Biorepository Technician-USA

Cryogene is the industry’s most trusted biostorage facility specializing in the secure storage of biological specimens. Utilizing the latest freezer technology and computer inventory control software, Cryogene will cost effectively fulfill all of your sample storage requirements. They have proudly provided storage, receiving and distribution for local, regional, national and international research centers for over 15 years. Cryogene is conveniently located in metropolitan Houston, Texas, adjacent to the Texas Medical Center complex. Our secure facilities offer over 27,000 square feet of biostorage.

Biorepository Technician

Job Purpose:

Entry level position reporting to the Client Service Manager, this role is responsible for ensuring all operational activities are executed accurately and timely, following quality procedures. This role involves the direct interaction with client for receipt, inventory, storage, withdrawal, packaging, and shipment of biological materials, therapeutic products, clinical agents, and materials. These materials are stored at temperatures ranging from ambient (room temperature) to below freezing (including cryogenic) with potentially hazardous properties. In addition, liaising with team members to provide support with scheduling of work, completing documents associated with SOPs, and additional repository activities.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• To perform receipt and inventory management of biological materials (including therapeutic drug products), data entry, relocation, retrieval, packaging and logistics operations according to standard operating procedures.
• Direct correspondence with client for scheduling, inventory and address concerns or issues.
• Processes incoming materials for storage
• Visually inspects specimens for quality and data accuracy, performs accurate data entry into electronic tracking system
• Works closely with supervisors to support customer inquiries, such as discrepancies in shipments and inventory maintenance
• Responsible for ongoing inventory of samples, including reviewing documentation, data entry and labeling as necessary
• Inventory Quality Control testing
• Proper use of any temperature monitoring equipment as per CryoGene procedures
• Reporting of any incidents (monitoring equipment failures, transport delays, discrepancies) to CryoGene management
• Compliance with quality system practices
• Ensures project work areas are kept clean and free of any possible safety hazards.
• Understands and uses the inventory management, temperature monitoring, and site infrastructure systems.
• Works around hazardous substances and follows all safety guidelines to minimize exposure. 
• Assures compliance to cGMP requirements and company quality systems.
• Ensures all job-related paperwork is correct, error-free, and completed in real time as per SOPs. 
• To perform any tasks that may be necessary to execute specific projects.
• To undertake any other additional duties as requested by the client services manager.

Position may require periodic evening work, as necessary to ensure cryorepository operation quality and service standards.

Competencies & Personal Attributes:

• Good communication skills with client and team members.
• Understanding of quality systems in day to day processes
• Health, Safety and Environmental experience / qualification is desirable
• Proficient computer skills, specifically with Microsoft Office Suite.
• Supports operational excellence (30/30)
• Focus on priorities (80/20)
• Teamwork, collaboration, and accountability (90/10)
• Safety awareness
• Frequently required to type, sit, stand, walk, lift/carry up to 50lbs.  Occasionally required to push/roll 280kg lb liquid nitrogen dewars and 4-500kg freezers (with support), and work from a platform ladder.

Qualifications:

• Minimum Education: High School

Training Scope:

Position requires minimally Read Only training in all applicable Cryorepository Operations SOPs, OJT for all transportation/delivery related SOPs (see training plan).

Other Requirements

Position may require use of hazardous chemicals and materials, including liquid nitrogen, dry ice, human tissue and body fluids, such as blood.  Handling of human specimens may result in possible blood borne pathogen exposure.  CryoGene has specific safety methods to reduce employee exposure to hazardous agents.