Tissue Associate II

Job Description

Position: Tissue Associate II

Location: Long Island City, NY (Onsite)

Length: 6+ Month Contract

Job Description:

The Tissue Associate II provides key operational support across internal customer service, clinical operations, and histology functions in support of tissue genotyping workflows. This role is responsible for receiving, unpacking, processing, verifying, and recording samples submitted for laboratory testing under the supervision of the Supervisor or Manager. The Tissue Associate II works closely with the Tissue Associate to coordinate tasks, balance workload, and support projects as needed.

This position requires a strong understanding of laboratory workflow, excellent attention to detail, strong written and verbal communication skills, the ability to multitask, and the flexibility to work independently and as part of a team. In addition to primary sample accessioning responsibilities, this role may provide back-up support to analytical and post-analytical teams on a non-testing basis as needed. Hours and days may vary depending on operational needs.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

\n
• Support clinical laboratory personnel with sample intake, verification, accessioning, return of clinical specimens to source pathology laboratories, and transfers to internal departments and external laboratories.
\n
• Receive, unpack, and process incoming clinical and non-clinical specimens.
\n
• Enter and verify data in the Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS).
\n
• Understand, execute, and maintain tissue RUO/IST and IUO workflows.
\n
• Prepare clinical samples for in-house testing and/or external reference laboratory use.
\n
• Apply unique labels to Formalin Fixed Paraffin Embedded (FFPE) blocks and slides during sample accessioning to maintain genealogy during downstream testing and report generation.
\n
• Manage sample storage inventory of FFPE blocks, unstained slides, and stained slides.
\n
• Resolve and document discrepancies, incomplete specimens, and unacceptable specimens.
\n
• Review and analyze pathology reports from source pathology laboratories and verify diagnosis correlation with received specimens.
\n
• Verify aspects of incoming samples and assess sample acceptability for testing.
\n
• Mediate transfers to and from external reference laboratories while maintaining chain of custody and GDP requirements.
\n
• Organize clinical specimens and manage sample storage inventory and transfers across departments.
\n
• Prepare, package, and return patient specimens to the corresponding source pathology laboratory within the allotted time frame once testing is complete.
\n
• Coordinate with laboratory facilities to ensure specimens are returned appropriately.
\n
• Input and update tissue trackers to support day-to-day workflow.
\n
• Document corrective actions when test systems deviate from established performance specifications.
\n
• Initiate, investigate, and complete Nonconformance Reports (NCRs) within 30 days and support Corrective and Preventative Action (CAPA) activities.
\n
• Follow Good Laboratory Practice (GLP) standards for laboratory organization, bench upkeep, and supply management.
\n
• Operate, maintain, and troubleshoot equipment; maintain equipment logs and records according to laboratory SOPs.
\n
• Verify, monitor, and record temperatures of equipment and storage units using quality control procedures, and initiate service requests when needed.
\n
• Maintain sufficient laboratory inventory for daily operations.
\n
• Work closely with leads across analytical, post-analytical, client services, reporting, and technical development teams to provide consistent support to the service department.
\n
• Support administrative laboratory functions as needed.
\n
• Perform additional duties as assigned and assist others as time allows.
\n
• Assist in updating and developing SOPs related to biospecimen management workflows.
\n
• Assist with training new laboratory personnel and support training on new procedures for existing personnel.
\n
• Provide support, guidance, and constructive feedback to Tissue Associates.
\n
• Serve as a point of contact for Tissue Associates in the absence of the Supervisor and/or designee.
\n
• Assist with internal audits and inspection preparation as needed.
\n
• Identify process improvement opportunities and report them to laboratory management.
\n
• Report concerns related to test quality and/or safety to the Supervisor or Safety Officer.
\n

Qualifications:

\n
• Minimum of an Associate of Arts degree or equivalent experience required.
\n
• Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Laboratory Science, Clinical Science, or a related field preferred.
\n
• 1 to 2 years of related experience in a high-complexity laboratory required.
\n
• 1 year of sample accessioning experience or equivalent data entry experience required.
\n
• Pipetting or equivalent laboratory experience required.
\n
• Previous experience with Excel, Smartsheet, and Salesforce preferred.
\n
• Previous experience working with LIMS or other data management systems preferred.
\n
• Demonstrated competency in pre-analytical sample processing steps.
\n
• Ability to communicate proactively, consistently, clearly, and honestly.
\n
• Strong computer skills.
\n
• Strong communication skills and the ability to maintain open communication with internal employees, managers, and customers as needed.
\n
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
\n
• Ability to prepare and maintain records and logs.
\n
• Ability to integrate and apply feedback in a professional manner.
\n
• Ability to prioritize tasks with a strong emphasis on quality.
\n
• Ability to analyze and solve basic issues.
\n
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
\n
• Ability to work in a laboratory environment with potential exposure to hazardous materials, blood specimens, moving equipment, heating or freezing elements, and high-speed centrifugation.
\n
• Ability to stand or sit for long periods, perform repetitive manual pipetting, and lift up to 25 pounds as needed.
\n

POST-OFFER BACKGROUND CHECK IS REQUIRED. Digital Prospectors is an Equal Opportunity Employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. Digital Prospectors affirms the right of all individuals to equal opportunity and prohibits any form of discrimination or harassment.

Come see why DPC has achieved:

\n
• 4.9/5 Star Glassdoor rating and the only staffing company (< 1000 employees) to be voted in the national Top 10 ‘Employee’s Choice - Best Places to Work’ by Glassdoor.
\n
• Voted ‘Best Staffing Firm to Temp/Contract For’ 8 consecutive years in a row by Staffing Industry Analysts as well as a ‘Best Company to Work For’ by Forbes, Fortune and Inc. magazine.
\n

As you are applying, please join us in fostering diversity, equity, and inclusion by completing the Invitation to Self-Identify form today!

Job # 18966