Purpose
Under general supervision, contribute to the preparation, processing, and shipment of clinical trial-related labs, biopsies, and archived tissue samples for the Cancer Center Clinical Trials Office (CCCTO). Manage sufficient kit supplies and inventory, while also overseeing databases and filing systems. Fulfill various administrative and data entry responsibilities as needed to support clinical research studies.
Primary Functions
- Prepare blood collection tubes and deliver to appropriate locations (Clinical Cancer Center Lab, TRU, coordinator, procedure rooms/clinics, inpatient wards) and pick up tubes and process or transport as necessary.
- Process (spin, aliquot, freeze samples; make peripheral blood slides) and ship labs to appropriate institutions in a timely manner, according to the sponsor specifications.
- Request archived tissue samples (slides or blocks) from pathology department at FMLH or outside hospitals for disease teams and ship as required by study sponsor.
- Assist study teams with collection, processing, and shipping of fresh tissue biopsies per study protocol.
- Collect required data from study coordinators and research nurses and enter onto clinical research forms and into study lab specimen database.
- Accurately enter research data onto case report forms or specified programs (OnCore) and other databases as appropriate under the direction of the research nurse or study coordinator.
- Under direct guidance, assist with coordination of basic study activities.
- Organize lab and file room to maintain an efficient and safe workplace.
- Handle supply orders, returns, and destruction.
- Meet with study-specific monitors for Site Initiation Visits and monitoring visits to go over lab training, kit inventories, and stored samples.
- Meet with investigators to determine logistics (what kind of labs are needed, where to store or send, how long will it take to process for billing purposes) of lab samples for Investigator Initiated Trials
- Help facilitate Lab Competency Trainings for new CCCTO employees (processing and shipping labs, biohazard waste location, wearing proper PPE, and discussing Exposure Control Plan)
- Assist with coordination of preventative maintenance for laboratory equipment.
- Troubleshoot lab-related issues involving delivering extra tubes, clarification of blood draw order and times, last minute research lab add-ons, and missed labs.
Knowledge – Skills – Abilities
- Basic knowledge of laboratory procedures, safety protocols, and equipment operation
- Strong attention to detail to ensure precision in experiment execution, data recording, and documentation upkeep.
- Effective verbal and written communication skills for clear interaction and reporting.
- Adequate proficiency in essential computer software such as Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).
- Capability to organize tasks, optimize time management, and meet deadlines.
- Capacity to work both independently and collaboratively within a team environment.