Biorepository Technician

Virginia Commonwealth University; Richmond (VA); On-site; USD 48,000 - 50,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health benefits

Tuition benefits

Retirement planning

Job summary

Virginia Commonwealth University is seeking a Lab/Research Technician 1 to manage biorepository operations within the Office of the Vice President for Research & Innovation. The role entails overseeing specimen processing, maintaining data integrity, and ensuring compliance with protocols.

Candidates should have experience in a life science field and possess strong organizational skills. Salary ranges from $48,000 to $50,000, with a comprehensive benefits package including health and tuition benefits.

Qualifications

• Experience in a life science field (biology, biochemistry) or equivalent.
• Experience with handling biohazard specimens and waste.
• Ability to foster a professional environment.

Responsibilities

• Manage biorepository activities for the cancer center.
• Procure and process repository specimens.
• Ensure data integrity in laboratory management software.

Skills

Attention to detail

Organizational skills

Problem-solving skills

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor’s degree in a life science field

Tools

Laboratory Information Management Systems (LIMS)

Job description

Overview

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.

Responsibilities

• Biorepository coordination: Manage and coordinate the activities of the biorepository to support the Massey Comprehensive Cancer Center’s mission to improve quality of life through prevention, control, and cure of cancer.
• Specimen processing and handling: Procure, process, and send out repository specimens for ongoing projects; ensure collected research sample integrity and adherence to high standards.
• Data and recordkeeping: Maintain data integrity in the laboratory information management software (LIMS) and ensure accurate tracking of biospecimens from request submission to fulfillment.
• Quality and compliance: Perform quality control checks on processed samples; verify labeling, tracking, and storage of biospecimens; ensure adherence to institutional protocols.
• Requests and liaison: Vet and prioritize incoming biospecimen requests; serve as the primary contact between researchers and the biorepository; document and track requests from submission to fulfillment.
• Collaboration and continuous improvement: Work with Laboratory Manager/Director to integrate new technologies and state-of-the-art services into laboratory operations; consult on project designs and execution as needed.
• Data integrity and IT collaboration: Maintain and monitor data in LIMS; audit data entries and collaborate with IT to troubleshoot and improve LIMS functionality.
• Laboratory operations: Monitor and maintain equipment and supplies; assist in developing and documenting SOPs; organize the lab space; assist in ordering and billing; adhere to lab safety policies.
• General duties: Report to the operations director and lab manager; support and collaborate with other team members; perform other duties as assigned.

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. Experience in a life science field (e.g., biology, biochemistry) or equivalent. 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. Maintain assigned work schedule. Note: Only applicants who do not require current or future sponsorship for employment will be considered.
• 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 a biorepository environment. Strong knowledge of biospecimen processing protocols and laboratory best practices. Familiarity with laboratory information management systems (LIMS) and data auditing. Ability to independently manage multiple tasks and meet deadlines.

Salary and Benefits

• Salary Range: 48,000 - 50,000
• Benefits: All full-time university staff are eligible for VCU’s benefits package including health benefits, leave, tuition benefits, retirement planning and savings options, tax-deferred annuity, employee discounts, well-being resources, and career development opportunities.

Unit: Office of the Vice President for Research & Innovation MBU
Department: OVPRI Core Facilities
FLSA Exemption Status: Non-Exempt
Hours per Week: 40
Restricted Position: No
ORP Eligible: No
Flexible Work Arrangement: Fully Onsite
University Job Title: 34051N - Lab/Research Technician 1