Research Technician II - Biorepository

Summary

The Texas Heart Institute at BCM is hiring a research technician II to support the Biorepository core through the Advanced Technology Cores at BCM.

Job Duties

• Receive, accession, and process human biospecimens (e.g., blood, saliva, and other body fluids) in accordance with approved protocols, SOPs, and regulatory requirements.
• Perform biospecimen processing workflows, including centrifugation, aliquoting, labeling, stabilization, and cryopreservation.
• Ensure accurate specimen identification, chain of custody, and traceability from receipt through storage and distribution.
• Enter, verify, and maintain biospecimen metadata in laboratory information management systems (LIMS) and/or inventory databases (e.g., OpenSpecimen).
• Maintain organized and compliant physical and electronic documentation, including processing logs, temperature logs, deviation reports, and notes-to-file.
• Support quality control (QC) and quality assurance (QA) activities, including documentation reviews, audit readiness, and corrective actions as needed.
• Monitor, operate, and perform routine maintenance of biorepository equipment, including:
  • • 80°C freezers, liquid nitrogen (LN₂) storage systems, refrigerators, centrifuges, and biosafety cabinets
  • Temperature monitoring and alarm systems
• Perform routine equipment checks, cleaning, calibration coordination, and maintenance documentation; promptly report equipment issues or deviations.
• Manage biospecimen storage and retrieval, including sample pulling, packaging, and preparation for internal or external distribution.
• Assist with sample shipments, including preparation of shipping documentation and coordination in compliance with IATA and institutional policies.
• Maintain appropriate biosafety, HIPAA, and human subject protection standards during all handling of human specimens.
• Assist with SOP review, updates, and implementation, including acknowledgment of revisions and training documentation.
• Support inventory management by monitoring consumables, reagents, and cryogenic supplies, and coordinating orders as needed.
• Collaborate with investigators, coordinators, and core leadership to ensure timely, accurate, and compliant sample support for research studies.
• Participate in required training, competency assessments, and continuing education relevant to biorepository operations.
• Perform other biorepository-related duties as assigned in support of BRC operations.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a Basic Science or related field. Four years of related experience may substitute for degree requirement.
• No experience required.