Laboratory Assistant

Description
Frontline National is seeking qualified individuals to work as Laboratory Assistants to support RTI International in implementing a research project in Warminster, Pennsylvania. Please apply online or call our office directly at 513-528-7823 to learn more about this great opportunity!
For the study, recruited research participants will be scheduled for appointments at a local study office in Warminster, Pennsylvania. At the office, participants will meet with a Phlebotomist who will collect measurements such as height, weight, waist circumference, and blood pressure, and a blood sample. Participants will also complete a survey about their health, and minor participants will complete a neuro-behavioral assessment. Study office staff will also receive participant urine samples, process blood samples into serum aliquots, and ship the blood, serum, and urine samples to off-site labs for analysis. The team will be overseen by an on-site office manager or team lead.
Daily responsibilities include, but are not limited to:
- Using interpersonal and verbal communication skills to communicate effectively with study office leadership and participants.
- Performing proper and accurate sample management, including identification, transport, and processing of participants’ biological samples.
- Completing data collection forms as required for the study in a timely manner.
- Entering information in computer databases for the study in a timely manner.
- Providing information on the data collected to appropriate members of the project team as directed.
- Receiving, processing, and temporarily storing bio-specimens in freezers and refrigerators.
- Preparing shipments and shipping bio-specimen samples according to study protocols.
- Tracking biological samples using bio-specimen management software.
- Maintaining inventory of bio-specimen collection and storage materials.
- Following laboratory safety rules and procedures.
- Cleaning and sanitizing the laboratory, bio-specimen processing equipment, and storage freezers and refrigerators.
- Managing medical and hazardous waste.
- Working comfortably on a study-provided computer or tablet.
- Following protocol and manual of procedures processes.
- Managing and operating equipment safely and correctly.
- Maintaining cleanliness of medical equipment used.
- Maintaining cleanliness of study office areas as assigned.
- Maintaining participant confidentiality.
- Complying with all COVID-19–related safety requirements.
- May be asked to assist with study office set-up prior to data collection launch.
- May be asked to verify participant identities and look up their Participant IDs in the project system to begin their study office activities.
- May be asked to collect and document COVID-19 screening questions (when needed) and temperature accurately.
- May be asked to administer Informed Consent Forms.
Education:
- Completion of an accredited laboratory, biological or life science program (vocational, associate’s, bachelors, or above) OR a High School diploma/GED with combined experience sufficient to fulfill duties required.
Experience:
- One (1) year of experience processing and shipping biological samples and using bio-specimen management software preferred.
- Basic laboratory and troubleshooting skills and trained in aseptic technique.
- Effective communication skills through speech and listening and have fluency in English through reading, writing, and speaking.
- Basic computer skills.
- Able to keep project information confidential.
- Good attention to detail, excellent documentation skills, and ability to work well in a group environment.
- Ability to report to work on time as scheduled.
- Ability to comply with all study ethics practices.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills.
Security:
- Must be at least 18 years old at the time of employment.
- National Background Investigation
- Must be authorized to work in the U.S.
- Must have a valid driver’s license and reliable transportation to and from study office.
License/Certification and Training:
- Attend and successfully complete up to 40 hours of project training.
- Staff must also complete the requirements of an 8-hour research with human subjects training.
- Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) will be provided as well as training regarding the proper use and disposal of PPE per Center for Disease Control (CDC) guidelines.
- Hazards: Potential exposure to blood-borne pathogens.
- As part of preventative measures to protect staff and participants, all staff are required to be vaccinated against COVID-19 prior to beginning work.
Schedule:
- Available to work, on average, three to five 5-hour shifts per week from approximately October 2021 through March 2022. Study office hours will vary by month, but shifts will primarily start at 6:30 AM and end between 12:00 PM and 2:00 PM Monday through Saturday and 3:00 PM through 8:00 PM once or twice a month. The Office Manager will coordinate shift schedules.
- Availability for entire training and data collection period.