Laboratory Technician I

About the role

The Laboratory Technician I is an entry-level role responsible for the processing of human whole blood and other human biospecimens used for research. Sample processing includes plasma, serum, PBMC, T, B, and NK cell isolations, cell counting, aliquot preparation, sample thawing, and sample storage procedures.

Technicians work primarily in the processing team and rotate into the fulfillment team (kitting, shipping, and sample retrieval) on a scheduled basis. The role works under direct guidance from team leads and senior technicians, builds toward independent sign-off on laboratory procedures, and may progress to Laboratory Technician II.

Primary Responsibilities

• Sample Processing & Accessioning
• Accurately document and accession biospecimen collection information following company SOPs.
• Process whole blood into plasma, serum, and PBMC, including density gradient separation and cryopreservation of PBMCs, following SOPs and with direct guidance until each procedure is signed off.
• Process other human biological samples as trained, including urine, stool, saliva, leukopaks, synovial fluid, and skin punch biopsies.
• Assist with isolation of immune cell subsets such as T, B, and NK cells from whole blood.
• Conduct cell counting, aliquot preparation, and sample thawing.
• Assist with routine sample QC, including post-thaw viability, under guidance.
• Perform basic laboratory procedures such as cell-based assay work, and assist with flow cytometry and research-grade testing.
• Document all work completely, accurately, and at the time it is performed, including sample processing, specimen storage, distribution and transfers, and LIMS entries, in accordance with company standards.
• Fulfillment, Rotation & Cross-Training
• Prepare and pack biological samples for shipment under guidance, following SOPs and IATA regulations.
• Support kit builds and frozen shipment prep on a scheduled rotation with the fulfillment team.
• Coordinate and schedule kit shipments with approved couriers in line with established shipping procedures and customer requirements.
• Receive, unpack, verify, process incoming deliveries, and help with supply counts and stock levels under the direction of the Biorepository Logistics Lead.
• Complete cross-training on a backup team and maintain a current competency record.
• Equipment, Safety & Compliance
• Support basic troubleshooting of processing and sample storage equipment and escalate issues to team leads.
• Participate in the rotating on-call for freezer and system alarms after training.
• Participate in a rotating schedule to cover occasional weekend needs, such as special cases and sample deliveries, as required.
• Perform routine laboratory equipment maintenance, cleaning, waste disposal, and general laboratory housekeeping in accordance with established SOPs, manufacturer guidelines, and company quality and safety standards. Ensure equipment and workspaces are clean, organized, and maintained in proper working condition, with all activities appropriately documented.
• Perform routine laboratory support functions alongside the Biorepository Associates, such as labeling and organizing tubes and racks, preparing workstations and consumables, putting samples away with LIMS location updates, completing freezer and refrigerator temperature checks and equipment logs.
• Flag unclear steps, errors, or gaps in the SOPs used to the team lead so they can be corrected.
• Follow the company quality management system (QMS), approved SOPs, work instructions, and Good Documentation Practices (GDP), and comply with applicable regulatory and biosafety requirements, to ensure accurate and reproducible work.
• Follow safety and EHS procedures, and perform other job functions or special projects as assigned.

Position Requirements

• Associate's degree with at least 1 year of experience in a life science laboratory environment, or [2]+ years as a Biorepository Associate (I or II)
• Ability to communicate effectively in verbal and written form.
• Intermediate computer skills.
• Complete cross-training and be signed off on kit build within 6 months of hire, and on frozen shipment prep under guidance within 12 months.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a life science field
• Experience with mammalian blood samples.
• Experience working in a biobank or biorepository.

Working Conditions

• Must be willing to adhere to infectious disease and immunization protocols.
• Must be able to work in a BSL-2 laboratory environment with biohazards and various chemicals and wear appropriate PPE.
• Must be able to wear appropriate PPE.
• Availability to work full-time shifts Monday through Friday between 7 AM and 7 PM, with occasional weekend availability as needed.
• Ability to lift 40 lbs.