Tissue Procurement Specialist - Translational Molecular Pathology

MISSION STATEMENT
The mission of The University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center is to eliminate cancer in Texas, the nation, and the world through outstanding programs that integrate patient care, research and prevention, and through education for undergraduate and graduate students, trainees, professionals, employees and the public.

SUMMARY

The primary purpose of the Tissue Procurement Specialist is to provide technical support to the Institutional Tissue Bank in the preparation and procurement of human research materials. Impact patient care through clinical and research procurement of human tissue.

CORE VALUES

Caring Behaviors

• Courtesy: Is respectful and courteous to each other at all times.
• Friendliness/Teamwork: Promotes and rewards teamwork and inclusiveness; is sensitive to the concerns of our patients and our co-workers.

Integrity Behaviors

• Reliability: Communicates frequently, honestly and openly.
• Accountability: Holds self and others accountable for practicing our values.
• Safety: Models safe behavior (wears badge and personal protective equipment, washes hands, and keeps work area clean and orderly); Notices a safety concern or emergency, understands role and uses proper procedures to report it; Mitigates risk to the institution through sound business practices; Demonstrates ethical and personal responsibility in work and behavior

Discovery Behaviors

• Responsiveness: By his/her actions, creates an environment of trust; Encourages learning, creativity and new ideas.

Personal Leadership/Self-Initiative: Helps others to identify and solve problems; Seeks personal growth and enables others to do so.

JOB SPECIFIC COMPETENCIES

Biorepository Research and Clinical Collection Collect and evaluate patient/specimen samples submitted to the Biorepository from clinical and research entities across the United States.

Clinical and Laboratory Compliance Participates and contributes to the institutional and external compliance efforts necessary for the clinical trials and laboratory processes.

Clinical and Research Liaison Serves as a liaison between laboratory personnel, clinical and research investigators, collaborating institutions ad the national Biorepository Coordinating Center.

Processing Human Tissue Samples Work with human blood and tissue samples. Retrieves, maintains and catalogs specimen obtained from pathologist. Responsible for the collection, procurement and harvest of fresh biological specimens; facilitating specialized harvests for investigators; and processing, archiving and distribution of routine specimens banked for future use. May serve as an assistant to investigator during dissections or animal surgery. Provides research support of tissue collection, processing & specimen distribution for pharmacology studies and clinical trials in outpatient clinics. Maintains laboratory areas with proper aseptic techniques.

Data Management Maintain clear and accurate records of laboratory data, both written and electronic, accessible at all times by the supervisor. Compile data from multiple sources, analyze and evaluate data, write reports and submit the findings. Communicate effectively in written and oral format with multiple constituencies.

Laboratory Operation Carry out lab duties that include purchasing, organization, EHS compliance and lab safety. Responsible for major participation in the development of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for new platforms and assays. Monitors and maintains supply inventory so that work flow is not negatively affected.

COMPETENCIES

Oral Communication - Express ideas clearly and concisely in groups and one-to-one conversations; create an environment with open channels of communication.

Team with Others - Initiate, develop, and manage relationships and networks; encourage collaboration and input from all team members; value the contributions of all team members; balance individual and team goals.

Technical/Functional Expertise - Demonstrate technical proficiency required to do the job; possess up-to-date knowledge in the profession; provide technical expertise to others.

Written Communication - Convey information clearly and concisely through both formal and informal documents; adapt writing style to fit the audience.

Service Orientation
Provide service to our stakeholders, including patients, caregivers, colleagues and each other, in a safe, courteous, accountable, efficient and innovative manner to include:

• Promoting inclusiveness and collegiality that demonstrates respect and professionalism to our stakeholders at all times.
• Modeling safe, ethical behavior that mitigates risk to the institution through sound business practices, and adherence to MD Anderson's Standards of Conduct, institutional policies and procedures.
• Responding to requests in a timely manner while proactively communicating expectations for procedures, service arrival, or project deliverables to stakeholders.
• Using the steps to HEAL (Hear, Empathize, Address and Learn) the relationship when service recovery is needed.

High school diploma or equivalent. Education Preferred: Associate's degree. Three years of medical or laboratory research experience. With preferred degree, one year of required experience.