Associate Scientist I, CONNECT, BPTL, CGR

PROGRAM DESCRIPTION The BioProcessing and Trial Logistics (BPTL) functional team within the Cancer Genomics Research Laboratory (CGR) plays a critical role in supporting the National Cancer Institute (NCI) Division of Cancer Epidemiology and Genetics (DCEG) through expert oversight of biospecimen operations for a variety of research aims. By integrating laboratory operations, biospecimen processing, inventory management, and site coordination, BPTL helps ensure that specimens are collected, processed, stored, tracked, and documented with the highest standards of quality and integrity. We are seeking an Associate Scientist I to oversee laboratory operations for the BPTL team supporting the DCEG Connect for Cancer Prevention study. This is an excellent opportunity for a laboratory operations professional with strong biospecimen management experience who thrives in a dynamic, mission-driven environment and is passionate about enabling research that advances cancer prevention and research science. This position is expected to operate with substantial independence, supervise and guide Research Associate III and Research Associate IV team leads, support implementation and continuous improvement of laboratory workflows, and help translate study and program priorities into scalable, reliable laboratory operations. The Associate Scientist I will serve as the operational lead for day-to-day laboratory execution while working closely with BPTL program management, CGR leadership, and DCEG scientific leadership to support study and operational objectives. This position will benefit from the support of CGR’s mature quality management system, laboratory information management system (LIMS), and extensive experience in high-throughput laboratory operations. This is a highly collaborative role that requires experienced laboratory management, excellent communication, organization, and data management skills. KEY ROLES/RESPONSIBILITIES The BPTL team supports the DCEG Connect study by translating study and research goals into practical, reliable biospecimen collection, processing, storage, shipment, and tracking workflows. These efforts ensure the availability of high-quality, well-annotated specimens to support current research objectives and creation of a biospecimen resource for long-term scientific discovery. As an Associate Scientist I, the incumbent will play a central role in laboratory oversight, operational coordination, and protocol execution. Connect laboratory operations occur across extended hours Monday through Saturday to support study requirements. As a result, excellent communication and coordination across teams and shifts are critical for success in this role. Core responsibilities include: Oversee day-to-day laboratory operations for the BPTL functional team in support of DCEG research activities Provide operational supervision and leadership to Research Associate III and Research Associate IV staff, including direction-setting, prioritization of work, coordination across teams, and support for staff development and performance Coordinate with existing Connect program management within BPTL as well as the DCEG Connect scientific leadership to ensure appropriate support for biospecimen accrual needs Manage biospecimen processing workflows, including receipt, accessioning, processing, aliquoting, storage, and shipment coordination Document and communicate collection and processing deviations, coordinate appropriate corrective actions in collaboration with the BPTL Connect program manager and QA staff, and support preventative action implementation with CGR/BPTL leadership. Provide needed support to ensure accurate and timely biospecimen inventory management within laboratory databases Collaborate with program management and CGR leadership to ensure time-sensitive specimens are handled according to protocol requirements, chain-of-custody expectations, and quality standards Coordinate operational priorities across teams and shifts to maintain workflow continuity, staffing coverage, throughput, and laboratory readiness Prepare and maintain accurate laboratory records, specimen tracking logs, reports, and other study documentation Collaborate with CGR leadership and Connect program management to review laboratory workflow performance, specimen tracking records, shipment documentation, inventory data, and operational reports to identify discrepancies, trends, risks, and opportunities for improvement. Coordinate with DCEG and CGR/BPTL leadership to support study needs, operational priorities, and evolving program requirements, including new biospecimen collections as study needs evolve Support implementation and continuous improvement of laboratory workflows using CGR’s established quality management systems and high-throughput operational infrastructure including documentation of deviations and authorship and review of standard operating procedures Support laboratory quality assurance activities, equipment oversight, supply management, and general laboratory organization Train and guide laboratory staff on safe biospecimen handling procedures, documentation practices, and protocol-specific requirements as needed Use Excel, Word, Outlook, and laboratory information systems daily for tracking, reporting, communication, and operational management Contribute to the successful scale-up of active or new studies through strong coordination, collaboration, prioritization, and data oversight BASIC QUALIFICATIONS To be considered for this position, you must minimally meet the knowledge, skills, and abilities listed below: Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college/university recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) in a relevant scientific discipline, or four (4) years of relevant experience in lieu of degree. Foreign degrees must be evaluated for U.S. equivalency In addition to the education requirement, a minimum of eight (8) years of relevant laboratory experience with human biospecimens and progressively increasing responsibility in laboratory operations and staff management, specimen management, or clinical research support Demonstrated experience overseeing laboratory operations involving human biospecimens, including specimen processing, inventory management, blood fractionation, chain-of-custody procedures, and documentation requirements in research, clinical, or biorepository settings. Experience with laboratory data management and specimen tracking systems Strong interpersonal and cross-cultural communication skills, with the ability to work effectively with internal leadership and external collection sites Experience coordinating multiple activities in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite, including Excel, Word, Teams and Outlook Demonstrated organizational, documentation, and problem-solving skills Demonstrated ability to manage data accurately in a fast-paced environment Ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS Candidates with these desired skills will be given preferential consideration: Previous experience overseeing staff and laboratory operations in support of multi-site clinical research or consortia-based specimen collection programs Experience with biospecimen inventory management databases, laboratory information management systems (LIMS), or electronic laboratory notebooks (ELNs) Familiarity with quality management systems in a regulated or high-throughput laboratory environment Experience supporting scale-up of specimen collection operations for active or expanding clinical studies, including experience with automated liquid handling instrumentation Experience with specimen shipping/logistics, kit management, and chain-of-custody documentation Demonstrable experience reviewing laboratory operational data and using metrics to support workflow improvement Knowledge of basic biorepository operations Previous experience training and mentoring staff in laboratory procedures and documentation practices Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively with scientific, operational, and administrative stakeholders Strong data management skills and attention to detail JOB HAZARDS This position is subject to working with or has the potential for exposure to infectious material, requiring medical clearance and immunizations. Work will involve Biosafety Level II laboratory conditions as well as standard office/administrative conditions. Work may involve the use of potentially hazardous chemical or biological materials or may be in areas where such materials are used, requiring the use of personal protective equipment and adherence to strict safety protocols.