Research Assistant - Clinical Research Laboratory

Salma Mazhar MD PA; Mesquite (TX); On-site; USD 42,000 - 52,000; Full time

Job summary

SMS Clinical Research in Mesquite, TX seeks a detail-oriented Research Assistant for its clinical research laboratory. The role emphasizes phlebotomy across all ages and hands-on lab operations, including specimen processing and shipping.

Key duties include phlebotomy, processing specimens, and ensuring regulatory compliance within GCP/HIPAA guidelines. The position requires meticulous documentation and organization in a fast-paced clinical setting.

Qualifications

• Hands-on phlebotomy across all age groups, including infants.
• Strong venipuncture techniques and pediatric blood collection.
• Experience with specimen processing, centrifugation, aliquoting, and sample prep.
• Ability to read, interpret, and follow clinical trial laboratory manuals.
• Knowledge of specimen stability, temperature requirements, processing windows, and shipping.
• Excellent attention to detail and organizational skills.
• Ability to work independently and manage multiple study-specific requirements.

Responsibilities

• Perform venipuncture and blood collection on patients of all ages, including infants, newborns, pediatric patients, and adults.
• Process, centrifuge, aliquot, label, store, and prepare specimens for shipment according to study requirements.
• Read, understand, and follow study-specific laboratory manuals and specimen handling instructions.
• Ensure proper specimen collection, processing times, storage temperatures, and shipping requirements.
• Prepare and package laboratory specimens for local and central laboratory shipments.
• Maintain accurate laboratory documentation, logs, temperature records, and specimen tracking.
• Monitor laboratory supplies, inventory, and equipment.
• Maintain compliance with GCP, SOPs, HIPAA, and clinical trial protocols.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and inspection-ready laboratory.

Skills

Phlebotomy

Venipuncture

Laboratory procedures

Detail orientation

Independent work

Tools

Centrifuge

Job description

Research Assistant – Clinical Research Laboratory

SMS Clinical Research | Mesquite, TX

Position Overview

SMS Clinical Research is seeking a detail-oriented and experienced Research Assistant to work exclusively in our clinical research laboratory. The ideal candidate must be highly proficient in phlebotomy across all age groups, including infants, pediatric patients, and adults, and have a strong understanding of clinical trial laboratory procedures and laboratory manuals.

This position is focused on laboratory operations, specimen collection, processing, handling, and shipment in accordance with study-specific protocols.

Key Responsibilities

• Perform venipuncture and blood collection on patients of all ages, including infants, newborns, pediatric patients, and adults.
• Perform difficult blood draws and capillary blood collection when required.
• Process, centrifuge, aliquot, label, store, and prepare specimens for shipment according to study requirements.
• Read, understand, and follow study-specific laboratory manuals and specimen handling instructions.
• Ensure proper specimen collection, processing times, storage temperatures, and shipping requirements.
• Prepare and package laboratory specimens for local and central laboratory shipments.
• Maintain accurate laboratory documentation, logs, temperature records, and specimen tracking.
• Monitor laboratory supplies, inventory, and equipment.
• Maintain compliance with GCP, SOPs, HIPAA, and clinical trial protocols.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and inspection-ready laboratory.

Required Qualifications

• Proven hands‑on phlebotomy experience with all age groups, especially infants and newborns.
• Strong understanding of venipuncture techniques and pediatric blood collection.
• Experience with specimen processing, centrifugation, aliquoting, and sample preparation.
• Ability to independently read, interpret, and follow clinical trial laboratory manuals.
• Knowledge of specimen stability, temperature requirements, processing windows, and shipping procedures.
• Excellent attention to detail and organizational skills.
• Ability to work independently and manage multiple study‑specific laboratory requirements.

Other duties as assigned.

Preferred Qualifications

• Previous experience working in a clinical research laboratory.
• Familiarity with central laboratory kits and specialty specimen collection.
• Experience with clinical trial sample handling, processing, and shipment.
• Knowledge of IATA shipping requirements and biological specimen packaging.

Important: This is a dedicated laboratory position. The primary responsibilities are phlebotomy and clinical trial laboratory operations.