Sample Management Technician II

Meso Scale Diagnostics LLC; Gaithersburg (MD); On-site; USD 45,500 - 66,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, vision coverage

401(k) plan with company matching

Paid vacation and holidays

Job summary

Meso Scale Diagnostics LLC in Gaithersburg, MD seeks a technician to perform preventive maintenance on plate washers and readers and to handle specimens with care. You will document activities, maintain logs, and ensure proper storage and safety in a fast-paced lab.

Requirements include an associate degree or equivalent lab experience, GLP/GCLP training, and proficiency with Excel and lab equipment. The role includes on-call responsibilities and potential discretionary bonuses based on

Qualifications

• Associate’s degree in Biology or related field with at least one year in a regulated lab or CRO is required.
• High school diploma with additional regulated-lab/CRO experience may substitute for an Associate’s degree.
• BSL-2 biosafety techniques training is required.
• GLP/GCLP training and experience is highly preferred.

Responsibilities

• Perform preventative maintenance for plate washers and plate readers under supervision.
• Handle and aliquot samples with accurate documentation per GLP/GCLP SOPs.
• Maintain sample management logs and inventory records.
• Ensure proper storage conditions and monitor freezer temperatures.

Skills

GLP/GCLP knowledge

Pipetting precision

Excel/Outlook proficiency

Lab equipment handling

Communication skills

Teamwork

Customer service

Multitasking

Safety awareness

Education

Associate's degree in Biology or related field

High school diploma with relevant experience

Tools

Plate washers

Plate readers

Freezers

Pipettes

Excel

Outlook

Job description

POSITION SUMMARY

Under limited supervision, this position is primarily responsible for performing the preventative maintenance for all laboratory plate washers and plate readers, as well as specimen handling, including receipt, verification, accessioning, aliquoting, and storage of pre-clinical and clinical samples.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Aliquot qualification and customer samples according to documented processes with precision and accuracy.
• Document activities, records observations, and complete all paperwork in accordance with Good Laboratory Practice/Good Clinical Laboratory Practice (GLP/GCLP), SOPs, and protocols as applicable.
• Use established checklists in the routine performance of tasks.
• Maintain sample management tracking logs.
• Document sample discrepancies and communicate to appropriate parties under limited supervision.
• Ensure proper storage conditions and follow safety requirements based on sample type.
• Monitor proper storage of samples, including location, temperature, and condition of freezers.
• Participate in rotation for on-call freezer temperature monitoring and response activities.
• Prepare labels using automated and manual systems.
• Process sample transfer/return requests, communicate with customers through email for returns, and consolidate samples for storage/shipment under limited supervision.
• Perform general sample management laboratory support functions such as supply inventory, lab equipment (freezer) maintenance, and daily laboratory cleaning.
• Perform freezer inventory/cycle counts.
• Perform preventative maintenance for laboratory equipment (plate washers, plate readers) with direct supervision.
• Recognize deviations from normal situations and results, inform supervisor, and assist in the resolution.
• Perform end-of-day/freezer closeout tasks under limited supervision.
• Prepare, maintain, and update electronic or physical inventories (samples, supplies, reagents, etc.).
• Adhere to all laboratory safety policies and procedures including proper use of all required personal protective equipment (PPE).

EXPERIENCE AND QUALIFICATIONS

• Associate’s degree in Biology or related field, with a minimum of one year in a regulated laboratory or Clinical Research Organization (CRO) is required.
• High school diploma and additional experience in a regulated laboratory or CRO may be substituted for an Associate’s degree.
• Training in and experience with Biosafety Level 2 (BSL-2) techniques is required.
• Training in and experience with GLP and/or GCLP is highly preferred.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• Knowledge of Good Laboratory Practice/Good Clinical Laboratory Practice (GLP/GCLP).
• Strong proficiency in working with computers and Microsoft Office (especially Excel and Outlook).
• Pipetting skills with high precision and accuracy.
• Ability to work with laboratory equipment including but not limited to freezers, refrigerators, single/multi-channel pipettes, plate washers, and plate readers.
• Excellent listening, oral and written communication skills.
• Strong interpersonal and organizational skills.
• Strong customer service orientation.
• Ability to multi-task and produce high-quality data under strict deadlines.
• Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, high-energy, demanding, and deadline-driven environment.
• Comfortable working in a laboratory environment and able to handle specimens.
• Ability to understand and follow SOPs and written instructions.
• Ability to work independently and as an effective team member.
• Ability to work outside of normal business hours, including long hours and weekends.
• Ability to participate in on-call schedule for freezer temperature monitoring and response activities.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

• Frequently sit and stand for long periods; occasionally walk; use hands to operate, handle, or feel objects, tools, or controls; reach with hands and arms.
• Up to 100% of the day may be spent at a laboratory bench performing repetitive tasks (e.g., pipetting).
• Work in a cold environment for up to 50% of time.
• Occasionally work at heights above four feet and move/lift up to 25 pounds.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

• Laboratory environment with chemical reagents and Biosafety Level 2 (BSL-2) materials including human blood/blood products and other potentially infectious human samples.
• May involve handling of pathogenic materials and organisms.

COMPENSATION SUMMARY

The annual base salary for this position ranges from $45,500 to $66,000. This salary range represents a general guideline as MSD considers other factors when presenting an offer of employment, such as scope and responsibilities of the position, external market factors, and the candidate’s knowledge, skills, abilities, education and experience. Employees may qualify for a discretionary or non-discretionary bonus in addition to their base salary. These annual bonuses are intended to recognize individual performance and enable employees to benefit from the Company’s overall success.

BENEFITS SUMMARY

At MSD, we offer a comprehensive benefits package to support our employees’ well-being and financial security. In addition to competitive salaries, our benefits include medical, dental, and vision coverage, along with prescription benefits. We provide a 401(k) plan with company matching, flexible spending accounts, and company-paid short- and long-term disability insurance as well as group life and accidental death and dismemberment insurance. Our offerings also encompass paid vacation, paid sick leave, paid holidays, and paid parental leave, along with an employee assistance program. Additional voluntary perks include a fitness club membership contribution, pet insurance, identity theft protection, home and auto insurance discounts, and optional supplemental life insurance.

EEO/AA STATEMENT

MSD is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. We are committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace where all individuals are treated with respect and dignity. We welcome applications from all qualified candidates, making employment decisions without regard to race, color, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, marital status, national origin, age, protected veteran status, pregnancy, disability status, or any other protected characteristic. For our full EEO/AA and Pay Transparency statement, please visit here. MSD uses E-Verify to validate work eligibility of candidates.

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities. This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.