Technician

Department Summary: At the VCU Office of the Vice‑President for Research and Innovation, our mission is to foster transformative research, discovery, and innovation at Virginia Commonwealth University through excellence in service. We partner with faculty in all schools and departments to secure funding, plan studies, establish collaborations, calculate budgets, submit grant applications, negotiate industry contracts, and secure patents and licensing agreements. Our commitment to supporting and elevating the research community at VCU has resulted in record levels of sponsored research and positioned VCU among the nation’s premier public research universities. Through our passion for discovery and willingness to take on challenges, we continue to advance the work that matters most and position the university as a national leader in research, innovation, creativity, and scholarship. Duties & Responsibilities The Biorepository Technician plays a vital role in supporting the Massey Comprehensive Cancer Center’s mission by managing and coordinating the activities of the biorepository. The mission of Massey is to serve the Commonwealth of Virginia as an internationally recognized institute of clinical, educational, and research excellence dedicated to improving the quality of human life through prevention, control, and cure of cancer. The candidate will procure, process, and send out repository specimens for ongoing projects performed at Massey Comprehensive Cancer Center. The candidate will report to the Operations Director and Lab Manager, supporting the lab by ensuring collected research sample integrity is held to the highest standards. This position serves as a liaison between researchers and the biorepository, ensuring all requests for biospecimens are appropriately vetted, tracked, and fulfilled. The role combines technical expertise, data management skills, and exceptional organizational abilities to support cutting‑edge cancer research at VCU. Job Duties Specimen Management Coordinate and perform the processing and storage of biorepository samples (solid and liquid), adhering to strict protocols to ensure sample integrity. Perform quality control checks on processed samples to ensure suitability for research use. Oversee the proper labeling, tracking, and storage of biospecimens within the repository. Assist with patient screening to identify potential biorepository participants. Work directly with Laboratory Manager/Director to integrate new technologies and state‑of‑the‑art services into laboratory operations. Liaison Duties Serve as the primary point of contact between researchers and the biorepository, ensuring clear communication and adherence to institutional protocols. Vet and prioritize incoming requests for biospecimens, working collaboratively with researchers to fulfill their needs efficiently. Maintain thorough documentation of all requests and ensure accurate tracking from submission to fulfillment. Consult with Manager/Director on project designs and execution on a frequent and as‑needed basis. Data Integrity and Management Maintain and monitor data in the LIMS to ensure accuracy and completeness. Regularly audit data entries and provide updates or corrections as necessary. Collaborate with IT and other departments to troubleshoot and improve the LIMS functionality. General Laboratory and Administrative Duties Monitor and maintain laboratory equipment and supplies necessary for biorepository operations. Assist with the development and documentation of standard operating procedures (SOPs) and adhere to them. Assist in organizing the lab space. Assist in ordering and billing. Must adhere to all lab safety policies and expectations. Report to operations director and lab manager. Other Duties as Assigned Must be flexible, team‑oriented, and eager to learn new tasks and responsibilities, while also supporting and collaborating effectively with other team members. Qualifications Minimum Qualifications Demonstrated ability to work in and foster an environment of respect, professionalism, and civility with a population of faculty, staff, and students from all backgrounds and experiences, or a commitment to do so as a staff member at VCU. Only applicants who do not require current or future sponsorship for employment will be considered. Experience in a life science field (e.g., biology, biochemistry) or equivalent experience. Experience with handling biohazard specimens, biohazard waste disposal, and handling valuable research samples. Exceptional attention to detail and organizational skills. Ability to communicate effectively with researchers, staff, and stakeholders. Problem‑solving skills and resourcefulness to address complex or unprecedented challenges. Maintain assigned work schedule. Preferred Qualifications Bachelor’s degree or advanced degree in a life science field. Over 3 years of experience with biospecimen handling, processing, and storage in a biorepository environment. Strong knowledge of biospecimen processing protocols and laboratory best practices. Familiarity with laboratory information management systems (LIMS) and data auditing. Independently manage multiple tasks and meet deadlines. Salary Range $48,000 - $50,000 Benefits All full‑time university staff are eligible for VCU’s robust benefits package that includes comprehensive health benefits, paid annual and holiday leave, generous tuition benefits, retirement planning and savings options, tax‑deferred annuity and cash match programs, employee discounts, well‑being resources, abundant opportunities for career development and advancement, and more. Position Details Unit: Office of the Vice President for Research & Innovation, MBU Department: OVPRI Core Facilities FLSA Exemption Status: Non‑Exempt Hours per Week: 40 Restricted Position: No ORP Eligible: No Flexible Work Arrangement: Fully Onsite University Job Title: 34051N – Lab/Research Technician 1 #J-18808-Ljbffr