Biospecimen Supervisor

The Department of Pediatrics has an immediate opening for a Biospecimen Supervisor for the National Children’s Study (NCS), a large, longitudinal study of children’s health. The NCS is the largest and most detailed study in U.S. history to examine the health and development of children in the United States. The Biospecimen Supervisor will be responsible for overseeing, managing and coordinating biospecimen laboratories at the three study sites in Utah, Idaho and Wyoming. If you are interested in working for a study that will help improve the lives of children, we invite you to consider this exciting opportunity.

The Biospecimen Supervisor will:

  • Oversee and manage the Specimen Processing and Shipping Center (SPSC), including day-to day laboratory activities as well as: biospecimen collection, blood centrifugation, processing, storage, and shipment to NCS designated study SPSC laboratories and/or repositories at locations in Utah, Idaho and Wyoming.
  • Manage and monitor the Study Center QA/QC activities related to the collection, processing, storage and shipment of biospecimens for NCS; ensure that biospecimen forms are reviewed and processed properly.
  • Oversee log-in and documentation of biospecimens collected in the field and delivered to the NCS designated SPSC laboratories and/or repositories.
  • Assist in the hiring process of biospecimen staff; supervise and train field personnel and research nurses on study protocols and procedures for biospecimen collection; monitor performance for adherence to operating procedures; and provide feedback and evaluate performance.
  • Supervise and train local SPSC laboratory technicians.
  • Assist with locating, equipping, and set-up of laboratory space in Cache County, Utah, Bear Lake County, Idaho and Unita and Lincoln Counties, Wyoming.
  • May also include management and oversight of environmental sampling technicians cross-trained in SPSC activities.

Requirements:

Bachelor’s degree in biological sciences, Master's or Ph.D. strongly preferred; plus three years related experience that includes:

  • One year experience supervising clinical or research laboratory that includes experience with laboratory information management systems (LIMS) or equivalent.
  • One year experience conducting and evaluating QA/QC in CLIA hospital or reference laboratories.
  • One year experience training and conducting proficiency examinations for phlebotomists.
  • Experience with laboratory information management systems (LIMS).

Will be required to work some non-traditional work hours (e.g., evenings and/or Saturdays).

Some travel required. Must possess a valid driver’s license and access to reliable transportation (mileage reimbursed).

Preferences:

  • Pediatric phlebotomy experience and/or experience working with OB patients.
  • Experience handling cord blood and placental tissue.
  • Extensive experience drawing blood on difficult patients and conducting venipuncture in the home.
  • Recent phlebotomy and biospecimen collection experience (100 draws within last 2 years, with at least 2 years phlebotomy experience.
  • Experience in research and data collection.
  • Spanish (oral and written) fluency and/or familiar with diverse cultural groups in Utah.

This is a 30 hour/week, fully benefited position. Hours are expected to increase to 40 hours as the study progresses.

The University of Utah offers competitive wages and an excellent benefits package. Interested applicants can apply on-line at http://www.hr.utah.edu/careers/. Please refer to job #36198.

The University of Utah is an Equal Opportunity Employer and encourages applications from minorities and women and provides reasonable accommodations to the known disabilites of applicants and employees.