Tissue Bank Technologist
UPCI Basic Research Administration - Pennsylvania-Pittsburgh - (26002985)
This role is responsible for coordinating the acquisition, processing, and management of human tissue specimens in support of clinical and research initiatives. This position serves as a key liaison between clinical teams, surgical staff, pathology, and research operations to ensure timely and compliant specimen collection and handling.
Key Responsibilities:
- Coordinate with medical oncologists, surgeons, interventional radiology teams, operating room staff, and pathologists to facilitate the collection of surgical and biopsy specimens
- Manage logistics related to operating room schedules and clinical workflows to ensure timely procurement of human tissue samples
- Receive, retrieve, process, and bank human tissue specimens from surgical and autopsy cases, including gross dissection of solid tissues and processing of blood products (plasma, serum, and cellular components)
- Adhere to biosafety protocols, including the proper use of personal protective equipment when handling potentially infectious materials
- Prepare and distribute specimens for research use; maintain accurate documentation of sample processing, storage, and disbursement within inventory systems
- Perform routine inventory management, including data entry, record review, freezer coordination, and tracking of incoming and outgoing specimens
- Ensure strict compliance with institutional protocols, regulatory guidelines, and ethical standards
Program Coordination & Patient Engagement:
- Lead patient recruitment and coordination for the Hope for OTHERS Rapid Autopsy Program
- Maintain ongoing communication with enrolled patients and clinical teams throughout the disease course to ensure program readiness
- Coordinate post-mortem logistics, including transport to the morgue and participation in autopsy procedures as needed
- Communicate sensitively with patients’ families, balancing compassion and respect for the grieving process with the time-sensitive nature of rapid autopsy procedures
- Collaborate with medical teams to obtain timely updates and facilitate program execution
Job Summary
Coordinates to obtain human tissue specimens and processes and banks human tissue from surgical and autopsy patients. Prepares samples and records for disbursement. Performs routine inventory maintenance and data entry functions. Utilizes personal protective equipment and ensures adherence to all applicable protocols and guidelines.
Essential Functions
Recruit, follow and coordinate transportation of Hope for OTHERS rapid autopsy patients.
Physical Effort
Moderate physical effort required. May be required to stand/move for several hours at a time. May be required to move objects up to 50 pounds with or without assistance of equipment
Assignment Category: Full-time regular
Job Classification: Staff.Tissue Bank Technologist I
Job Family: Health Professionals
Job Sub Family: Tissue Bank
Campus: Pittsburgh
Minimum Education Level Required: Bachelor's Degree
Minimum Years of Experience Required: 1
Will this position accept substitution in lieu of education or experience: Combination of education and relevant experience will be considered in lieu of education and/ or experience requirement.
Work Schedule: Schedule will vary
Work Arrangement: Hybrid: Combination of On-Campus and Remote work as determined by the department.
Hiring Range: To be determined based on qualifications
Relocation_Offered: No
Visa Sponsorship Provided: No
Background Check: For position finalists, employment with the University will require successful completion of a background check
Child Protection Clearances: Not Applicable
Required Documents: Resume
Optional Documents: Cover Letter
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