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Requisition ID:  118503

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 trouble-shoot 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.

 

 

Classified Title: Research Specialist 
Job Posting Title (Working Title): BioBank Specialist   
Role/Level/Range: ACRP/03/MA  
Starting Salary Range: $35,600 - $62,200 Annually ($48,900 targeted; Commensurate w/exp.) 
Employee group: Full Time 
Schedule: M-F, 8:30 to 5pm 
FLSA Status: Non-Exempt 
Location: Hybrid/School of Medicine Campus
Department name: SOM Genetic Resources Core Facility GRCF
Personnel area: School of Medicine 

 

 

Total Rewards
The referenced base salary range represents the low and high end of Johns Hopkins University’s salary range for this position. Not all candidates will be eligible for the upper end of the salary range. Exact salary will ultimately depend on multiple factors, which may include the successful candidate's geographic location, skills, work experience, market conditions, education/training and other qualifications. Johns Hopkins offers a total rewards package that supports our employees' health, life, career and retirement. More information can be found here: https://hr.jhu.edu/benefits-worklife/.

Education and Experience Equivalency
Please refer to the job description above to see which forms of equivalency are permitted for this position. If permitted, equivalencies will follow these guidelines: JHU Equivalency Formula: 30 undergraduate degree credits (semester hours) or 18 graduate degree credits may substitute for one year of experience. Additional related experience may substitute for required education on the same basis. For jobs where equivalency is permitted, up to two years of non-related college course work may be applied towards the total minimum education/experience required for the respective job.

Applicants Completing Studies
Applicants who do not meet the posted requirements but are completing their final academic semester/quarter will be considered eligible for employment and may be asked to provide additional information confirming their academic completion date.

Background Checks
The successful candidate(s) for this position will be subject to a pre-employment background check. Johns Hopkins is committed to hiring individuals with a justice-involved background, consistent with applicable policies and current practice. A prior criminal history does not automatically preclude candidates from employment at Johns Hopkins University. In accordance with applicable law, the university will review, on an individual basis, the date of a candidate's conviction, the nature of the conviction and how the conviction relates to an essential job-related qualification or function.

Diversity and Inclusion
The Johns Hopkins University values diversity, equity and inclusion and advances these through our key strategic framework, the JHU Roadmap on Diversity and Inclusion.

Equal Opportunity Employer
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran.

EEO is the Law
https://www.eeoc.gov/sites/default/files/2023-06/22-088_EEOC_KnowYourRights6.12ScreenRdr.pdf

Accommodation Information
If you are interested in applying for employment with The Johns Hopkins University and require special assistance or accommodation during any part of the pre-employment process, please contact the Talent Acquisition Office at jhurecruitment@jhu.edu. For TTY users, call via Maryland Relay or dial 711. For more information about workplace accommodations or accessibility at Johns Hopkins University, please visit https://accessibility.jhu.edu/.

Vaccine Requirements
Johns Hopkins University strongly encourages, but no longer requires, at least one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine. The COVID-19 vaccine does not apply to positions located in the State of Florida. We still require all faculty, staff, and students to receive the seasonal flu vaccine. Exceptions to the COVID and flu vaccine requirements may be provided to individuals for religious beliefs or medical reasons. Requests for an exception must be submitted to the JHU vaccination registry. This change does not apply to the School of Medicine (SOM). SOM hires must be fully vaccinated with an FDA COVID-19 vaccination and provide proof of vaccination status. For additional information, applicants for SOM positions should visit https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/coronavirus/covid-19-vaccine/ and all other JHU applicants should visit https://covidinfo.jhu.edu/health-safety/covid-vaccination-information/.

The following additional provisions may apply, depending upon campus. Your recruiter will advise accordingly.
The pre-employment physical for positions in clinical areas, laboratories, working with research subjects, or involving community contact requires documentation of immune status against Rubella (German measles), Rubeola (Measles), Mumps, Varicella (chickenpox), Hepatitis B and documentation of having received the Tdap (Tetanus, diphtheria, pertussis) vaccination. This may include documentation of having two (2) MMR vaccines; two (2) Varicella vaccines; or antibody status to these diseases from laboratory testing. Blood tests for immunities to these diseases are ordinarily included in the pre-employment physical exam except for those employees who provide results of blood tests or immunization documentation from their own health care providers. Any vaccinations required for these diseases will be given at no cost in our Occupational Health office.
Hybrid: On-site 3-4 days a week

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