BioBank Specialist

BioBank Specialist

The Department of Genetic Medicine is seeking a BioBank Specialist to assist with the consulting, coordinating, and initiation of biobanking projects in a busy core facility under the supervision of a faculty investigator. This role will independently perform a range of analyses and tests on human fluids and/or tissue or cultured cell lines, the cryogenic preservation of analytes and biological isolates, and the distribution of biological materials. Work requires basic knowledge of cryogenic preservation, clinical trials, consent and IRB regulations, use of scientific methods, procedures, and techniques gained through previous training and experience. Uses understanding of biobanking processes and applies skills to implement assigned projects and to identify and troubleshoot situations needing special attention.

Specific Duties & Responsibilities

Assist with handling a variety of clinical/research specimens in extreme cold conditions including liquid nitrogen (-180 deg C), ultra-cold (-80 deg C), frozen (-20 deg C) and dry ice temperatures.

Assist with development and implementation of coordinated BioBank efforts including physical inventory, retrievals, deposits, discards, relabeling, and major projects.

Independently perform physical duties of retrieving and depositing heavy (up to 30 lbs.) cryogenically-frozen racks from large liquid nitrogen vessels.

Assist with preparation, packaging, and shipment of UN3373 Category B cryopreserved/live biospecimens to investigators around the world following IATA and DOT regulations/guidelines.

Assist with the inventory and organization of cryogenically-frozen biospecimens using a vapor-phase liquid nitrogen transport cart.

Ensure all biospecimens remain within safe and acceptable temperature ranges as dictated by standard operating procedures, protocols, and policies.

Function as an active member of the Quality Assurance Team Lead: Maintenance log tracking, inventory monitoring, distribution tracking, technology transfer agreement monitoring, sterility testing, equipment maintenance agreement upkeep, investigator billing, weekly success reporting and quarterly function checks.

Perform regular quality tracking reports and present to the Quality Assurance Team and CAP compliance committee.

Maintain clinically accurate and compliant data records. Updating of database and documentation in Laboratory notebooks and the Inventory monitoring system (LIMS). Maintain and make minor adjustments to equipment, e.g. calibrating, alignment.

Use various software applications to assemble, manipulate and/or format data and/or reports.

Monitor dry ice usage and prepare dry ice invoices for the Johns Hopkins community.

Support and assist in plans and development for an Institutional Biorepository.

Analyze quality monitors specific to the biorepository and prepare reporting documents.

Design and perform biorepository protocol preparation sheets and process accordingly.

Follows established standard operating procedures or protocols and utilizes appropriate technique to perform laboratory tests and/or experiments, which may include cryopreservation of blood isolates, cells, tissue or other biologicals, tissue culture, cell separation methods, clinical trial support assays, basic and advanced molecular and cellular biology, or other specialized biological and clinical science techniques.

Perform various clinical support techniques, from sera/plasma and blood isolations, fibroblast establishment and lymphocytic cell line establishment.

Assist in general maintenance of the laboratory and associated document tracking to support CAP quality assurance.

Assist in the preparation of manuscripts resulting from work in the lab.

Cross-train in other divisions and perform miscellaneous related duties as assigned.

Participate in establishing new techniques/assays in the lab.

Special Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities

Basic understanding of molecular biology, blood processing, and cell biology.

Experience working with liquid nitrogen or cryogenic liquids.

Ability to lift racks up to 30 lbs. from waist level to shoulder height.

Ability to safely operate scientific laboratory equipment.

Machines/equipment used

Liquid Nitrogen Cryogenic Freezers

-80 deg C Ultra-cold Freezers

Dry Ice

MVE Vapor-Phase LN2 Cryocart

CO2 incubators

Laminar flow hood

Centrifuge

Microscope

Cell counter

Autoclave

Computers/ iPad etc.

Physical Requirements

Ability to lift racks up to 30 lbs. from waist level to shoulder height.

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor's Degree in biology, chemistry or related field.

One year laboratory experience performing relevant techniques.

Additional education may substitute for required experience and additional related experience may substitute for required education beyond HS Diploma/Graduation Equivalent, to the extent permitted by the JHU equivalency formula.

Preferred Qualifications

Experience working with liquid nitrogen or cryogenic liquids.

Experience working in a biobanking or biorepository setting.

Experience or familiarity with the College of American Pathologists Accreditation Program.

Some related post-undergraduate work experience.

Additional relevant laboratory experience acquired through extracurricular activities.