Clinical Invest Technician - Investigational Cancer Therapeutics

The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston is one of the world's most respected centers focused on cancer patient care, research, education, and prevention. It was named the nation's No. 1 hospital for cancer care in U.S. News & World Report’s 2022-2023 rankings. It is one of the nation's original three comprehensive cancer centers designated by the National Cancer Institute.

The primary purpose of the Clinical Investigation Technician position is to collect/retrieve specimens ordered for patients, process specimens, and deliver or ship them to a laboratory/sponsor. 

KEY FUNCTIONS

1.   Specimen collection and processing

-       Determine proper archival tissue, request tissue, complete forms, and ship tissue samples

-       Collect and store the patient samples for analysis in the laboratory.

-       Accurately label all samples.

-      Enter sample data into database in accordance with prescribed procedures.

-      Process samples according to protocol requirements (e.g., centrifuge to obtain plasma or serum).

-      Label, pipette, and transfer to appropriate containers and store at specified temperature. 

2.   Recordkeeping

-     Maintain accurate daily log of all samples collected and serve as contact for status of samples collected from patients on given protocols.

-     Record shipments to sponsor pharmaceutical companies.

-     Serve as an information source of sample status for collaborators and sponsors.

-     Collect and organizes information for project reports.

3.   Research-related activities 

-          Attend clinical protocol start-up meetings with sponsor company representatives and institutional clinical personnel to assure that sample collection procedures and forms are fully understood.

-          Package samples so that they arrive at destination in a suitable condition.

-          Arrange shipment of sample boxes with a suitable air freight carrier and contact collaborators or sponsor personnel to coordinate shipments and verify receipt of samples.

-          Handle dry ice.

4.   Supply inventory and lab maintenance

-     Maintain adequate stock of general and phlebotomy supplies.

-     Know the procedure for obtaining repair or maintenance for lab equipment.

-     Prepare stock solutions.

-     Perform routine laboratory jobs (glassware washing, contact hazardous waste collection services, package medical waste in biohazard bags, etc.).

-     Learn to operate laboratory equipment and apparatus and perform routine operator maintenance.

-     Maintain alertness and careful attention to avoid injury to self and others due to chemicals and hazardous materials in the laboratory.

·     Other duties as assigned

-     Pathology

-     Biopsies

-     More seasoned employees maybe required to mentor/guide newer employees.

The performance for all expected outcomes is measured by observation from senior staff or manager, reports from faculty and co-workers, the accuracy and timeliness of work produced, and the demonstrated ability to effectively work under stress.  The position also requires one to anticipate needs, recognize situations requiring assistance and have the ability to refer or perform any necessary tasks, and comprehend the goals of the department and take the initiative in making decisions and taking actions to further these goals.

The above functions require the following abilities and skills:

·         Knowledge of pathology reports

·         Standing for long periods of time, moving around from one area of the laboratory to another to work with different equipment, walking to different floors of the hospital to collect samples and to get patients’ records. 

·         Requires keeping handwritten records. 

·         May involve occasional exposure to hazardous equipment and materials.

·         Ability to practice independently, strong verbal and written communication skills, organizational and critical judgment skills, and ability to interact effectively with patients and co-workers. 

·         Strong attention to detail.

·         Strong organizational skills.

·         Ability to work with personal computers using standard word processing software, spreadsheets, and programs for database and graphics usage.

·         Demonstrate the ability to maintain a satisfactory work environment by organizing and redistributing files, records, etc., requiring bending, stooping, reaching, manual handling, walking, visually inspecting, extended standing, sitting and repetitive motions.  May be required to lift up to 15 pounds.

·         Requires use of computer via keyboard, and operating facsimile machine, calculator, printer, photocopy machine, etc.  Requires the use of push-button, multiple line telephone set.  Must be able to master new software by utilizing available resources (other department personnel, reference manual, training classes, etc.)

·         Ability to be clearly understood by verbal communication in face-to-face encounters and by telephone.

·         Strong command of the English language, including spelling, writing, and verbalizing and ability to communicate well verbally and in writing.