Project Assistant

The USC Norris Clinical Investigations Support Office (CISO) is looking to hire a replacement specimen coordinator for the CISO Lab. This position requires a person with a strong medical background and an interest in clinical research. This person relates primarily to the study coordinators with whom he/she works as a team and interacts with physicians, peers, and other CISO members. This person is accountable to the Medical Director, the Associate Director of CISO and to the PIs with whom he/she works. This person will need to be familiar with and adhere to the laboratory policies and procedures of all hospitals and to CISO policies and SOPs. The functions included are not restricted to those listed below. Specific Job Functions: Specimen Related Research Protocol Related (task is not listed by importance) Will attend all new protocol start up orientations for trials, in particular those with multiple blood/tumor samples and become familiar with the new and existing trials. Attend weekly clinical staff research meetings. Blood samples/PKs specified for protocols Reads and understands study Lab Manual Provides feedback on new studies regarding the feasibility of collection of specimens. On notification from Study Coordinator, organizes and prepares blood specimen kits or tubes for study patient visit. If CTU visit: Take labels and correct kits/tubes for CTU one day prior to visit. If Clinic visit: Processes (spins), labels, transports and stores study samples at appropriate recommended Lab Manual temperature. Processing may include, but is not limited to, centrifuging, ficoll separation, and magnetic bead-based separation. Picks up samples at CTU or Clinic Lab and sends to sponsor per Lab Manual requirements, i.e., on day of draw or batched. Packs and ships research samples to sponsor, after counting samples and filling out appropriate forms. Keeps record in research file. Tissue Samples Requests pathology specimens blocks or slides from Pathology using appropriate SOPs. Ensures correct labeling and submits to sponsor with pathology report and appropriate requisition. Assists with fresh tumor collection and submission per protocol. When a sample is required at time of bone marrow aspirate, is available to attend the procedure and collect the specimen and process as above. Assists in the acquisition of new specimens obtained for the Comprehensive Hematology Tissue Repository (BANK) for consented patient. This may include the use of FICOLL separation technique and leukophoresis specimens, freezing of samples in aliquots, and maintaining a database of samples stored. Imaging: When necessary, will obtain imaging films per protocol requirement and mail to sponsor. Protocol Administration for Specimen Coordination If patient is being seen at an outside facility, assists in obtaining tissue or treatment records from hospital, lab, or physician and obtains outside laboratory results. On request, will input registration data into CAFE database. General Will observe office etiquette by acting courteously and professionally with fellow staff members. Hospital Interaction: Be familiar with, and comply with, all hospital regulations. Follow Medical Records rules for using EMR and other hospital-based programs. Requirements: Medical knowledge is desirable Ability to work independently with minimal supervision Ability to work well with many people and in different disciplines Is accurate with input Will complete online training for Human Subjects Training, HIPAA, GCP and Blood Borne Pathogens courses Performs other related duties as assigned or requested. The university reserves the right to add or change duties at any time. Preferred Qualifications Preferred Education: Bachelors Degree, preferably in the basic sciences Preferred Experience: Prior experience as a Specimen Coordinator in a clinical trials setting Supervises: N/A Supervises Nature of Work Preferred Field of Expertise: Specimen Coordination Special Instructions to Applicants Applicant Attachments (Required): Resume and Cover Letter The hourly rate range for this position is $25.83 - $33.42. When extending an offer of employment, the University of Southern California considers factors such as (but not limited to) the scope and responsibilities of the position, the candidates work experience, education/training, key skills, internal peer equity, federal, state, and local laws, contractual stipulations, grant funding, as well as external market and organizational consideration. Minimum Education: High school or equivalent Minimum Experience: 1 year Minimum Field of Expertise: Knowledge of data collection procedures and some experience with proposal preparation and production of technical documents USC is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, disability, or any other characteristic protected by law or USC policy. USC observes affirmative action obligations consistent with state and federal law. USC will consider for employment all qualified applicants with criminal records in a manner consistent with applicable laws and regulations, including the Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance for employers and the Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance, and with due consideration for patient and student safety. 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