and techniques.
• Recognize problems and suggest solutions.
• Assist in modifications as directed.
• Provide appropriate written documentation of experiments.
• Prepare preliminary research progress reports.
• Summarize test results appropriately.

Skills

Biorepository experience

Specimen handling

LIMS proficiency

Inventory control

Data entry

Cold-chain management

Barcode systems

Team collaboration

Tools

LIMS software

Inventory database

Job description

Vanderbilt Health seeks a Research Assistant II to support the ECHO Biorepository, handling specimens, accessioning, freezer management, and data accuracy per institutional standards. This role focuses on biorepository operations without wet-lab research tasks.

The candidate will maintain SOPs, track inventory, ensure cold-chain integrity, and collaborate with research, laboratory, and operations teams to ensure timely, accurate documentation and shipment records.