Repository Technician

Overview

ATCC is seeking a full time direct hire onsite Repository Technician to work in Gaithersburg, MD. Prior experience with clinical specimens and investigational product is preferred . ATCC will provide standardized specimen receipt, processing shipping, storage and distribution of clinical specimens that will be collected from participants across several clinical trials under the Project NextGen initiatives, including Phase IIb efficacy trials, as well as trials focusing on ways to improve identification of correlates of protection.

Next generation COVID-19 vaccines could have potential to expand the breadth of coverage against existing and future variants, extend the duration of protection, and offer better protection in the prevention of illness and transmission over the current state of vaccine technologies. Samples generated during these clinical trials may be used to support assay development, characterization of SARS-CoV-2 variants or establishing correlates of protection.

The Repository Technician is tasked with performing assigned activities within the repository. They are responsible for maintaining inventory, storage, retrieval, and shipping of biological specimens, samples, and materials to support commercial and government customers.

The Repository Technician requires developing a working knowledge of technical, operative, or administrative methods and practices through intensive on-the-job training. This position follows standard procedures and precautionary measures to work under minimal supervision, communicate effectively, and make sound decisions.

Responsibilities

• Receive incoming materials and paperwork (e.g. manifest) and prepare samples and paperwork (e.g. waybill) for delivery in accordance with applicable regulatory requirements including domestic and international requirements for transport of hazardous and/or biological materials. Coordinate with shipping service providers, track shipments to final delivery and confirm with sender/destination.
• Ensure appropriate handling and storage of temperature-controlled materials. Ensure material and sample data are accurately entered and tracked in inventory system. Create batches in the inventory system based on information and specific requirements provided by customers. Review and confirm inventory work completed by technicians in training.
• Provide support to resolve elevated customer inquiries, such as discrepancies in shipments or quality complaints. Report all complaints and process deviations.
• Monitor temperature-controlled storage systems and document systems alerts. Maintain freezers and tanks. Maintain an organized storage system and inventory of internal specimens.
• Maintain repository files, such as shipping records and transaction records. Keep track of specimen movement history and resolve inventory inaccuracies.
• Follow proper safety protocols, materials and equipment are maintained, and inventory is properly stored to ensure viability when transferring and transporting materials.
• Perform cycle counts and physical inventory counts regularly.
• Perform functions following Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) with the effective use of equipment, methods of storage and retrieval, general laboratory procedures, and systematic data entry.
• Share observations of current protocols and procedures with Repository management to develop/improve repository operations.
• Respond to emergencies outside of routine business hours, including timely travel to the site as part of the response team, as necessary.

Qualifications

Education and Experience:

• High School diploma and 2-5 years' experience or equivalent experience.
• Experience with data entry, shipping/receiving, and/or sample management.
• Previous laboratory experience is highly desirable.
• Experience working with a company wide enterprise based system (ERP/MRP) is highly desirable.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Working competence with PCs including MS/Windows, MS/Excel, MS/Word and an ability to learn other MS/Windows based applications.
• APICS Certification a plus.
• Knowledge of methods to handle, process, and store biological specimens using a computerized storage and retrieval system.
• Knowledge of Universal Precautions, general laboratory and quality control/assurance procedures.
• Must be able to communicate well in English, both verbally and in writing.
• Ability to complete work under tight deadlines and have strong organizational skills
• Working with temperature sensitive materials.