Biospecimen Coordinator

Overview

The Center for Cancer Genomics (CCG) facilitates the design, execution, and analyses of cancer research projects through collaborations with investigators. We continually develop and adapt new technologies to accelerate discoveries in cancer genomics and apply these discoveries to improve personalized patient care.

CCG leverages a multitude of existing and new capabilities for comprehensive genomic characterization, computational analysis, and technology development. It brings together Dana-Farber Cancer Institute (DFCI) and Brigham and Women’s Hospital (BWH) resources to pioneer new approaches for tissue biopsies, with the goal of facilitating the generation and clinical interpretation of tumor molecular data from clinical trials. CCG integrates and coordinates various research and clinical disciplines with the ultimate goal of creating a leading cancer precision medicine research enterprise.

Located in Boston and the surrounding communities, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute is a leader in life changing breakthroughs in cancer research and patient care. We are united in our mission of conquering cancer, HIV/AIDS and related diseases. We strive to create an inclusive, diverse, and equitable environment where we provide compassionate and comprehensive care to patients of all backgrounds, and design programs to promote public health particularly among high-risk and underserved populations. We conduct groundbreaking research that advances treatment, we educate tomorrow's physician/researchers, and we work with amazing partners, including other Harvard Medical School-affiliated hospitals.

Responsibilities

We are seeking a highly motivated Biospecimen Coordinator to support CCG research projects. This position requires a skilled, independent professional to perform all tissue handling practices for CCG research projects in collaboration with other Biospecimen Coordinators and under the management of the Biospecimen Acquisition Team Lead. This individual will be responsible for collecting tissue samples from clinical sites across DFCI and BWH, allocating samples for downstream assays, preparing samples for shipment, entering and maintaining data to ensure accurate records of all specimens, and proper handling of all specimens, all with strong collaboration with other CCG teams.

The CCG Biospecimen Acquisition Team is also responsible for collecting all research biopsies for Dana-Farber through a joint Dana-Farber/Brigham and Women’s Hospital initiative which streamlines all research biopsy collections from Cross Sectional Interventional Radiology (CSIR). The Biospecimen Coordinator will work with study teams across Dana-Farber and CSIR to ensure research biopsies are collected efficiently and appropriately.

The ideal candidate will be detail-oriented and have the ability to multitask while working collaboratively as part of a team in a fast-paced and exciting environment. Critical to success will be excellent communication and analytical skills coupled with self-motivation and independent initiative.

Patient Contact

Indirect patient contact. May be in the presence of patients but will not be performing any patient procedures.

Qualifications

• Required: B.S. or B.A. in a biological or chemical science
• Knowledge of basic biology, anatomy, and anatomic pathology workflows (including cytology) is a plus
• Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to interface with various levels, including physicians (e.g., Pathologists, Surgeons, Radiologists), researchers, and staff
• Ability to coordinate well in a team setting
• Ability to function independently with minimal supervision
• Familiarity with basic computer programs for data entry, to search for clinical information, and to identify and retrieve cases
• Previous experience working with biological samples is a plus
• Must have excellent organizational skills
• Ability to methodically record data with a very high level of accuracy

At Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, we work every day to create an innovative, caring, and inclusive environment where every patient, family, and staff member feels they belong. As relentless as we are in our mission to reduce the burden of cancer for all, we are equally committed to diversifying our faculty and staff. Cancer knows no boundaries and when it comes to hiring the most dedicated and diverse professionals, neither do we. If working in this kind of organization inspires you, we encourage you to apply.

Dana-Farber Cancer Institute is an equal opportunity employer and affirms the right of every qualified applicant to receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender identity or expression, national origin, sexual orientation, genetic information, disability, age, ancestry, military service, protected veteran status, or other characteristics protected by law.