Research Assistant - Specimen Procurement - Cancer Center

University of Iowa; Iowa City (IA); On-site; USD 40,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a Research Assistant to support specimen procurement at a leading cancer center. This role involves coordinating the collection and processing of biospecimens for vital research projects. You will work closely with clinical teams, manage data, and ensure compliance with regulatory standards. Join a collaborative environment where your contributions will directly impact cancer research and patient care. If you're passionate about health sciences and eager to make a difference, this opportunity is perfect for you.

Benefits

Paid vacation

Health insurance options

Dental insurance options

Retirement plan contributions

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent in health sciences required.
• Experience with specimen lab processing and clinical research studies.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate collection, storage, and processing of biospecimens.
• Perform laboratory experiments and manage data entry for research projects.

Skills

Laboratory techniques

Excellent communication skills

Data entry and management

Knowledge of regulatory guidelines

Education

Bachelor’s degree in health sciences

Experience in clinical research

Tools

Flow cytometry

Spectrophotometer

Analytical balances

Microscopes

Job description

Research Assistant - Specimen Procurement - Cancer Center

Join to apply for the Research Assistant - Specimen Procurement - Cancer Center role at University of Iowa

Research Assistant - Specimen Procurement - Cancer Center

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Join to apply for the Research Assistant - Specimen Procurement - Cancer Center role at University of Iowa

The Holden Comprehensive Cancer Center at the University of Iowa is seeking a Research Assistant, Specimen Procurement to coordinate the collection, storage, and processing of biospecimens related to translational and clinical related research protocols or laboratory investigations within Holden Comprehensive Cancer Center’s Clinical Research Services (CRS), Biospecimen and Molecular Epidemiology Resource Shared Resource (BioMER) teams and investigators throughout the institution. Including, but not limited to, Interventional Clinical Trials, the Oncology Research Information Exchange Network (ORIEN), Patients Enhancing Research Collaborations at Holden (PERCH), Molecular Epidemiology Resources (MER) and Tissue Procurement Core (TPC). Activities include the systematic organization of storage and retrieval information as well as data entry of the storage locations within protocol specified databases. The individual in this position is responsible for performing laboratory procurement, processing, storage, and related data entry for human subject’s research projects as assigned working closely with cross-functional teams as described previously.

Duties To Include

• Processes a variety of biologic specimens including, but not limited to tissues, fluids, blood, and blood derivatives, buccal and saliva/sputum, and other specimens according to protocol.
• Performs laboratory experiments (i.e. flow cytometry, collection and isolation of human leukocytes and DNA and RNA extraction) to basic biochemical techniques (i.e. preparation of solutions, buffers and extractions) using basic laboratory equipment (i.e. centrifuges, spectrophotometer, analytical balances, incubators, microscopes and computers).
• Populates multiple databases containing biospecimen and clinical information related to obtained biospecimens through review of patient records, lab reports and other related information and in a manner that complies with Institutional Review Board requirements and in response to physician and coordinator research needs and requirements.
• Coordinates the inventory documentation, storage, retrieval, distribution, and shipment of samples for multiple research projects.
• Screen patient schedules for research protocol specified laboratory procedures (i.e., phlebotomy or surgery) to assess if subject is either (a) due for specimen collection as outlined in the research protocol, or (b) is scheduled for surgery resulting in tissue acquisition for tissue repositories in a manner that complies with Institutional Review Board requirements and in response to physician and research needs and requirements.
• Performs specimen workflows according to protocol(s) for patients enrolled in Intervention and Observational Clinical Trials including PERCH working closely with TPC, ORIEN, MERC and Clinical Trials staff, pathology, surgery, physicians and other related clinical care and research staff.
• Liaison with external labs, may request archival specimens from external entities. Track request, receipt, and return of slides and blocks.
• Assists with ongoing research collaborations involving ORIEN institutions and/or outside institutions participating in ORIEN related projects ensuring that data and samples are collected and processed in a manner consistent between the institutions.
• Complies with ongoing research collaborations with external collaborators and institutions confirming that data and samples are collected and processed in a manner consistent between the participating entities.
• Prepares comprehensive notes and reports detailing the methods used for biospecimen acquisition. Including the creation of standard operation procedures for future biospecimen acquisition.
• Tracks supplies and is responsible for stocking supplies as needed for various research studies.
• Maintains skills/competency related to special equipment, and procedures common to the specimen and pathology services rendered.
• Attends protocol and laboratory meetings as required.
• Perform other duties as assigned.
  
