Job description: The Liver Tissue and Cell Distribution System is a NIH funded program to provide tissues and cells from liver to researchers. The position requires both technical skills from the area of biology and/or histology as well as basic administrative skills. This position would be 75% (30 hours/wk) or less.
Responsibilities
Assisting in data collection, analysis and interpretation; designing and conducting research based on project planning • Assembling relevant clinical information for each newly acquired liver, based on the medical records. Entering the de-identified data on a clinical information form into the LTCDS database. • Compiling, organizing and preserving accurate, detailed records of all tissue samples acquired and stored as well as all samples shipped to individual investigators • In collaboration with the research coordinator responding to inquiries, communicating with investigators about liver tissue samples we have available and the detailed characteristics they may prefer beyond the primary diagnosis; e.g., age, sex, clinical history, etc. • Processing of fresh liver tissues: freezing, fixation and processing to formalin fixed paraffin embedded • Sectioning of frozen tissues on cryostat and staining of the sections, sectioning of the paraffin blocks, and staining of the sections • Isolation of cells from fresh specimens • Sending investigators print-outs of the clinical information forms (coded by sample number, devoid of identifying patient information) corresponding to the frozen tissue samples we have shipped. • Organizing and maintaining the liver tissue storage system: transferring the snap-frozen tissue samples into freezer boxes in racks inside a -85 degree C freezer • Coordination with histology laboratory the fixation and paraffin embedding of liver specimens, storage and maintenance of records of paraffin blocks, requesting slide sections as needed. • Communicate with BioNet staff members regarding specimen collections. During BioNet working hours (Monday – Friday 6 AM – 6PM) the collections are performed by BioNet procurement technicians. After working hours the BioNet technicians are notifying pathology residents who are contracting with BioNet to assist with after hour collections. The BioNet technicians and residents are working with Surgical Pathology to ensure fast initial processing of specimens. In the past period >90% of liver collections occurred after hours and were facilitated by advanced training level pathology resident or fellow as detailed below. • Ability to safely work with potentially infectious tissues and specimens. • Work with research coordinator and other laboratory members responding to the Principal Investigator (P.I.), answer investigator questions, relying on the PI to advise on more complex inquiries • In collaboration with the research coordinator, help with assembling shipments of snap-frozen liver tissue samples as requested by investigators, packing them in conformity with current shipping regulations for clinical specimens for research, packing them in dry ice and arranging for overnight shipment to investigators; then alerting investigators as to package arrival and tracking number
Lab management • In charge of laboratory administrative matters, handling communications via letters, emails, phone calls and other - supervising regulatory matters related to research safety and accountability, preparing grant documentation, ordering lab supplies (this task requires serviceable knowledge of computer software) • Maintaining, defrosting and trouble-shooting the ultra-low temperature freezers comprising the LTCDS Tissue Bank. • Assembling and mailing shipments of paraffin bocks and/or slides as requested by the investigator, accompanied by non-identifying patient information coded with the sample numbers. • Coordinating with subcontractor (University of Pittsburgh) shipment of liver tissues • Ordering supplies and managing laboratory space and equipment in collaboration with the research coordinator • Assist and assure compliance regarding Information Security, laboratory safety and other regulatory requirements • Being on call to respond to any emergencies concerning tissue storage freezer malfunction. Responding to notifications about any malfunctions of the freezers.
All required qualifications must be documented on application materials
Required Qualifications: • BS/BA in biology, medicine, or biotechnology and 2 years of or a combination of education and work experience to equal six (6) years • Experience or training in the area of histology or pathology and in handling tissues and biospecimens • Relevant research laboratory experience including tissue work and/or sectioning of fixed and frozen tissues, staining of tissues is acceptable • Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written • Attention to detail and follow-through on tasks • Basic medical knowledge, ability to survey medical records to retrieve required information
Preferred Qualifications: • Experience with tissue microdissection, fluorescent antibody staining technique • Experience with using microscope, fluorescent microscopic image acquisition, and digital image analysis. • Experience with cell culture, sterile technique, isolation of cells from blood and tissues
The University of Minnesota, founded in the belief that all people are enriched by understanding, is dedicated to the advancement of learning and the search for truth; to the sharing of this knowledge through education for a diverse community; and to the application of this knowledge to benefit the people of the state, the nation, and the world.
