Clinical Research Support Lab Associate

Research Associate

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The Clinical Research Support Laboratory (CRSL) is the primary non-CLIA certified laboratory responsible for collecting, processing, stabilizing, documenting, shipping and tracking all research biospecimens from patients participating in therapeutic clinical trials supported by the Yale Cancer Center Clinical Trials Office. Reporting to the CRSL Laboratory Supervisor, the Research Associate is responsible for managing the central research specimen requirements for the CTO's portfolio of studies. With a high degree of independence, the Research Associate will serve as primary interface between the clinical operations and laboratory settings to provide meticulous preparation, coordination, and shipment of biological specimens obtained from patients participating in clinical oncology trials. This position requires comprehending and following protocols and laboratory manuals for a large number of clinical studies with a high degree of accuracy. Responsibilities include collaboration with CRSL Management for creating tools and facilitating logistical and workflow considerations for the laboratory to determine the necessary resources required to implement and maintain the study at the Smilow Cancer Hospital in New Haven as well as across the network sites. The Research Associate will provide oversight of daily operations across assigned Clinical Research Support Laboratory locations, including network and New Haven sites. The Research Associate will assist with processing and shipping biological specimens at New Haven and network sites as assigned. Travel to different laboratory locations will be required. Supervisory responsibilities of one or more staff assigned to work at designated locations may be required.

Essential Duties

1. Recommends the design and implementation of procedures and protocols under the direction of a higher-level authority.

2. Investigates, analyzes, and reaches preliminary scientific conclusions related to research planning.

3. Ensures data results are compiled, analyzed, and presented properly.

4. Analyzes, develops and interprets scientific results. Maintains clear documentation of results. Prepares scientific reports and papers for research proposals and published reports.

5. Performs independent research and laboratory techniques and participates in experimental research planning.

6. Interacts with internal contacts including the PI, research assistants, graduate students, Radiation Safety and Biological Safety officers, and Animal Care personnel to discuss and evaluate research results and to ensure the smooth and safe operation of the laboratory.

7. Interacts with external contacts such as researchers at other institutions, staff at biotechnology and reagents companies to consult on research methods and to keep abreast of product information and developments.

8. Interacts with University personnel to define work assignments and requirements, communicate progress of work, and plan and coordinate projects.

9. Maintains equipment and supplies for unit.

10. May perform other duties as assigned.

Required Skills and Abilities

1. Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to relay information to/obtain information from internal Yale staff as well as external study staff, including physicians, research staff, and study sponsors.

2. Strong analytic and critical thinking skills. Proven ability to comprehend complex clinical trial laboratory manuals and associated materials and protocols with a demonstrated ability to extract relevant information.

3. Demonstrated knowledge of medical and laboratory terminology. Proven ability to work in a laboratory, preferably in a BSL-2 laboratory. Ability to travel to different laboratory locations to supervise, manage, and oversee work of one or more staff; a valid driver's license and the ability to use of one's own motor vehicle is required.

4. Excellent time management and organizational skills. Ability to meet daily deadlines while handling multiple projects. Proven ability to manage several projects concurrently, while balancing competing priorities and deadlines. Extreme flexibility in work focus; ability to switch among several different projects without any adverse effects.

Principal Responsibilities

1. Recommends the design and implementation of procedures and protocols under the direction of a higher-level authority.

2. Investigates, analyzes, and reaches preliminary scientific conclusions related to research planning.

3. Ensures data results are compiled, analyzed, and presented properly.

4. Analyzes, develops and interprets scientific results. Maintains clear documentation of results. Prepares scientific reports and papers for research proposals and published reports.

5. Performs independent research and laboratory techniques and participates in experimental research planning.

6. Interacts with internal contacts including the PI, research assistants, graduate students, Radiation Safety and Biological Safety officers, and Animal Care personnel to discuss and evaluate research results and to ensure the smooth and safe operation of the laboratory.

7. Interacts with external contacts such as researchers at other institutions, staff at biotechnology and reagents companies to consult on research methods and to keep abreast of product information and developments.

8. May perform other duties as assigned.

Required Education and Experience

Master's Degree in a scientific discipline and one year experience or an equivalent combination of education and experience.