Research Assistant

GAPPS BioServices was founded in 2009 to serve the urgent need for biological specimens to support research on normal and abnormal pregnancies, how pregnancy affects maternal and child health after delivery, and fetal origins of diseases. GAPPS offers full service biospecimen management including biospecimen procurement and management, sample storage and tracking, and molecular analyte extraction. GAPPS is partnering with the University of Washington to support a national research program, Environmental influences on Child Health Outcomes (ECHO), which aims to explore the effects of early environmental influences on child health and development.

Overview of the Role

For this collaboration, GAPPS will draw on its deep experience in the pregnancy and biobanking fields to operationalize all efforts in the field to collect, process, store and ship biospecimens from women and children enrolled in the study. GAPPS will implement the ECHO Cohort Protocols related to specimen and data biobanking with fidelity. The GAPPS Research Assistant is responsible for working closely with the Biorepository Manager and the University of Washington site lead to conduct activities related to the collection, processing, storage and management of biospecimens and associated data from research participants in the ECHO program.

This position is based at the biobank laboratory site in Yakima, WA and is responsible for all patient facing duties related to biospecimen collection as well as processing, storing, and managing shipments to the central biobank. This position will be trained in phlebotomy, if not already qualified, and will perform site based biospecimen collections according to the ECHO Cohort Protocols. This position will also prepare collection and processing kits, work with the Community Health Workers to send and receive home based collection kits and process all home based collection kits. The Research Assistant will enter data and track specimens in the study database and manage kit inventories. This position will also be responsible for data abstraction from the antenatal and labor and delivery and newborn medical records and will work closely with the Community Health workers to complete other patient data entry as required. This position will undergo training provided by the Biorepository and Laboratory Managers to ensure high quality data and specimen management. The individual will also need to be well organized and capable of working in a sometimes fast-paced environment.

Reporting Structure and Team

The Research Assistant reports to the Manager of Biorepository Operations and is a key member of the Research Operation team.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities include the following. Other duties may be assigned.

• Assist in management of all clinical samples (tissue, blood, etc.), from collection during clinical study to final disposition and storage.

• Prepare specimen collection kits for clinical sites.

• Performs basic biospecimen processing and handling to prepare the biospecimens for long-term storage or distribution; ships and/or returns specimens to external sites per specifications.

• Understands and implements all quality control processes, and can visually identify and report characteristics indicative of decreased biospecimen quality.

• Monitor and track incoming and outgoing repository specimen shipments.

• Performs general administrative functions such as specimen tracking and coordinates kit production to meet deadlines.

• Maintain detailed bioinventory in a Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS) database ensuring that sample inventories are accurate, complete, and up-to-date.

• Performs data entry into designated tracking systems for associated specimen submission documentation in accordance with project requirements.

• Verifies specimen data entry accuracy, and communicates with external sites or internal staff to resolve discrepancies.

• Review specimen related reports for actionable issues.

• Maintains and ensures all documentation is in a state of audit-readiness, maintains accurate tracking and reporting of study management data.

• Help in management of the day-to-day operations of ECHO Biorepository.

• Participate in establishing repository SOPs (sample receiving, registering, shipping, destruction, data query resolution, label generation/printing, monitoring systems, etc.)

• Performs all responsibilities in accordance with Standard Operating Procedures, established guidelines and work instructions.

• Identifies and contributes to areas of best practice and process improvement.

• Communicates respectfully with coworkers, staff, patients, parents and clients. Continuously strives to provide customer service in an efficient and effective manner to assure customer satisfaction and quality specimen handling.

• Actively promotes a cohesive, positive, and team-oriented work environment and possess a solution-driven mentality. Maintains and promotes a safe environment. Wears appropriate personal protective equipment as designated by lab area.

Minimum Qualifications

• BA/BS in health of life sciences or related degree.

· Dual language in Spanish and English required.

· Phlebotomy certification or willingness to become certified in first weeks of job. Employer will cover expenses of required training.

· Advanced skills in Microsoft Office programs as well as good working knowledge of electronic data systems and controlled sample management systems.

· Excellent written and verbal skills.

· Excellent teamwork, communication (verbal and written), organizational, and interpersonal skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience within a clinical or basic science laboratory.

• 1 years of experience, or extended education, in clinical research preferred.

• Detailed and precise record keeping skills are essential as well as the ability to track and resolve issues.

• Self-motivated, proactive, and able to prioritize and manage multiple projects simultaneously.

• Ability to work both independently and with a team, resolving issues with a positive outcome.

• Ability to deal with time demands, incomplete information or unexpected events.

GAPPS is proud to offer a competitive total compensation package as well as comprehensive benefits program designed to support the whole lives of our employees and their families. Benefits include medical, vision, and dental coverage, group and supplemental life insurance, and 401(k) with company match. The hourly pay range for this position is $18.50 – $22.00 based on skills, education and experience relevant to the role.

GAPPS is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applications with receive consideration for employment without regard to race, age, gender identity, sexual orientation, color, religion, sex, marital status, national origin, protected veteran status, disability status, or any other status protected by federal, state, or local law.

To apply please submit a resume to gapps@gapps.org

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $18.50 - $22.00 per hour

Expected hours: 40 per week

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Medical Specialty:

• Public Health

Physical Setting:

• Clinic
• Office

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift
• On call

Language:

• Spanish, English (Required)

Work Location: In person

Salary : $19 - $22