Job Title

We have an exciting opportunity to join our team as a Research Technician with a primary focus on managing and operating a human-sample-based research laboratory. The successful candidate will be responsible for day-to-day lab operations and will work with a high degree of autonomy. This role requires solid expertise in handling, processing, and storing human tissue and blood samples; nucleic acid extraction; and basic molecular biology techniques. The Research Technician will also oversee biobank activities, ensure proper documentation, and sample tracking using REDCap and Labvantage, and support ongoing research projects through high-quality experimental work.Job Responsibilities:Human Sample Handling & Biobanking - Independently receive, log, and process human tissue and blood samples in accordance with IRB/ethical and biosafety guidelines. - Perform routine and advanced processing of human samples, including separation of components (, plasma, PBMCs, buffy coat) using centrifugation. - Perform nucleic acid (DNA and RNA) extraction from human tissue and blood using manual and/or kit-based methods. - Conduct quality control on extracted nucleic acids (, concentration, purity, integrity) and maintain detailed records.- Manage biobank inventories, including labeling, cataloging, and tracking samples in Labvantage or equivalent LIMS. - Ensure proper long-term storage of samples (, -80?C freezers, liquid nitrogen) and maintain sample chain-of-custody and traceability.Molecular Biology & Library Preparation- Perform PCR and quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR/RT-qPCR) assays, including primer preparation, reaction setup, and analysis of results. - Perform library preparation for next-generation sequencing (NGS) following established protocols, including quality assessment of libraries. - Assist in optimizing and troubleshooting nucleic acid extraction, PCR/qPCR, and library prep protocols specific to human samples.Lab Operations & Autonomy- Oversee day-to-day lab operations, including ordering and inventory of reagents, consumables, and supplies. - Coordinate the repair, calibration, and preventive maintenance of lab equipment (, centrifuges, freezers, thermocyclers, qPCR instruments). - Develop, update, and enforce standard operating procedures (SOPs) for human sample handling, nucleic acid workflows, and biobank management. - Ensure compliance with institutional biosafety, IRB, and data security policies related to human samples and associated clinical data. - Train and mentor junior staff, students, and visitors on lab procedures, safety practices, and data entry in REDCap and Labvantage.Data Management & Documentation- Accurately record sample metadata, processing steps, and experimental results in REDCap and Labvantage, ensuring data integrity and traceability. - Maintain clear, organized lab notebooks and electronic records sufficient for reproducibility and audit. - Assist with data export, quality checks, and basic analysis of experimental results as needed for project reporting and munication & Collaboration- Collaborate closely with investigators, clinicians, and study coordinators to ensure timely and accurate processing of incoming human samples. - Communicate sample status, experimental progress, and any issues that arise to the PI and project team in a timely manner.- Maintain confidentiality of all research data and patient-related information.Judgment/Decision-Making- Exercise sound judgment in troubleshooting experimental and operational problems and propose practical solutions.- Recognize and escalate issues related to sample quality, protocol deviations, safety, or equipment failures to the appropriate personnel. - Work independently within established protocols, seeking guidance for novel or complex situations.Minimum Qualifications:To qualify you must have a Bachelor's of Science Degree in Life Sciences or a related field with one year of experience. Advanced (beyond basic lab training will be accepted in lieu of experience as assessed by the hiring Principal Investigator). Effective oral and written communication skills required.Preferred Qualifications:- Bachelor’s degree in Life Sciences or a related field. - At least one year of hands-on experience working with human biological samples (tissue and/or blood) in a research or clinical lab setting; advanced training or demonstrated competency in lieu of formal experience may be considered. - Demonstrated proficiency in nucleic acid extraction from human samples, PCR, and qPCR. - Experience with NGS library preparation and related quality control methods. - Experience with biobanking workflows and sample tracking in a LIMS (preferably Labvantage) and data entry/management in REDCap. - Prior experience serving in a lab management or lead technician role. - Familiarity with IRB-regulated human subjects research and biosafety level 2 (BSL-2) practices.- Strong organizational skills and proven ability to work independently and manage multiple tasks simultaneously. - Effective oral and written communication skills.Qualified candidates must be able to effectively communicate with all levels of the organization.