Laboratory Assistant - Brain Tissue Repository

Join the HJF Team!

HJF is seeking a Laboratory Assistant - Brain Tissue Repository who provides laboratory support duties. Work involves performance of a variety of laboratory tasks of minimal complexity to assist in the maintenance and operation of a research or analytical laboratory. Performs work in compliance with and according to established guidelines and quality control standards. This is the first level in the laboratory series.

Based at the San Diego Medical Examiner's Office, this role supports the DoW/USU Brain Tissue Repository, the Department of Pathology at Uniformed Services University. The BTR was established by the Department of War to advance traumatic brain injury research. The BTR's mission is to better understand the effects of traumatic brain injury and promote overall brain health of the Warfighter. Using the best science, we support our service members and their families to help care for our military personnel after a head injury

The Henry M. Jackson Foundation for the Advancement of Military Medicine (HJF) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing military medicine. We serve military, medical, academic and government clients by administering, managing and supporting preeminent scientific programs that benefit members of the armed forces and civilians alike. Since its founding in 1983, HJF has served as a vital link between the military medical community and its federal and private partners. HJF's support and administrative capabilities allow military medical researchers and clinicians to maintain their scientific focus and accomplish their research goals.

• Support various laboratory and autopsy processes at the San Diego Medical Examiner's Office (SDME Office) and perform laboratory functions that include, but are not limited to the following:
• Screen, ensure regulatory compliance to include paperwork and consent processes are complete, follow recovery procedures, document, and process brain tissue donations based on established protocols and criteria. Properly label, store, package and ship while documenting accurate data and organized records.
• Manage inventory levels of formalin, consumables, and required equipment for tissue recovery and processing. Order supplies as needed and keep track of expiration dates. Ship out specimens maintaining safe transport and specimen integrity. Resupply kits as needed. Track and retrieve ice delivery as needed.
• Monitor and maintain generated medical and chemical reagent waste processes as designated by the SDME Office.
• Maintain a detailed and organized database of donations, capturing critical information such as collection dates, tissue type, weight, preservatives and other pertinent clinical information. Ensure data accuracy and update records regularly both onsite and with the DoW/USU BTR.
• Implement and maintain quality control procedures for tissue handling and processing. Monitor and resolve any discrepancy accordingly.
• Monitors and records daily temperature of specimen freezers and refrigerators as necessary. Perform routine maintenance on equipment and tools as needed. Operate and maintain laboratory equipment established for tissue recovery, thus ensuring their proper functioning.
• Prepare reports for the DoW/USU BTR on the status of tissue inventory, processing, and any issues encountered. Document all laboratory activities, ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements.
• Collaborate with other team members, researchers, and external collaborators to meet project goals to include the local OPO. Communicate effectively with other departments and researchers to coordinate tissue recoveries, shipments and concerns. Attend weekly meetings and communicate among both SDME team as well as the DOW/USU BTR staff.
• Follow strict safety guidelines and protocols to ensure a safe working environment. Adhere to ethical standards in handling human brain tissues and maintain confidentiality.
• Ensure compliance with stipulated laboratory regulations, Good Laboratory Practice (GLP), and other ethical guidelines associated with safe handling of patient information in adherence to Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA).

Education and Experience

• Highschool Diploma or GED.
• Minimum of 0-2 experience required.

Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Knowledge of basic laboratory equipment and supplies.
• Knowledge of proper handling of biological hazards and their safe use and disposal.
• Ability to follow detailed instructions.
• Ability to handle multiple tasks.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a T1/Public Trust background check.

Physical Capabilities

• Lifting: Requires lifting materials up to 25 lbs.
• Ability to stand at a lab bench or sit at a computer for prolonged periods.

Work Environment

• This position will take place primarily in a laboratory setting.

Compensation

• The hourly pay range for this position is $16.90-$25.00. Actual hourly pay will be determined based on experience, education, etc.

Benefits

• HJF offers a comprehensive suite of benefits focused on your health and well-being, from medical, dental, and vision coverage to health savings and retirement plans, and more.
  

Employment with HJF is contingent upon successful completion of a background check, which may include, but is not limited to, contacting your professional references, verification of previous employment, education and credentials, a criminal background check, and a department of motor vehicle (DMV) check if applicable. Any qualifications to be considered as equivalents, in lieu of stated minimums, require the prior approval of the Chief Human Resources Officer.

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities

The contractor will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. However, employees who have access to the compensation information of other employees or applicants as a part of their essential job functions cannot disclose the pay of other employees or applicants to individuals who do not otherwise have access to compensation information, unless the disclosure is (a) in response to a formal complaint or charge, (b) in furtherance of an investigation, proceeding, hearing, or action, including an investigation conducted by the employer, or (c) consistent with the contractor's legal duty to furnish information. 41 CFR 60-1.35(c)

Any qualifications to be considered as equivalents, in lieu of stated minimums, require the prior approval of the Chief Human Resources Officer.