Medical Laboratory Assistant

**COMPANY OVERVIEW**

Black Tusk Research Group is a Site Management Organization (SMO) located in downtown Vancouver that specializes in operating clinical research for hospital-based investigators. This ranges from carrying out specific duties of the project including design, start-up, budgeting, financial reporting, recruitment, data collection, and study close out, to project managing from start to finish. Professional integrity and patient centered care are among our core values. We provide efficient and optimal regulatory, administrative, and project management support for clinical investigators within the Respiratory Division, Healthy Heart Clinic, Critical Care (Intensive Care unit), Pathology and the UBC Centre for Heart Lung Innovation at St. Paul's Hospital. Our group manages both academic grant funded and pharmaceutical/biotech funded studies, involving drugs and devices ranging across many disciplines: respiratory diseases including Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) (bronchitis and emphysema), asthma, idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF), cystic fibrosis (CF), as well as cardiovascular disease research, acute illnesses such as sepsis and pneumonia, and many others. This support runs the full gamut from trial initiation through study close-out.

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At Black Tusk Research Group, we pride ourselves in career mobility, growth and development. We focus on culture, collaboration and innovation believing that with trust, mentorship and advocacy from leadership, every employee has the ability to quickly develop new skills and excel in their career. Regardless of your position at BTRG, you’re encouraged to think big, voice your opinions, push your colleagues to excel and share your ideas with the team - meaning you have the opportunity to grow both yourself and the company. Our leaders teach best practices with early on-site training, open communication styles, regular feedback, and motivate employees to continuously learn and pursue goals.

We are looking for passionate individuals who are dedicated to advancing healthcare, and who want to be part of a dynamic industry. BTRG is searching for employees who are eager to develop with us over the next few years; the growth mindset focuses on internal career mobility, and we offer all employees equal opportunities to advance in the company.

**JOB SUMMARY**

Works collaboratively with all research team members toward the best outcomes for the participant and the organization. Performs phlebotomy services, specimen collection/handling/shipping, utilize knowledge of department procedures and databases, and support patients with information and direction utilizing laboratory services. Assists research coordinators with developing standard operating procedures (SOPs), maintain a clean and safe laboratory workspace, routine lab maintenance and preparing samples for transportation and testing. The Lab Tech will also be assisting with data entry and coordination support as needed.

**RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES**
- Perform venipuncture on patients of all ages, both inpatient and outpatient.
- Performs patient identification, collects and labels specimens for requested testing, processes specimen according to established guidelines and completes documentation for the specimen. Follows established procedures for collecting and processing biological specimens for analysis.
- Prepares pre-assembled generic specimen collection kits based on study protocols.
- Prepares participant-specific sample collections, includes labeling with required identifiers, generation of required lab requisitions, and timely delivery of kits
- Prepares specimens (i.e, centrifuging, aliquoting, and storage), cleanup, and delivery of prepared research samples to designated research laboratories for analysis. Ensures correct blood specimen labeling, pickup and delivery of research lab specimens from BTRG office to the designated research laboratory.
- Prepares all sample transfer/receipt/dispense with research team. Performs samples verification prior to shipment.
- Works closely with research staff to maintain an efficient and well-organized laboratory. Ensures work areas are well-maintained, clean and tidy. Fosters effective and collaborative working relationships with fellow employees and management.
- Assists with day-to-day lab operational tasks such as running the centrifuge and performing general lab duties as needed.
- Performs routine maintenance and troubleshooting for basic lab equipment.
- Maintains equipment inventory including all records that reflect calibration and maintenance history.
- Conducts all activities in accordance with lab standards, Occupational Health & Safety regulations and established policies and practices.
- Organize and clean freezer and fridge storage locations for sample.
- Complete data entry of required patient demographics, requisition information, and other information related to processing test results.
- Support research coo