  
  

UI Health Care Core Values (WE CARE)

Welcoming

We are welcoming to the community, partners, staff, and patients utilizing the collective strength of our people.

Excellence

We achieve and deliver our personal and collective best in the pursuit of quality and accessible health care, education, and research.

Collaboration

We collaborate with health care systems, providers, and communities across Iowa and the region as well within our UI community. We believe teamwork- guided by compassion- is the best way to work.

Accountability

We behave ethically, act openly and with integrity in all that we do, taking responsibility for our actions.

Respect

We create an inclusive environment where every individual feels safe, valued, and respected, supporting the well-being and success of all members of our community.

Empowerment

We commit to fair access to research, health care, and education for our community and opportunities for personal and professional growth for our staff and learners.

Supervision Received

Administrative supervision is received from Tissue Procurement Core Supervisor

Supervision Exercised

Functional supervision may be exercised over assigned support staff.

University of Iowa Hospitals & Clinics—recognized as one of the best hospitals in the United States—is Iowa's only comprehensive academic medical center and a regional referral center. Each day more than 12,000 employees, students, and volunteers work together to provide safe, quality health care and excellent service for our patients. Simply stated, our mission is: Changing Medicine. Changing Lives.

Holden Comprehensive Cancer Center is Iowa’s only NCI-designated comprehensive cancer center. The NCI designation recognized our cancer center, and its research scientist, physicians, and other health care professionals, for their roles in advancing cancer research that impacts on our ability to prevent, detect and treat our patients with cancer. Not just a floor, or a building, or even confined to a single college. Holden Comprehensive Cancer Center coordinates all cancer-related research, education, and patient care by faculty from 41 departments and six colleges, as well as UI Hospitals and Clinics and UI Children’s Hospital.

Percent of Time: 100%

Work Schedule: Monday – Friday, Hours generally worked between 8:00am-5pm

Pay Grade: 3A

https://hr.uiowa.edu/pay/guide-pay-plans

Benefits Highlights

• Regular salaried position located in Iowa City, Iowa
• Fringe benefit package including paid vacation; sick leave; health, dental, life and disability insurance options; and generous employer contributions into retirement plans
• For more information about Why Iowa?, click here
  
  
  

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or an equivalent combination of education and experience in performing basic research in a health science field or discipline.
• Relevant experience in the conduct of clinical lab patient care or clinical research studies.
• Experience with specimen lab processing.
• Excellent verbal, written and interpersonal communication skills.
• Knowledge of computer-based programs and databases.
  
  
  

Desirable Qualifications

• Knowledge of regulatory guidelines and procedures associated with human subject research.
• Demonstrated ability to work within a team environment, performing multiple tasks while meeting core and facility objectives.
• Demonstrated experience with procurement of human tissues and specimens and data.
• Knowledge of University of Iowa policies, procedures, and regulations.
  
  
  

Application Process: In order to be considered, applicants must upload a resume and cover letter(under submission relevant materials) that clearly address how they meet the listed required and desired qualifications of this position.

Job openings are posted for a minimum of 14 calendar days.

Successful candidates will be required to self-disclose any conviction history and will be subject to a criminal background check and credential/education verification.

References: Five professional references will be requested and required at a later step in the recruitment process

This position is not eligible for University sponsorship for employment authorization.

With additional questions, please reach out to Sarah Waldschmidt at [e-mail]

Additional Information

• Classification Title: Core Facility Research Assist
• Appointment Type: Professional and Scientific
• Schedule: Full-time
• Work Modality Options: On Campus
  
  
  

Compensation

• Pay Level: 3A
  
  
  

Contact Information

• Organization: Healthcare
• Contact Name: Sarah Waldschmidt
• Contact Email: [e-mail]

Seniority level

• Seniority level

  Entry level

Employment type

• Employment type

  Full-time

Job function

• Job function

  Research, Analyst, and Information Technology

• Industries

  Higher Education

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