Biorepository Associate - 138047

The Moores Cancer Center (MCC) is one of just 55 NCI-designated Comprehensive Cancer Centers in the United States and the only one in San Diego County. As a consortium cancer center, it is a collaborative partnership between the UCSD: encompassing 28 departments, 6 schools (School of Medicine, Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Public Health, Jacobs School of Engineering, School of Biological Sciences & the School of Physical Sciences), UCSD Health oncology hospitals and clinics; the basic and public health research and outreach of San Diego State University (SDSU), and the basic and translational research of the La Jolla Institute of Immunology (LJI). These various programs and units are all dedicated to fulfilling the Moores Cancer Center's mission of reducing cancer's burden. As such, it ranks among the top centers in the nation conducting the continuum of cancer research, providing advanced patient care, and serving the community through outreach and education programs. As a top-ranking, future-oriented organization, we offer challenging career opportunities in a fast-paced and innovative environment. Moores Cancer Center follows a progressive philosophy of career-path development for its employees including opportunities for cross-training, professional development, and progressive responsibility.

MCC's mission is to transform cancer care in our catchment area and beyond by driving exceptional scientific discoveries and innovations in prevention, detection, care, and training. MCC will make a global impact on improving health by reducing cancer burden through accelerated discovery and translation, compassionate and interdisciplinary care, education and community engagement, with the foundation of our core values - Excellence, Innovation and Risk-Taking, Collaboration, Diversity and Service.

The College of American Pathologists (CAP) accredited MCC Biorepository serves as a shared resource to provide optimal and standardized acquisition, processing, management and technical innovation/quality control of human biospecimens for distribution for research. The Biorepository contains plasma, serum, tumor samples, and other biospecimens. These can be provided to investigators with IRB and Cancer Sample Banking Committee approved protocols. Samples are collected from consented subjects and de-identified clinical information on the subjects is collected over time.

Under supervision, will recruit Cancer Center and Medical Center patients for sample banking. The samples will be available to Cancer Center researchers and community investigators for oncology research. Duties will include identifying and obtaining informed consent from patients seen in Cancer Center clinics or inpatients, as well as explaining the nature of the study, confidentiality and procedures. Screen medical records, abstract relevant medical data per protocol. Coordinate with various clinical laboratories for appropriate blood sample to be drawn, and/or draw blood samples as necessary, if certified in phlebotomy. Transport samples to lab per specifications and process for storage (including Ficoll separation of blood samples). Assist in creation and maintenance of a database that correlates samples with medical data. Accurately record patient data into appropriate databases. Perform long term follow-up of participating patients, request ongoing medical data as applicable. Act as a liaison for the Biorepository with investigators/researchers both at UCSD and in the community. Must maintain strict confidentiality. Other duties assigned as needed.

• Theoretical knowledge of biology, microbiology, social sciences, or related field, as typically attained by a Bachelor's degree, or have equivalent combination of education and experience.

• Experience with research protocol in order to screen patients for eligibility and orient participating physicians. Experience with laboratory procedures and values and experience in interpreting them to determine patient eligibility and potential toxicities.

• Demonstrated ability to handle and process samples following SOPs, as well as prepare samples for shipping. Knowledge to comply with the State of California laboratory guidelines/requirements regarding biosafety/universal precautions.

• Knowledge of medical terminology, oncology disease processes and treatments, oncology clinical research and related diagnostic and laboratory procedures.

• Experience in obtaining patient/participant informed consent to contribute biospecimens for research and/or to participate in research studies. Ability to clearly answer questions relating to study and convey pertinent information. Ability to understand all aspects of the Biorepository Research Plan for biospecimens.

• Excellent interpersonal, as well as written and verbal communication skills (using grammatically correct written English and accurate typing) to interact with a variety of personalities at all levels of the organization, exercising tact, mature judgment, diplomacy, and flexibility to promote positive working relationships and job effectiveness. Skill at negotiating with various personalities and developing internal and external network of contacts. Excellent phone etiquette skills.

• Demonstrated ability and knowledge of using computer software applications including word processing and database applications and email. Accurate computer word-processing and database skills.

• Attention to detail required in file and record keeping duties.

• Ability to maintain strict confidentiality and comply with HIPAA regulations.

• Ability to interact with a large variety of physicians, healthcare professionals, cancer patients and families in a professional and pleasant manner.

• Ability to work independently and to establish priorities to meet multiple deadlines efficiently.

• Excellent organizational and time management skills to handle multiple projects and work at multiple locations.

• Experience performing laboratory research experiments/duties.

• Ability to perform Ficoll separation and aliquoting of blood samples. Experience working with sterile technique biosafety hoods and/or hazardous materials.

• Knowledge to comply with the State of California laboratory guidelines/requirements regarding biosafety/universal precautions.

• Experience performing research duties in a clinical research environment. Experience working with IRB and HIPAA policies regulating Biospecimen collection under NCI biospecimen collection guidelines.

• Experience performing Phlebotomy (Phlebotomy Certification).

• Experience performing clinical research duties in a clinical research environment. Experience working with IRB and HIPAA policies regulating biospecimen collection.

• Employment is subject to a criminal background check and pre-employment physical.

• Must successfully complete annual TB screen.

• Must be able to maintain confidentiality.

• Must be willing and able to work weekends and evenings when necessary.

• Must be able to travel to different locations.

• Must have access to reliable transportation.