Sample Management Associate

Primary Duties

The Sample Management Associate will perform a variety of sample management tasks including receiving, labeling, transferring, tracking, location management, distribution, archival activities, shipping and disposal of biological samples and reagents. These activities include samples of both clinical and non-clinical origin. These activities will be managed using a Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS)

Reporting to the Lab and Sample Management Lead, this position is accountable for the timely maintenance of an accurate biological and reagent inventory required to support activities for all Research and Clinical Teams. These activities include:

• Review of sample manifests against sample labeling to ensure accuracy.
• Accurately entering all sample information within the LIMS sample inventory system.
• Distributing biological samples, sample information, and paperwork to scientific staff in a timely manner.
• Management and physical storage of all biological samples and test articles in adherence to all biological safety regulations and guidelines.
• Assure chain of custody of samples
• Communicate discrepancies to appropriate personnel and assist with investigations.
• Strict adherence to following all procedural SOPs effecting sample handling, storage, and documentation.
• Confirm sample receipt to appropriate internal and external parties.
• Coordinate with 3rd party off site storage to deliver and retrieve stored samples.

Responsibilities

• Receipt of biological samples: receipt documentation, review of pertinent documents, storage assignment/management, labeling, physical storage, communication of receipts and LIMS documentation for clinical and non-clinical samples.
• Maintenance of samples request system: retrieve samples, return of samples, record sample movements, communication of sample availability/readiness.
• Rolling inventory counts and audits to ensure samples are accurately labelled, stored properly, and within sample retention guideline documents.

GLP sample receipt and entry into LIMS in adherence with sample receiving SOPs. Collaborate with stakeholders to ensure best practices are being performed. Assist in process improvement initiatives. Maintain freezers to keep them in operable condition. Maintain and organize Sample Management workstations and freezer room inventory supply.

Education and Experience Requirements

• Bachelor’s Degree and minimum of 1 year of relevant experience.
• Science background/education and/or laboratory experience and applicable work experience handling biological samples preferred.
• Inventory control and cataloguing in a scientific environment.
• Sample management experience preferred.
• Experience working with electronic inventory management system; LabWare LIMS experience a plus.
• GLP experience preferred.

Internal and External Contacts

• Research and Clinical Operations Staff
• Shipping and Receiving
• QC and Technical Writing
• GLP Quality Assurance
• Scientific Facilities
• External Storage Facility Staff

Other Job Requirements

• Must be able to lift 40+ lbs. on occasion.
• Assist as needed in emergency procedures to ensure integrity of the samples.
• May be required to work a staggered shift or be on call to receive sample deliveries outside of normal working hours.

Please be aware that Spark mandates COVID-19 vaccination of all employees regardless of work location. Accommodations may be made in accordance with applicable law.

Nearest Major Market: Philadelphia

Join the Spark Team

We were born of innovation, springing from the curiosity, imagination and dedication of remarkable scientists and healthcare visionaries. Our shared mission is to challenge the inevitability of genetic disease by discovering, developing, and delivering treatments in ways unimaginable - until now.

We don't follow footsteps. We create the path.

Learn more about Spark Therapeutics and view other openings.