Biospecimen Research Coordinator - Department of Surgery

Job Class: 8351RG- Research Professional 1, Research Coordinator Generalist
Working Title: Biospecimen Research Coordinator
Supervisor: Deb Mailand

About the Job:
The Biospecimen Coordinator works under the direction of the Program Manager(s) and is responsible for day-to-day study activities including participant consent, data abstraction and entry, and biospecimen collection, storage, and documentation. The position is responsible for the acquisition, management, tracking and distribution of human tissue samples to collaborating University of Minnesota laboratories. The Biospecimen Coordinator will work across multiple study protocols, supporting various surgical divisions.

This position primarily supports the research conducted by Sayeed Ikramuddin, MD, MHA and works in collaboration with the Surgery Clinical Trials Office. The main focus of the research program is the development of weight loss strategies that are less invasive and/or more effective than the current surgical standard of care. These strategies under investigation include targeting sympathetic nervous system activity.

This hybrid position will primarily work independently with day-to-day activities; and report to a Program Manager within the team. Given the need to consent in the clinics and coordinate
biospecimens, the successful candidate should expect to be in the office routinely, 3+ days per week. The ability to work remotely exists and is dependent on work duties (i.e. data only days can be remote). Biospecimen procurement will take place at multiple clinic and hospital sites, both on and near the UMN campus, and throughout the metro area.

Specific Job Duties Include:

Biospecimen Management & Data Entry (50%)

• Ensures protocol compliance in biospecimen use and management
• Build and label kits for biospecimen collection
• Deliver kits to a draw locations (OR, clinic, locations at the UMMC site, Southdale, and St. John's)
• Serve as research support staff for collections taking place in the OR
• Deliver and retrieve collected biospecimens to research and analytical laboratories
• Maintain accurate inventory of biospecimens, including verifying human subject consents
• Accurately track biospecimen distribution
• Abstract data and complete case report forms, including resolution of data queries
• Serve as the primary point of contact for communications between Program Manager, Clinica lResearch Coordinator and research laboratories. This involves proactively identifying issues and troubleshooting issues to resolution in association with the research

Recruitment and Consent (30%)

• Screen and recruit potential participants
• Determine subject eligibility, following protocol eligibility requirements.
• Conduct consent conversation and obtain participant informed consent in compliance with ICH, GCP, and HIPAA

Specimen Tracking System Development (10%)

• Work in collaboration with the Program Manager and Clinical Research Coordinator to further
  develop the existing biospecimen inventory and tracking database
• Analyzes existing system, identifies and makes recommendations on areas for improvement
• Maintain accurate and complete study records, supplies, and time keeping tools

Other Duties as Assigned (10%)

• Assist in REDCap eCRF, consent, or database build-outs and edits
• Supports other special projects and program initiatives as directed
• Attends professional development and training sessions to ensure compliance with newest
  policies and procedures

Required Qualifications:

• BA/BS degree or an equivalent combination of education and experience to total four years.
• Must be willing to work a flexible work week - typical hours will be Monday through Friday, but hours may vary based on sample collection needs, which are based on surgical case times. Must be comfortable in a laboratory environment
• Demonstrated organizational skills with attention to detail
• Excellent communication skills: In-person, verbal, and written
• Experience with Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
• Ability to interact with patient, staff, and research collaborators on a professional level

Preferred Qualifications:

• Familiarity with standard medical terminology, research terminology, laboratory environments, basic experimental techniques
• Experience working in a clinical setting
• Ability to follow strict protocols and detailed workflows
• Experience with Google docs, Google Forms, and Box
• Experience with development of specimen/sample tracking systems

Committed to innovation and diversity, the Medical School educates physicians, scientists, and health professionals; generates knowledge and treatments; and cares for patients and communities with compassion and respect. We value excellence, inclusiveness, collaboration, and discovery.

• Competitive wages, paid holidays, and generous time off
• Continuous learning opportunities through professional training and degree-seeking programs supported by the Regents Tuition Benefit Program
• Low-cost medical, dental, and pharmacy plans
• Healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts
• University HSA contributions
• Disability and employer-paid life insurance
• Employee wellbeing program
• Excellent retirement plans with employer contribution
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) opportunity
• Financial counseling services
• Employee Assistance Program with eight sessions of counseling at no cost
• Employee Transit Pass with free or reduced rates in the Twin Cities metro area

Applications must be submitted online. To be considered for this position, please click the Apply button and follow the instructions. You will be given the opportunity to complete an online application for the position and attach a cover letter and resume.

Additional documents may be attached after application by accessing your "My Job Applications" page and uploading documents in the "My Cover Letters and Attachments" section.

To request an accommodation during the application process, please e-mail employ@umn.edu or call (612) 624-8647.

The University recognizes and values the importance of diversity and inclusion in enriching the employment experience of its employees and in supporting the academic mission. The University is committed to attracting and retaining employees with varying identities and backgrounds.

The University of Minnesota provides equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. To learn more about diversity at the U: http://diversity.umn.edu

Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. Our presumption is that prospective employees are eligible to work here. Criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify finalists from employment.

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC)

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC), is among the largest public research universities in the country, offering undergraduate, graduate, and professional students a multitude of opportunities for study and research. Located at the heart of one of the nation's most vibrant, diverse metropolitan communities, students on the campuses in Minneapolis and St. Paul benefit from extensive partnerships with world-renowned health centers, international corporations, government agencies, and arts, nonprofit, and public service organizations.

At the University of Minnesota, we are proud to be recognized by the Star Tribune as a Top Workplace for 2021, as well as by Forbes as Best Employers for Women and one of America's Best Employers (2015, 2018, 2019, 2023), Best Employer for Diversity (2019, 2020), Best Employer for New Grads (2018, 2019), and Best Employer by State (2019, 2022).