Biospecimen Liaison in Frederick, MD

Description

PROGRAM DESCRIPTION         

The Vaccine, Immunity and Cancer Directorate investigates immune responses to vaccines in preclinical and clinical studies, with a focus on HPV and more recently on SARS-CoV-2. As part of a large effort to combat the current SARS-CoV-2 pandemic, the National Cancer Institute (NCI) is collaborating with the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Disease (NIAID), the Centers for Diseases Control and Prevention (CDC), the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the Frederick National Laboratory (FNL) and other stakeholders to develop assays with the highest reproducibility, sensitivity, and specificity for evaluation of immune responses against this new virus.  To address gaps and unmet needs in serology assay development and standardization and to gain a solid fundamental knowledge of the immune response to SARS-CoV-2 and underlying mechanisms of protection against infection, NCI has established the Serological Sciences Network (SeroNet), which includes the Frederick National Laboratory (FNL) Serology Lab, leveraging the vast expertise and excellence in HPV serology at the FNL. 

The Center of Excellence for Serology Development and Emergency Preparedness (CESDEP) is a new program to provide both a more targeted and global response to the evolution of SARS-CoV-2, requiring innovative thinking, outreach and partnership with global leaders. CESDEP will leverage and deploy the knowledge from existing program to bring high quality, precision biomarker assays to the cancer and HIV clinics to help combat SARS-CoV-2 in those most vulnerable. 

KEY ROLES/RESPONSIBILITIES

The Biospecimen Liaison provides biospecimen program and operation support for the Center of Excellence for Serology Development and Emergency Preparedness (CESDEP). Works directly with Laboratory Manager and the staff to provide laboratory support, shipping and receiving of biospecimen samples, coordination of samples with external centers and internal team including establishing legal mechanisms for material transfers. Assist with administrative, personnel support, procurement, facilities, inventory and equipment maintenance, and any other support to the staff as needed. Knowledge of human research subject regulations a plus.

• Assist with overall coordination of biospecimen repository program functions including receiving, shipping, packing, handling with internal and external facilities
• Modifies and prepares Material Transfer Agreements for individual requests
• Collaborates with Legal office for Material Transfer Agreements
• Follows all GCLP requirements for all assigned and unassigned duties
• Prepares, schedules and ships reagents domestically and internationally
• Coordination with FNL repository for incoming and outgoing shipments
• Maintains inventory of packing materials, dry ice, etc. for shipments
• Updates reagent inventory and databases
• Electronically tracks, stores and updates all requesting information
• Preparation of meeting slides for the program as required
• Assist in the preparation of program reports, not limited to monthly quarterly reports, semi-annual and annual reports
• Assist in the development of oral presentations and meetings
• Assist with administrative functions including supply ordering, coordinating work orders, and equipment inventory and maintenance
• Document control tasks for standard operating procedures, forms, controlled documents and laboratory notebook issuance
• Perform other related duties as assigned

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS

To be considered for this position, you must minimally meet the knowledge, skills, and abilities listed below:

• Possession of Bachelor's degree in Biology, Public Health or a related field from an accredited college/university according to the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) or four (4) years relevant experience in lieu of degree
• Foreign degrees must be evaluated for U.S. equivalency
• In addition to the education requirement, a minimum of two (2) years of laboratory experience is required
• Proficient with Windows and MS Office including Word, Excel, PPT
• Knowledge of the use of proper English/grammar/spelling/punctuation
• Ability to effectively maintain files and active records
• In addition to a commitment to excellence in operations, the position requires leadership skills and commitment to the mission
• Ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

Candidates with these desired skills will be given preferential consideration:

• Project Management Professional (PMP) license
• Familiarity with immunology, immune assays, diagnostics, vaccines and clinical research
• Familiarity with human research subject requirements and regulations
• Laboratory experience in biomedical science
• Experience with specimen handling and biorepository management
• Strong organizational and communications skills
• Ability to work in a fast-paced team and multi-task to achieve milestones within deadlines

EXPECTED COMPETENCIES

• Excellent communication skills (written and oral)
• Ability to work effectively in a matrix and team‐oriented environment
• Ability to develop project master plan and schedules
• Ability to identify and solve complex problems
• Strong organizational and multitasking skills

JOB HAZARDS

• This position is subject to working with or have potential for exposure to infectious material, requiring medical clearance and immunizations