Senior Laboratory Technician

START Center for Cancer Research; East Brunswick Township (NJ); On-site; USD 43,000 - 52,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401(k) match

Annual bonus

Paid time off

Medical, dental, and vision coverage

Life and disability insurance

Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

FSA/HSA plans

Job summary

START Research seeks a Senior Laboratory Technician for the Labs and PK Department in East Brunswick, NJ. The role supports phase 1 research protocols, performs point-of-care testing, and manages specimen handling, labeling, and shipping following SOPs.

On-site schedule is Monday–Friday with occasional on-call weekends. The ideal candidate has an associate degree in lab science or medical technology, 2 years of lab experience, and proficiency with EMR/LIS systems.

Qualifications

• Associate’s degree in chemical, physical, biological or clinical laboratory science or medical technology.
• 2 years of laboratory experience with strong safety protocol knowledge.
• Experience in data management.
• Experience in logistics and operations.
• Experience with electronic medical record programs and laboratory information systems.

Responsibilities

• Label, document, chain of custody, and ship specimens per protocol and SOPs.
• Evaluate specimens for acceptability and integrity issues.
• Perform centrifugation, aliquoting, processing, storage and shipment prep.
• Perform CLIA-waived, point-of-care testing.
• Operate point-of-care analyzers and lab equipment per procedures.
• Review analyzer alerts and quality control results and escalate when needed.
• Participate in proficiency testing, inspections, and quality improvement activities.
• Prepare specimens for external lab vendors and document results.

Skills

Communication skills

Attention to detail

Independent work

Organizational skills

Education

Associate’s degree in lab science

Bachelor’s degree or higher (preferred)

Tools

Laboratory Information Systems

Electronic Medical Records (EMR)

Microsoft Office

Job description

The START Center for Cancer Research (“START”) is the world’s largest early phasesite network, fully dedicated to oncologyclinical research. Throughout our history, START has provided hope to cancer patients in the global community practices by offering \"Hope Through Access” to cutting edge trials throughout the United States and Europe.

We are seeking a Senior Laboratory Technician

The Senior Laboratory Technician, Labs and PK, operates to support the investigation team in adherence to phase 1 research protocols within the Standard Operating Procedures of the department. Under general supervision, this position performs point-of-care testing and laboratory receiving, processing, handling, storage and shipping procedures, equipment maintenance and inventory control within the Labs and PK Department.

The hourly pay for this role is $31.00 - $ 38.00 However, base pay may vary depending on multiple individualized factors including market location, job-related knowledge, skills, and experience.

Work Schedule

Monday – Friday 8:00am-5:00pm (On-Call Weekend Rotation)

Location

629 Cranbury Rd. Suite 102 East Brunswick, New Jersey 08816

Essential Responsibilities

• Ensure accurate specimen labeling, documentation, chain of custody, handling, processing, storage, packaging, and shipment in accordance with protocol, laboratory, and organizational requirements.
• Evaluate specimens against written acceptability criteria and identify concerns that may affect specimen integrity, including hemolysis, clotting, contamination, incorrect labeling, temperature excursions, or insufficient volume.
• Perform centrifugation, aliquoting, processing, storage, and shipment preparation for clinical and research specimens following approved procedures.
• Perform CLIA-waived, point-of-care, and other specifically authorized laboratory testing.
• Operate approved point-of-care analyzers and laboratory equipment according to manufacturer instructions and written laboratory procedures.
• Review analyzer alerts, error codes, and quality control results; suspend testing and elevate concerns when established acceptance criteria are not met.
• Participate in assigned proficiency testing, competency assessments, inspections, audits, corrective action activities, and quality improvement initiatives in accordance with laboratory procedures.
• Preparing specimens to send to external laboratory vendors.
• Enter, document, or transmit laboratory and point-of-care test results according to written procedures and assigned system permissions.
• Review results for completeness and identify critical values, abnormal findings, analyzer flags, or testing concerns that require escalation.
• Notify the ordering provider or other designated licensed professional of critical results or significant findings in accordance with established notification procedures.
• Document required communications, interventions, read-backs, and follow-up actions related to laboratory results.
• Maintain all required nursing, laboratory, instrument, testing, and specimen-management competencies.
• Follow applicable federal, state, and local requirements, the site laboratory certificate or permit, study protocols, laboratory procedures, and START policies.
• Maintain complete and accurate quality control, maintenance, competency, communication, and testing records as assigned.
• Support laboratory readiness for inspections, accreditation reviews, and regulatory audits.
• Maintain required supplies, monitor lot numbers and expiration dates, and remove expired or compromised materials from use.
• Follow infection prevention, exposure control, biohazard, chemical safety, privacy, and waste-disposal requirements.
• Immediately stop testing and notify appropriate laboratory or clinical leadership if equipment, specimen, quality control, authorization, or patient-safety concerns arise.
• Ensure compliance with all applicable Federal, State and local laws and regulations as they apply to biological sample processing, handling, and shipping.
• Receive, process, handle, store, and ship biospecimens per study specifications.
• Prepare research sample collection supplies per specific study specifications.
• Adhere to the company SOP and GLPs.
• Record data in electronic data systems in compliance with SOPs and GLP.
• Process and ship tissue specimens according to protocol requirements. Coordinate with other healthcare providers to receive patient tissue. Prepare tissue specimens as needed per study protocol.
• Perform administrative functions associated with the Pharmacokinetic Department, to include but not limited to work tally records, scanning internal and study specific forms, filing, and sample management documentation.
• Complete study forms to include but not limited to shipping logs, shipping documentation, sample requisition forms, flow sheets, and sample manifests.
• Sanitize laboratory equipment daily, weekly, monthly, and yearly.
• Perform and record daily/weekly/annual maintenance of equipment.
• Participate in on-call rotation for emergency response for drug and specimen storage.
• Participate in on-call rotation for emergency management.

