DESCRIPTION

The Moores Cancer Center is one of just 51 in the United States to hold a National Cancer Institute (NCI) designation as a Comprehensive Cancer Center. As such, it ranks among the top centers in the nation conducting basic and clinical cancer research, providing advanced patient care and serving the community through outreach and education programs.

The Cancer Center's mission is to translate promising scientific discoveries into new and better options for the care of patients with cancer. The Center supports one of the broadest ranges of cancer activities in the nation - from fundamental and translational cancer research in molecular genetics and advanced molecular therapeutics, and from population studies of cancer incidence to community education about cancer prevention and risk reduction.

The College of American Pathologists (CAP) accredited MCC Biorepository serves as a shared resource to provide optimal and standardized acquisition, processing, management and technical innovation/quality control of human biospecimens for distribution for research. The Biorepository contains plasma, serum, tumor samples, and other biospecimens. These can be provided to investigators with IRB and Cancer Sample Banking Committee approved protocols. Samples are collected from consented subjects and de-identified clinical information on the subjects is collected over time.

Under supervision, will recruit Cancer Center and Medical Center patients for sample banking. The samples will be available to Cancer Center researchers and community investigators for oncology research. Duties will include identifying and obtaining informed consent from patients seen in Cancer Center clinics or inpatients, as well as explaining the nature of the study, confidentiality and procedures. Screen medical records, abstract relevant medical data per protocol. Coordinate with various clinical laboratories for appropriate blood sample to be drawn, and/or draw blood samples as necessary, if certified in phlebotomy. Transport samples to lab per specifications and process for storage (including Ficoll separation of blood samples). Assist in creation and maintenance of a database that correlates samples with medical data. Accurately record patient data into appropriate databases. Perform long term follow-up of participating patients, request ongoing medical data as applicable. Act as a liaison for the Biorepository with investigators/researchers both at UCSD and in the community. Must maintain strict confidentiality. Other duties assigned as needed.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Theoretical knowledge of biology, microbiology, social sciences, or related field, as typically attained by a Bachelor's degree, or have equivalent combination of education and experience.

• Experience with research protocol in order to screen patients for eligibility and orient participating physicians. Experience with laboratory procedures and values and experience in interpreting them to determine patient eligibility and potential toxicities.

• Demonstrated ability to handle and process samples following SOPs, as well as prepare samples for shipping. Knowledge to comply with the State of California laboratory guidelines/requirements regarding biosafety/universal precautions.

• Knowledge of medical terminology, oncology disease processes and treatments, oncology clinical research and related diagnostic and laboratory procedures.

• Experience handling and processing samples following SOPs, as well as prepare samples for shipping.

• Experience in obtaining patient/participant informed consent to contribute biospecimens for research and/or to participate in research studies. Ability to clearly answer questions relating to study and convey pertinent information. Ability to understand all aspects of the Biorepository Research Plan for biospecimens.

• Excellent interpersonal, as well as written and verbal communication skills (using grammatically correct written English and accurate typing) to interact with a variety of personalities at all levels of the organization, exercising tact, mature judgment, diplomacy, and flexibility to promote positive working relationships and job effectiveness. Skill at negotiating with various personalities and developing internal and external network of contacts. Excellent phone etiquette skills.

• Demonstrated ability and knowledge of using computer software applications including word processing and database applications and email. Accurate computer word-processing and database skills.

• Ability to interact with a large variety of physicians, healthcare professionals, cancer patients and families in a professional and pleasant manner.

• Ability to perform Ficoll separation and alliquoting of blood samples. Experience working with sterile technique biosafety hoods and/or hazardous materials.

• Knowledge to comply with the State of California laboratory guidelines/requirements regarding biosafety/universal precautions.

• Experience performing research duties in a clinical research environment. Experience working with IRB and HIPAA policies regulating Biospecimen collection under NCI biospecimen collection guidelines.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Experience performing Phlebotomy. Phlebotomy and CPR certification.
• Fluency in English and Spanish.
• Experience performing clinical research duties in a clinical research environment. Experience working with IRB and HIPAA policies regulating biospecimen collection.

SPECIAL CONDITIONS

• Employment is subject to a criminal background check and pre-employment physical.
• Must successfully complete annual TB screen.
• Must be able to maintain confidentiality.
• Must be willing and able to work weekends and evenings when necessary.
• Must be able to travel to different locations.
• Must have access to reliable transportation.