Clinical Lab Assistant I- Pasquarello Tissue Laboratory

Overview

The Clinical Laboratory Assistant I PTL is the frontline staff assistant responsible for the communication with clinical staff and researchers concerning the banking and transactions of research samples for the Pasquarello Tissue Laboratory (PTL) within the Cell Manufacturing Core Facility.

Located in Boston and the surrounding communities, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute is a leader in life changing breakthroughs in cancer research and patient care. We are united in our mission of conquering cancer, HIV/AIDS, and related diseases. We strive to create an inclusive, diverse, and equitable environment where we provide compassionate and comprehensive care to patients of all backgrounds, and design programs to promote public health particularly among high-risk and underserved populations. We conduct groundbreaking research that advances treatment, we educate tomorrow's physician/researchers, and we work with amazing partners, including other Harvard Medical School-affiliated hospitals.

PRIMARY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: 

• Perform cell separation techniques and prepare cells, plasma and other sample types for banking of research samples.

• Retrieves data from other systems/departments to ensure that patients are registered to the banking protocols and samples are obtained and logged according to timeframes stated in the study.

• Maintains two separate databases/logs to ensure COI and COC for the receipt, storage and distribution of samples according to protocol.

• Assists with pulling samples and the distribution and shipments of samples to investigators.

• Monitors and takes REES call for equipment alarms for LN2 tanks, mechanical freezers, room temperature and CO2 incubators

• Retrieve samples from DFCI Lab Control and Brigham and Women's hospital, via Pevco tube system and via CRC hand-delivery.

• Trains to perform high-complexity lab procedures such as manual cell counts.

• Processes all samples following aseptic technique and in clear separation from other patient samples to avoid cross-contamination.

• Assists other lab staff as needed.

• Reports unexpected finding to the appropriate supervisor.

• Performs cleaning and quality checks on biological safety cabinets, CO2 incubators, Allegra 6R centrifuges, J6-MI centrifuges and other instruments as needed.

• Notifies Supervisor when equipment needs repair or is reaching calibration expiration date.

• Creates shipping files in inventory database for the retrieval and distribution of banked samples for researchers.

• Monitors and changes the LN2 dewars to maintain the LN2 levels in the LN2 tanks.

• Prepares blood bag apparatus’ and fills with Ficoll-Paque, heats inactive Fetal Bovine Serum and filter and prepare other reagents as needed.

• Performs manual cell counts on a variety of cell types using hemocytometer and microscope.

• Creates daily sample expected lists using data from Open Specimen, EPIC and information from Clinical Research Coordinators.

• Monitors and takes REES call for equipment alarms for LN2 tanks, mechanical freezers, room temperature and CO2 incubators.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES REQUIRED:

• Ability to effectively communicate both orally and in writing.

• Demonstrated problem-solving skills.

• Customer service skills.

• Detail oriented.

• Good math skills needed to calculate reagent preparation and sample dilutions.

• Knowledge of lab safety and infection control.

• Ability to accurately perform manual cell counts on a variety of cell types using a hemocytometer and microscope.

• Adheres to all applicable DFCI policies including safety, HIPAA and Code of Conduct.

• Ability to work effectively independently as well as a member of a team.

• Ability to seeks advice as needed.

• Ability to accommodate schedule adjustments, as well as off-shift and weekend assignments as workload dictates.

MINIMUM JOB QUALIFICATIONS:

Minimum Education:  Associates degree in a related science required.

Minimum Experience:  Previous laboratory experience preferred.  Working knowledge of computer systems desired.

Physical Demands

Must be able to work with stacks/samples stored in liquid nitrogen (LN2) tanks for prolonged periods of time.

Must be able to lift stacks of frozen samples above waist height, which

requires pulling the top of the stacks above head height.

At Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, we work every day to create an innovative, caring, and inclusive environment where every patient, family, and staff member feels they belong. As relentless as we are in our mission to reduce the burden of cancer for all, we are committed to having faculty and staff who offer multifaceted experiences. Cancer knows no boundaries and when it comes to hiring the most dedicated and compassionate professionals, neither do we. If working in this kind of organization inspires you, we encourage you to apply.

Dana-Farber Cancer Institute is an equal opportunity employer and affirms the right of every qualified applicant to receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender identity or expression, national origin, sexual orientation, genetic information, disability, age, ancestry, military service, protected veteran status, or other characteristics protected by law.  

Pay Transparency Statement

The hiring range is based on market pay structures, with individual salaries determined by factors such as business needs, market conditions, internal equity, and based on the candidate’s relevant experience, skills and qualifications.

For union positions, the pay range is determined by the Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA).