Research Technician III - Biorepository

Summary

The Biofluids Repository Core (BRC) is an ATC core facility that provides support and services for biospecimen processing/storage in the DLDCCC and throughout BCM and the Texas Medical Center. This position will support all of the core projects with daily duties including receipt/fractionization of biospecimens, sample acquisition, data entry/documentation, sample shipment, inventory management, and other related duties as assigned. This individual should have excellent communication and organizational skills.

Job Duties

• Receive, accession, and process human biospecimens (e.g., blood, saliva, and other body fluids) in accordance with approved protocols, SOPs, and regulatory requirements.
• Perform biospecimen processing workflows, including centrifugation, aliquoting, labeling, stabilization, and cryopreservation.
• Ensure accurate specimen identification, chain of custody, and traceability from receipt through storage and distribution.
• Enter, verify, and maintain biospecimen metadata in laboratory information management systems (LIMS) and/or inventory databases (e.g., OpenSpecimen).
• Maintain organized and compliant physical and electronic documentation, including processing logs, temperature logs, deviation reports, and notes-to-file.
• Support quality control (QC) and quality assurance (QA) activities, including documentation reviews, audit readiness, and corrective actions as needed.
• Monitor, operate, and perform routine maintenance of biorepository equipment, including:−80°C freezers, liquid nitrogen (LN₂) storage systems, refrigerators, centrifuges, and biosafety cabinets
• Temperature monitoring and alarm systems
• Perform routine equipment checks, cleaning, calibration coordination, and maintenance documentation; promptly report equipment issues or deviations.
• Manage biospecimen storage and retrieval, including sample pulling, packaging, and preparation for internal or external distribution.
• Assist with sample shipments, including preparation of shipping documentation and coordination in compliance with IATA and institutional policies.
• Maintain appropriate biosafety, HIPAA, and human subject protection standards during all handling of human specimens.
• Assist with SOP review, updates, and implementation, including acknowledgment of revisions and training documentation.
• Support inventory management by monitoring consumables, reagents, and cryogenic supplies, and coordinating orders as needed.
• Collaborate with investigators, coordinators, and core leadership to ensure timely, accurate, and compliant sample support for research studies.
• Participate in required training, competency assessments, and continuing education relevant to biorepository operations.
• Coordinates sample acquisition from DLDCCC and other TMC affiliated clinics/hospitals to ensure timely transfer/processing of all biological samples.
• Attends weekly meeting with laboratory, clinical coordinators, and management to ensure all projects stay on track and address any issues that may arise.
• Train junior staff and assign tasks as directed by the supervisor
• May work with laboratory directors to develop and test new techniques/assays to support core projects.
• Perform other biorepository-related duties as assigned in support of BRC operations.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a Basic Science or related field. Four years of related experience may substitute for degree requirement.
• One year of relevant experience.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's degree in basic science or a related field.