Research Technician II Research Biobank (Job ID: 8501)
ROLE SUMMARY: The role of the Research Technician II (RTII) is to carry out a variety of duties with the Ontario Tumour Bank (OTB), a OICR funded research program, at St. Michael's Hospital, Unity Health Toronto (UHT) and to support the UHT Brain Tissue Biobank. This individual shall work closely with the Biobank Research Manager to coordinate the day-to-day activities of the cancer biobanking program, with an initial focus on brain tumour banking. The RTII works in close collaboration with the Principal Investigator (PI) and a multidisciplinary research team to ensure that rigorous research and tissue and data collection standards are maintained. The roles and responsibilities of the Tumour Bank personnel are often interchangeable based on PI delegation and appropriate training, education and experience.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Bachelors of Science with at least 1 year of related experience OR demonstrable equivalent combination of specialized education and experience.
MINIMUM SKILLSET
Knowledge Skills:
q Good Clinical Practice (GCP) Course (completed in first two weeks of hire);
q CiTi Web course on Research Ethics (completed in first two weeks of hire);
q TCPS 2 certificate (preferred);
q Demonstrated knowledge of medical and scientific terminology, with a focus on oncology and neurology/neuroscience
q Familiarity with clinical sample processing for biobanking;
q Previous research and/or clinical trials experience an asset; and
q Knowledge of clinics, hospitals, department procedures and policies preferred.
Clinical Skills:
q Experienced in obtaining informed patient consent;
q Blood processing (preferred)
q Phlebotomy skill sets (an asset);
q Fixed tissue processing and embedding skills (preferred)
q Operating lab equipment (i.e., centrifuge); and
q Experience with tissue cryopreservation.
Management Skills:
q Able to plan, execute and manage research projects;
q Able to prioritize workload, with attention to detail;
q Demonstrates excellent organizational and time management skills;
q Able to work with diverse clinical partners
q Leadership and team-building skills;
q Teaching skills (instructing Co-op students)
q Good analytical and problem solving skills; and
q Negotiation skills.
Computer Skills:
q Proficient in MS Windows environment (e.g., Word, Excel, Access);
q Familiarity with Biobanking Information Management Software (BIMS)
q Comfortable in working with databases and performing simple queries; and
q Proficient in working on local hospital IT and EMR systems.
Communication Skills:
q Excellent oral and written communication skills;
q Communication of empathy, warmth and respect for subjects
Professional Skills:
q Excellent interpersonal skills;
q Excellent organizational skills;
q Highly motivated and self-directed;
q Maintains subject confidentiality; and
q Punctual and regular attendance.
CORE RESPONSIBILITIES
q Follows processes to organize and track Tumour Bank activities, including tracking biobank supplies and requestion orders;
q In charge of LN2 orders and filling dewars, keeping samples cryopreserved
q Interacts and corresponds with PI, Research Manager, hospital staff/departments, local oncologists, surgeons, pathologists, fellow researchers, Tumour Bank PA (if applicable) and Ontario Institute for Cancer Research (OICR) staff;
q Plans and conducts subject recruitment/identification from surgical oncology clinics;
q Obtains informed patient consent and provides patient education, which may include answering patient concerns about privacy;
q Completes registration information and case report forms (CRFs) within OICR BIMS (clinical data collection) and the Brain Tissue Biobank database;
q Responds to OICR BIMS query lists on a regular basis;
q Collects, processes, stores and ships patient tissue and blood samples according to SOPs
q Member of Tumour Bank Local Management Committee (as required);
q Assists in new staff orientation and training (including Co-op students and staff at other collection centres, if necessary);
q Participates in annual peer-review data audit activities with colleagues at other collection centres, which may include creating case scenarios;
q Performs Tumour Bank-related administrative tasks (i.e., documentation, REB amendments, setting up material transfer agreements, lead through sample request processes with the biobank governance committee, requesting samples from pathology, creating dispense and master logs, gathering clinical data for collaborators);
q Ensures that manager and PI are kept informed of all Tumour Bank related activities;
q Attends training and education sessions as requested by OICR and/or the manager and PI.
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Thank you for applying.