Research Specimen Processing Technician, Northwest Biospecimen/Northwest Biotrust

Job Description

The Department of Laboratory Medicine & Pathology has an outstanding opportunity for a Research Specimen Processing Technician to join their team.

About this Opportunity

This position supports Prospective and Customized Biospecimen Procurement and Annotation. This role has operational access to patient health information and clinical materials, including pathology specimens, archival blocks, and slides. For these activities, the incumbent must adhere to covered-entity HIPAA Privacy and CLIA rules and has a “dotted line” reporting relationship to the CLIA certificate holders and applicable clinical laboratory management staff.

This is a full-time day shift position that works from 10am-6:30 pm located at the University of Washington Medical Center – Montlake campus. The specific work schedule will be discussed with the hiring manager.

Key Responsibilities

Case Coordination 

• Review clinic and OR schedules for NWBT cases. 
• Obtain NWBT general protocol consent (including research-only biospecimens) pre-operatively or in SCCA clinics. 
• Coordinate the collection and processing of biospecimens and associated data for basic research and clinical trials across care teams. All remnant clinical specimens are obtained within an approved Surgical Pathology or Lab Medicine and Pathology clinical stream; technicians must know these standard procedures and policies along with all research requirements and protocols. 

Specimen Collection (technicians rotate across these areas as needed) 

• Clinic/pre-operative area: Gather IRB-approved clinical information (e.g., questionnaires) and research-only samples (e.g., buccal swabs, cores, urine, and blood). 
• Operating rooms: Perform intraoperative blood work with anesthesia teams, including special timed protocols for prospective blood and sterile biospecimen collection under pathology direction. 
• Pathology gross rooms and frozen section rooms: Handle non-sterile collection and processing of tissue after review by pathology attendings, senior residents, or pathology assistants (PAs). 

Communication 

• Communicate clinical histories and research protocol requirements to teams across all collection areas. 
• Record all parameters associated with specimens and data (e.g., cold ischemia time, specimen size) and report on this data. 
• Communicate with research staff regarding procurement specifics and distribution arrangements. 
• Notify designated moonlighting staff of any potential after-hours procurement activity. 

Quality Assurance 

• Ensure biospecimens are dissected appropriately, processed quickly, and maintained at the correct temperature. 
• Ensure a scout slide is created for solid tissue specimens and reviewed by a pathologist to determine percent necrosis and percent neoplasia. 
• Review the final pathology report to confirm there are no inconsistencies or unexpected results related to the research biospecimen, and that the report notes tissue was collected for research. 

Compliance and Distribution 

• Ensure all releases of biospecimens and information comply with patient consent, research protocol, and IRB approvals. 
• Log all distributions and obtain signatures from research staff. 

Storage and Additional Duties 

• Maintain short-term biospecimen storage and freezer space. 
• With proper certification and approvals (including study-specific IRB approvals), may perform other procedures involving direct patient access, such as phlebotomy and patient questionnaires. 
• Annotate biospecimens per approved protocols, query clinical databases/records, and pull archived pathology materials for review as needed. 
• May assist with other service lines, such as requests for research use of archival specimens. 
• Train other staff, including students, on procedures. 
• Perform other duties as assigned. 

Required Qualifications

To be considered for this opportunity, your application must demonstrate you meet both the minimum qualifications and additional qualifications listed below. Equivalent education and/or experience may substitute for minimum qualifications except when there are legal requirements, such as a license, certification, and/or registration.

Minimum Qualifications

Two years of college-level science in an applicable field

OR
High School graduation or GED Certification AND one year of clinical laboratory experience in a Clinical or Public Health Laboratory.

Additional Qualifications

• Excellent organization and time management skills; able to function both independently and collaboratively with strong problem-solving ability. 
• Excellent oral and written communication skills. 
• Knowledge of medical terminology that is sufficient to screen for appropriate tissue collection with experience abstracting medical information from patient charts. 
• Knowledge of universal precautions, lab safety procedures, and bloodborne pathogens. 
• Ability to distinguish and identify human tissues. 
• Previous experience involving direct patient contact. 
• Ability to lift 50 lbs to move freezer racks and transfer liquid nitrogen tanks as needed. 
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office software. 

Preferred Qualifications

• Knowledge of HIPAA and CAP/CLIA requirements for the research use of archival clinical samples. 
• Experience obtaining informed consent. 
• Familiarity with Institutional Review Board (IRB) requirements. 

About the Department of Laboratory Medicine & Pathology

A regional resource for clinical laboratory services required for innovative patient care, research and educational programs, the Department of Laboratory Medicine & Pathology at UW Medicine combines the sophisticated testing and informatics capabilities of fully accredited laboratories with the resources of an academic institution in its delivery of clinical and anatomic pathology services. Recognized for excellence in clinical training, world-class research initiatives, and a commitment to community service, we serve labs and medical facilities both nationally and internationally.

Please visit our website to learn more about our department.

About the UW

Working at the University of Washington provides a unique opportunity to change lives – on our campuses, in our state and around the world. UW employees bring their boundless energy, creative problem-solving skills and dedication to building stronger minds and a healthier world. In return, they enjoy outstanding benefits, opportunities for professional growth and the chance to work in an environment known for its diversity, intellectual excitement, artistic pursuits and natural beauty. 

Compensation, Benefits and Position Details

Pay Range Minimum:

Pay Range Maximum:

Other Compensation:

Benefits:

Shift:

Temporary or Regular?

FTE (Full-Time Equivalent):

Union/Bargaining Unit:

About the UW 

Working at the University of Washington provides a unique opportunity to change lives – on our campuses, in our state and around the world.  

UW employees bring their boundless energy, creative problem-solving skills and dedication to building stronger minds and a healthier world. In return, they enjoy outstanding benefits, opportunities for professional growth and the chance to work in an environment known for its diversity, intellectual excitement, artistic pursuits and natural beauty. 

Our Commitment 

The University of Washington is committed to fostering an inclusive, respectful and welcoming community for all. As an equal opportunity employer, the University considers applicants for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, citizenship, sex, pregnancy, age, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information, disability, or veteran status consistent with UW Executive Order No. 81.

To request disability accommodation in the application process, contact the Disability Services Office at 206-543-6450 or dso@uw.edu. 

Applicants considered for this position will be required to disclose if they are the subject of any substantiated findings or current investigations related to sexual misconduct at their current employment and past employment. Disclosure is required under Washington state law.