Laboratory Assistant

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 encouraged to get vaccinated against COVID-19 prior to beginning work.

Schedule:

• Available to work, on average, three to five 5-hour shifts per week from approximately September 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.