Scheduled Hours

40

Position Summary

The Siteman Cancer Center is seeking an organized and motivated individual to join the Sample Processing Group within the Tissue Procurement Core (TPC) shared research laboratory. This position is responsible for a broad range of laboratory tasks needed to support cancer and other biomedical research studies. Duties include human tissue and blood biospecimen processing, basic laboratory equipment use and maintenance, and support of general quality control functions needed for laboratory operations. A successful candidate will have strong clerical accuracy, exceptional organization and time-management skills, a solid understanding of basic computer applications, experience working in a laboratory environment and should be motivated to join a fast-paced laboratory environment.

Job Description

Primary Duties & Responsibilities

• Performs routine assays according to laboratory standard operating procedures, including instrument maintenance and minor troubleshooting; may perform special assays with supervision by a senior medical technologist or supervisor.
• Uses blood processing techniques that include traditional centrifugation approaches to separating whole blood into serum/plasma/white blood cells as well as more sophisticated approaches (i.e. Ficoll processing) to separate blood into liquid and specific cellular fractions.  Uses tissue processing techniques that include snap-freezing tissue specimens and preparing/embedding specimens for frozen sectioning.
• Provides section cross coverage as needed for other job functions within the Processing section to ensure continued laboratory operations (i.e. storage, retrieval, distribution of clinical biospecimens (tissue/bio-fluids).
• Recognizes problem situations and participates in problem solving; informs supervisor of unusual situations and requests technical assistance.
• May assist with validation of new assays; compiles data for supervisory review; utilizes database, spreadsheet and word processing programs.
• Complies with all regulatory and client requirements for testing and documentation.
• Demonstrates a general understanding of assay methods and clinical relevance; participates in relevant continuing education.
• Assists supervisor with other duties and special projects as needed.
• Monitor and evaluate laboratory supplies to ensure consistent and adequate supply for laboratory activities, assisting with general supply orders.
• Participates in the On-Call program for monitoring storage equipment and environmental systems required for storage of biospecimens (non-business hours).
• Provides cross-functional support in other areas of the laboratory (biospecimen kit assembly, histology, molecular, and specimen inventory management).
• Performs Quality Control and Quality Assurance functions for biorepository activities defined in the TPC Quality Management System.  Reviews, revises, and complies with all laboratory Standard Operating Procedures and other controlled documents, incident reporting and investigation, implementation of Corrective and Preventative Action (CAPA), maintenance of training records, and compliance with all laboratory safety procedures.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in physical life science and clinical laboratory experience.
• ASCP registry or equivalent.
• Demonstrated ability to perform tasks in an organized and systematic manner.
• Ongoing interaction with faculty, trainees, and staff in the Siteman Cancer Center and Washington University School of Medicine.
• Aptitude for patience, professionalism, tactfulness and empathy for needs of scientific investigators and be able to communicate and represent the Tissue Procurement Core and Siteman Cancer Center in a professional matter.

Required Qualifications

Associate degree (Medical Lab Technician or related scientific degree).

Grade

C07-H

Salary Range

$19.21 - $28.85 / Hourly

The salary range reflects base salaries paid for positions in a given job grade across the University. Individual rates within the range will be determined by factors including one's qualifications and performance, equity with others in the department, market rates for positions within the same grade and department budget.

Questions

For frequently asked questions about the application process, please refer to our External Applicant FAQ.

Accommodation

If you are unable to use our online application system and would like an accommodation, please email [email protected] or call the dedicated accommodation inquiry number at 314-935-1149 and leave a voicemail with the nature of your request.

Pre-Employment Screening

All external candidates receiving an offer for employment will be required to submit to pre-employment screening for this position. The screenings will include criminal background check and, as applicable for the position, other background checks, drug screen, an employment and education or licensure/certification verification, physical examination, certain vaccinations and/or governmental registry checks. All offers are contingent upon successful completion of required screening.

Benefits Statement

Personal

• Up to 22 days of vacation, 10 recognized holidays, and sick time.

• Competitive health insurance packages with priority appointments and lower copays/coinsurance.

• Want to Live Near Your Work and/or improve your commute? Take advantage of our free Metro transit U-Pass for eligible employees. We also offer a forgivable home loan of up to $12,500 for closing costs and a down payment for homes in eligible neighborhoods.

• WashU provides eligible employees with a defined contribution (403(b)) Retirement Savings Plan, which combines employee contributions and university contributions starting at 7%.

Wellness

• Wellness challenges, annual health screenings, mental health resources, mindfulness programs and courses, employee assistance program (EAP), financial resources, access to dietitians, and more!

Family

• We offer 4 weeks of caregiver leave to bond with your new child. Family care resources are also available for your continued childcare needs. Need adult care? We’ve got you covered.

• WashU covers the cost of tuition for you and your family, including dependent undergraduate-level college tuition up to 100% at WashU and 40% elsewhere after seven years with us.

For policies, detailed benefits, and eligibility, please visit: https://hr.wustl.edu/benefits/

EEO/AA Statement

Washington University in St. Louis is committed to the principles and practices of equal employment opportunity and especially encourages applications by those from underrepresented groups. It is the University’s policy to provide equal opportunity and access to persons in all job titles without regard to race, ethnicity, color, national origin, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, protected veteran status, or genetic information.

Diversity Statement

Washington University is dedicated to building a diverse community of individuals who are committed to contributing to an inclusive environment – fostering respect for all and welcoming individuals from diverse backgrounds, experiences and perspectives. Individuals with a commitment to these values are encouraged to apply.