Career Center

(20%) Leadership of Repository Division

• Manage the repository schedule: ensure coverage for daily operations at Mayo office (e.g., sample pick up and drop off, shipping, etc.) and schedule regular repository visits (e.g., freezer monitoring, sample accession, custodial adds/pulls, etc.)
• Coordinate tasks related to BLS repository operations (e.g., equipment monitoring, freezer inventory, ordering supplies)
• Perform complex ordering (e.g., create requisitions)
• Design and provide training to repository technicians and students
• Ensure alignment with other BLS divisions for collaborative efforts; coordinate as needed
• Coordinate short term/limited projects (e.g., researcher data requests, SOP development) to technicians, monitor for accuracy and completion, and provide guidance when necessary
• Troubleshoot and resolve issues that may arise (e.g., inconsistencies in specimens and/or data) through technical know-how and imaginative workarounds
• Maintain relationships with hospital and lab partners (e.g., Department of Pathology) in order to build rapport and resolve issues
• Maintain a positive working environment that supports and encourages team members; mentor, provide guidance, and coach as needed
• Perform other duties as assigned by BLS program director

(20%) Process Improvement

• Lead improvement projects: put together teams, assign tasks and timelines, monitor for completion, evaluate individual contributions, and implement new processes
• Capture, maintain, and analyze repository metrics data to inform future improvements
• Diagnose gaps and opportunities for improvement
• Ideate and execute long term/complex projects related to the BLS repository operations to improve upon and streamline current processes (e.g., develop blood banking guidelines)
• Streamline and improve collaborative efforts between BLS divisions (e.g., shared samples)
• Refine and improve data capture and data extraction for more efficient inventory searches
• Incorporate new data capture by collaborating with clinical pathology partners (e.g., pathology diagnosis)

(20%) Data Administration and Management for BLS Study Protocol

• Ensure data practices are HIPAA compliant
• Administration of Biospecimen Specimen Inventory (BSI) database: create new users, assign user roles, monitor user accounts for appropriate usage, train new users, and provide technical support and troubleshooting for minor issues
• Develop and implement standard operating procedures for BSI operations, security, and maintenance; update as needed
• Ensure accurate data reporting through review of data collection processes
• Diagnose and resolve major BSI issues through communication and collaboration with CTSI, BPIC, HST, and external vendor partners
• Perform entry and validation of all relevant BLS study data: medical chart (e.g., procedure data, treatment history, pathology reports, etc), sample processing, sample distribution, etc.
• Develop into subject matter expert of BLS study protocol database (BSI - Biological Specimen Inventory)
• Prepare and distribute abstracted data reports for supported study teams
• Troubleshoot, document, and resolve data inconsistencies and database issues
• Accession ~30K legacy samples into BSI
• Provide data support as needed to other BLS divisions

(15%)  Support for Investigator Protocols

• Ensure all aspects of BLS support for investigators is carried out in an ethically, scientifically, rigorous, and timely manner that prioritizes patient care and confidentiality
• Review specimen requests for feasibility of BLS support: query BLS specimen database, review medical charts including pathology and other lab reports, leverage knowledge of disease indications, apply patient inclusion and exclusion criteria, etc.
• Ensure supported projects meet all applicable policies prior to sample distribution
• Coordinate with investigators and study teams on complex requests and collaborative efforts, including coordination with other BLS divisions and UMN research support groups
• Coordinate with Pathology for quality control of specimens
• Coordinate, document, and execute compliant distribution of biological specimens
• Troubleshoot, document, and resolve issues that may arise
• Educate and train investigators and their study teams on BLS protocol and scope of practice
• Provide budget estimates to study teams
• Review, approve, and execute on custodial storage requests: project initiation, material transfer logistics, coordination with study team, billing, documentation, etc.
• Review, approve, and execute on data requests: project initiation, chart review, data abstraction, collaborating with bioinformatics, documentation, distribution on appropriate platforms, etc.

(15%) Biobanking for BLS Study Protocol

• Ensure biobanking aspects of the BLS protocol are carried out in an ethically, scientifically, rigorous, and timely manner that prioritizes patient care and confidentiality
• Ensure proper accession of all specimens collected for the BLS study protocol
• Manage specimen collection at two locations (Mayo Building, 1200 Washington Ave, etc.)
• Perform quality control and validation of specimens and data
• Ensure discrepancies are documented and resolved
• Document and manage sample distribution

(5%) Division and Program Support

• Evaluate needs and assess feasibility of BLS support for new protocols
• Perform monthly billing for BLS services provided
• Update procedures and workflows as needed to accommodate new protocols and changing needs
• Provide technical guidance for investigators and their study teams
• Author and review Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs)
• Train new staff, including students, on BLS study protocol, procedures, and policies
• Maintain a positive working environment that supports and encourages team members; mentor, provide guidance, and coach as needed
• Support other BLS divisions as needed
• Perform other duties as assigned by BLS program director

(5%) Equipment and Infrastructure

• Ensure smooth operation of freezers, liquid nitrogen storage, label printers, and other infrastructure associated with the BLS Repository
• Organization and maintenance of freezers, including regular defrosting and cleaning
• Document equipment maintenance and function, request and monitor service and repair as needed
• Management of temperature monitoring system
• Respond and provide support during equipment failure

All required qualifications must be documented on application materials

Required Qualifications

• BA/BS  in Nursing, Gross Room, Surgical Pathology, Histology, Biological Sciences or related field plus at least four years of experience or a combination of related education and work experience to equal at least eight years
• Demonstrated/documented knowledge of medical terminology to screen for appropriate tissue collection and to abstract medical information from patient charts
• Proficient data entry and computer skills
• Fluency in English in order to explain consents to patients and families
• Ability to lift 50 lbs in order to lift freezer racks and transfer liquid nitrogen tanks as needed
• Demonstrated/documented excellent oral and written communication skills
• Demonstrated/documented excellent customer service skills
• Demonstrated/documented excellent work ethic and teamwork skills

Preferred Qualifications

• Bio-repository or laboratory work experience
• Experience working with patients and obtaining informed consent
• Experience with abstraction of medical information from medical charts
• Knowledge of universal precautions, lab safety procedures, and blood borne pathogens
• Experience with Microsoft Office software
• Working knowledge or ability to learn and utilize electronic databases
• Excellent organization and time management skills; ability to function independently and collaboratively, good problem-solving skills, ability to multi-task
• Experience distinguishing and identifying human tissues
• Fulfillment of HIPAA training requirements

About University of Minnesota Twin Cities

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