Biobank Assay Specialist

Position Objective: The Biobank Assay Specialist will provide support to the National Institute of Mental Health within the National Institutes of Health (NIH).

Assay Specialist, NINDS Biospecimen Core Repository: Oversee operation of the roboticized PhIP-Seq platform (60% effort); provide biobank backup support for biospecimen processing/aliquoting (20%); and learn to support flow cytometry, ELISA, and Quanterix Simoa assays (20%). Work on site in a BSL-2 lab with human biofluids and tissues. Duties include sample labeling, logging, auditing, processing, running assays, and data delivery. Requires MLS/ Medical Technology degree or master's degree or equivalent. Experience with vacutainers, PCR, NGS library prep and working in CAP- or CLIA-certified labs strongly preferred.

Duties And Responsibilities

• Perform fundamental procedures required for research projects.
• Follow established procedures and protocols; utilize aseptic technique to perform experiments.
• Perform a variety of laboratory techniques and procedures.
• Perform flow cytometry-based experiments, including cell preparation, cell sorting and molecular analysis of sorted subsets.
• Perform routine analysis and tests on specimens in the laboratory.
• Prepare materials and equipment for experiments.
• Maintain stocked supplies and records of working reagents, including fixatives, buffers, solvents and staining.
• Process and organize multiple samples simultaneously. 2
• Work with a variety of routine and specialized laboratory instruments and equipment in the laboratory.
• Ensure that all specimens and equipment necessary for experiments are available and in good order. 3
• Prepare specimens and equipment for use in the laboratory.
• Perform processing, description and analysis of specimens.
• Store new samples, update database, retrieve samples with proper authorization. 4
• Upkeep sample and database inventory; monitor overall sample inventory.
• Retrieve, catalog and process samples including but not limited to blood and tumor tissue.
• Maintain inventory system and sample storage according to outlined guidelines.
• Perform processing, description and analysis of samples.
• Update and maintain written laboratory record of the work.
• Collect and enter research data into laboratory notebooks and databases.
• Collect data and prepare for analysis and interpretation.
• Ensure that supplies and consumables are ready and on hand as necessary for maximum efficiency in the laboratory.
• Perform fundamental procedures required for research projects.
• Perform a variety of laboratory techniques and procedures.
• Perform flow cytometry-based experiments, including cell preparation, cell sorting and molecular analysis of sorted subsets.
• Perform routine analysis and tests on specimens in the laboratory. 1
• Perform experiments on samples according to protocols.
• Perform routine experiments and tests; follow established procedures and protocols.
• Monitor and inventory routine laboratory supplies; ensure that supplies are stocked and organized.
• Manage the laboratory logistics and supply flow by tracking the consumption of laboratory materials.
• Plan and organize requests for basic and extraordinary laboratory needs for supplies and consumables.
• Ensure that supplies and consumables are ready and on hand as necessary for maximum efficiency in the laboratory.
• Monitor inventory levels and proper storage of materials and supplies in accordance with established policies and procedures.
• Establish and maintain a record of laboratory supply usage.
• Inventory laboratory supplies and equipment, make recommendations and prepare purchase requests.
• Order and maintain laboratory supplies, reagents and equipment.
• Monitor equipment performance and maintenance schedules.
• Assist in troubleshooting and calibrating various laboratory equipment and instruments.
• Coordinate general laboratory maintenance, including equipment upkeep and calibration.
• Perform calibration, run controls and enter results for various equipment.
• Monitor and maintain contracts for laboratory equipment and monitor equipment performance and maintenance schedule.
• Perform fundamental procedures required for research projects.
• Perform a variety of laboratory techniques and procedures.
• Perform flow cytometry-based experiments, including cell preparation, cell sorting and molecular analysis of sorted subsets.
• Perform routine analysis and tests on specimens in the laboratory.
• Provide experimental progress updates on procedures performed in the laboratory. 5
• Prepare reports and summaries based on results and findings.
• Record details of experimental procedures, results and protocols.
• Coordinate general laboratory maintenance, including equipment upkeep and calibration.
• Perform preventive maintenance on laboratory equipment.
• Monitor and maintain contracts for laboratory equipment and monitor equipment performance and maintenance schedule.
• Provide technical help and expertise to lab members.
• Recognize and initiate the investigation into problems with clinical laboratory procedures and equipment; Undergo Tecan 780 Fluent training
• Communicate assay progress to assay users - Bi-Weekly
• Schedule maintenance for equipment – Yearly
• Prepare annual PhIP-Seq usage and expenditure report - Bi-Annually
• Notify PIs of assay completion
• Deliver processed data to assays users PIs
• Review PhIP-Seq queue Daily
• Biospecimen Logging