Study Coordinator/Project manager

BRIGHAM AND WOMEN’S HOSPITAL

 

                                                                   Study Coordinator/Project Manager-Channing Lab                                                                             

 

GENERAL SUMMARY/ OVERVIEW STATEMENT:              

 

The Channing molecular genetics lab focuses on population and family-based genetic studies of asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).  The Project Manager will be an active participant in multiple research studies, and will work under the general direction of the Research Lab Manager. Coordinates sample collection logistics with multiple worldwide study centers. Coordinates specimen tracking, handling, shipping and receiving for over 33 active studies. Must possess a strong scientific background preferably within the biosciences. Performs and/or supervises non-routine, highly specialized experimental procedures as necessary. Participates in the design and modification of research protocols. Effectively trains and mentors laboratory personnel on current protocols.

 

PRINCIPAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:  

 

1.      Coordination of biological specimen processing, tracking, shipping, receiving and storage for multiple studies. Responsible for the coordination of individual projects, including quality assurance, tracking laboratory supplies and scheduling to meet deadlines; sets priorities with the Laboratory Manager.

 

2.      Responsible for tracking active sample collections for all studies and generating weekly reports of sample collections for all ongoing studies. Reports this data to Primary Investigators at weekly meetings.

 

3.      Oversees and maintains correct storage of incoming and existing specimens within the biorepository. Tracks freezer storage for multiple liquid nitrogen, -80oC, and -20 oC freezers within the laboratory. Tracks and assigns space within the freezer storage system in the LIMS and monitors freezer space limitation issues.

 

4.      Responsible for shipping and receiving of all biological specimens sent or received by the lab. Responsible for packaging and shipping specimen collection supplies, coordinating sample pick up with study centers and drop-off by couriers/FedEx from local study centers.

 

5.      Must have excellent communication and organizational skills. Interacts directly with multiple study centers contacts nationwide for 33 ongoing active studies.

 

6.      Responsible for maintaining data integrity quality control through data entry auditing and verification. Tracks and reports database entry errors and ensure corrections are made by reporting to bioinformatics personnel and ensuring corrections are made.

 

7.      Training laboratory technicians on sample processing, database protocols and bioassays. Responsible for troubleshooting problems and instructing others in highly specialized techniques, including training new technicians. Assist laboratory manager with lab technician work schedules. Contributes to hiring, firing, evaluating and disciplinary action of research technicians when necessary.

 

8.      Specimen processing and handling of human blood and other human specimen types is required. Supervises sample processing and plating by technicians on large scale projects.

 

9.      Performs all other duties/responsibilities as directed.

 

 

 

 

 

QUALIFICATIONS:               

 

BS or BA Required.

 

Minimum of 3 to 5 years of progressively more responsible research work experience.  Management skills or demonstrated leadership ability preferred. Requires familiarity with standard DNA technology (ie. PCR, DNA and RNA extractions, etc.).

 

 

SKILLS/ ABILITIES/ COMPETENCIES REQUIRED:           

 

1) Ability to attend to detail and to be precise.  Sound analytical and organizational skills.

 

2) Knowledge of biochemistry, genetics and/or molecular biology typically obtained through a bachelors degree program in biology, molecular genetics, biochemistry, or laboratory science.  Broad knowledge of scientific principles and laboratory techniques.  Ability to identify potential problems, communicate and troubleshoot them effectively.

 

3) Excellent written and verbal communication skills, must be able to thoroughly document experiments, protocols, and data.  Must be able to logically structure tasks and set priorities.  Analyze data and present it.

 

4) Must be able to operate and maintain delicate electronic equipment and safely use and dispose of toxic chemicals and biohazardous materials.

 

5) High degree of computer literacy and ability to troubleshoot software, as well as understand and query complicated databases.

 

6) Must have a desire and willingness to mentor and teach entry-level laboratory technicians. Must have effective coaching skills and interpersonal skills.

 

 

 

 

 

 

WORKING CONDITIONS:      

 

 

Variety of laboratory/office settings. Exposure to toxic chemicals, and biohazardous materials.

 

 

 

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY: 

 

Contributes to hiring, firing, evaluating and disciplinary action of research technicians when necessary.

 

 

FISCAL RESPONSIBILITY:   



Study center budget reconciliation and tracking. Manages and tracks all shipping costs.