Research Laboratory Technician - Shalhout Research

Education
High School Diploma or Equivalent required and Bachelor's Degree Biology preferred

Can this role accept experience in lieu of a degree?
Yes

Licenses and Credentials

Experience
Prior laboratory experience, either through academic coursework, internships, or employment. 1-2 years preferred

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
- Strong theoretical and practical knowledge of laboratory techniques and procedures.
- Familiarity with common laboratory equipment and instruments used in research experiments.
- Proficiency in data collection, analysis, and scientific software tools.
- Excellent attention to detail, organizational skills, and the ability to multitask and prioritize tasks effectively.
- Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to troubleshoot technical issues.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills to effectively convey experimental procedures, results, and challenges.

POSITION SUMMARY:

The Shalhout Lab is seeking a highly motivated and detail-oriented research technician and clinical research coordinator to join our team and support a range of critical research activities. This role will require direct patient interaction including obtaining informed consent, guiding patients to phlebotomy appointments, and ensuring a positive and organized experience throughout their participation. The RT1 will also be responsible for accurate data collection and entry, statistical analysis, assisting in data visualization for reporting and analysis, and managing regulatory submissions and compliance under IRB protocols. Additionally, the position will require coordination of tumor tissue block retrievals for molecular analysis. This is an exciting opportunity to contribute meaningfully to cutting-edge research that may impact patient care in a collaborative and supportive environment.

The statements below describe the essential duties of the person or persons assigned to this job. They are not intended as an exhaustive list of all job duties and responsibilities.

Please direct questions about position to Sophia_Shalhout@meei.harvard.edu.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Performs data collection and data abstraction on complex ehr data
• Assists with patient biospecimen, blood, and tissue collection
• Obtain and document informed consent from patients in accordance with IRB-approved protocols.
• Escort and assist patients with clinical research visits, including guiding them to phlebotomy and other required procedures.
• Accurately collect, enter, and manage clinical research data using electronic data capture (EDC) systems (e.g., REDCap).
• Assist in generating basic data visualizations and summaries for internal reporting and presentations.
• Maintain organized and up-to-date regulatory documentation in compliance with IRB requirements.
• Collects, organizes, and summarizes acquired data using scientific techniques, including computer programs.
• Makes periodic reports of project status to supervisor; assists in judging the validity of the data obtained.
• If applicable, after appropriate training, uses radioactive, infectious, bio-hazardous, and/or toxic substances and stays current in safety procedures for handling, storage and disposal of bio-hazardous, infectious, radioactive, and/or toxic substances.
• Assists with planning specific research procedures, coordinating schedules of tests and procedures.
• Assists in training and onboarding of other team members. May demonstrate basic laboratory techniques to other research staff as necessary.
• Conducts literature searches; reviews and compiles information from journals and suggests use for new techniques to supervisor.
• Performs clerical duties incidental to research tasks as required.
• Attends meetings as required.
• Performs other laboratory related functions as required or directed.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

This position requires a bachelor's degree in biology, public health, biochemistry, chemistry, or a related technical field. Requires excellent organization, time-management, and communication skills. Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to work collaboratively in a multidisciplinary team. This research involves protected health information and patient data and HIPAA Compliance is required. Prior experience with consenting patients and coordinating biospecimen collection is a plus.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

Potential Exposure to Blood Borne Pathogens. Job requires performance of tasks that involve potential for exposure to blood, body fluids, or tissues.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

Requires clear vision at 20 inches or less and depth perception. Work requires some lifting and carrying objects weighing up to 50 pounds.