Required Education and Experience

• Associate’s degree in chemical, physical, biological or clinical laboratory science or medical technology.
• Experience (2 years) in a laboratory setting, with a solid understanding of laboratory techniques and safety protocols.
• Experience in data management.
• Experience in logistics and operations.
• Experience with electronic medical record program(s) and laboratory information systems.

• General knowledge of medical terminology.
• High attention to detail and strong organizational skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work well independently.
• Organizational skills to troubleshoot unplanned situations while still meeting established deadlines.
• Proficient level of experience with Microsoft Office and the ability to learn new software.

• Must maintain punctuality, good attendance and be flexible to work hours to accommodate clinic patient schedule.

Preferred Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree or higher from an accredited college or university in clinical laboratory science, medical technology, biological science, chemistry, or a related discipline.
• At least one year of clinical laboratory experience. Qualifying clinical training or internship experience may be considered.
• Demonstrated knowledge of pre-analytical, analytical, and post-analytical laboratory processes; quality control principles; instrument maintenance; troubleshooting; and accurate result documentation.
• Ability to perform only the testing authorized by the laboratory, the employee’s license, validated procedures, and documented training and competency.

Best-in-Class Benefits and Perks

We value the time, talent, and dedication our employees bring to START. Our commitment to your well-being and growth is reflected in a competitive compensation package—based on experience—along with comprehensive benefits designed to support you both personally and professionally:

• 401(k) retirement savings plan with employer match
• Eligibility for an annual performance bonus, based on role and company results
• Generous paid time off and paid holidays
• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage and optional insurance options
• Company paid life and disability insurance for added financial protection
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) providing confidential, no ‑cost support for you and your family from day one
• Flexible FSA and HSA plans to support your financial wellness
• Commitment to a supportive environment that values balance, wellbeing, and flexibility
• We’re committed to fostering a collaborative, creative workplace where every team member is encouraged to contribute. At START, you’ll join a team that values continuous learning, professional growth, shared ideas, and a culture built on inclusivity and innovation.

More About START

START clinical trial sites have conducted more than 1,000 early-phase clinical trials, including dozens of therapies that were approved by the FDA or EMA. START represents the world’s largest roster of early-phase principal investigators across its Network of clinical trial sites. Committed to accelerating passage from trials to treatments, START delivers hope to patients, families, and physicians around the world via our mission of “Hope Through Access”.

Learn more at STARTresearch.com.

Ready to be part of a team changing the future of cancer treatment?

Join us in our mission to conquer cancer, one clinical trial at a time. Your expertise and dedication can help us bring hope and healing to patients worldwide.

We are an equal opportunity employer that welcomes and encourages diversity in the workplace. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, marital status, age, national origin, ancestry, physical or mental disability, medical condition, pregnancy, genetic information, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, veteran status, or any other status protected under federal, state, or local law.