Biospecimen Repository Manager - casual

Hold primary responsibility for the Translational Therapy Lab's repository functions, including biospecimen inventory management for active clinical trials and Cancer Center-supported biobanks. Demonstrate excellent customer service and communication skills. Monitor the lab's repository email account, communicate with staff, investigators, and affiliate site contacts. Manage all aspects of repository requests - from initial sample request to release, including appropriate documentation at each step. Compile and report results and biospecimen inventory to clinical research staff and customers. Provide administrative support to the lab manager, including QC and data entry of the lab's research database and sample inventory database. Recognize and troubleshoot potential errors or areas of concern.

The Translational Therapy Lab is committed to an excellent employee experience, offering a flexible work environment that meets the needs of students, staff, faculty, and the communities we serve. Flexible work arrangements may include flexibility in schedule and/or work location. All UMN employees are expected to follow applicable public health and safety procedures. This position is hybrid, with the majority of work completed remotely and up to 8 hours in-person per week at the University of Minnesota East Bank campus.

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES

Manage the lab's Repository Email account: (25%)

• Communicate with the Cancer Center's DBUC manager, primary investigators, clinical trial research coordinators, and affiliate site contacts. Coordinate with the lab manager as needed to answer questions and provide information to customers.

Manage Sample Requests and Prepare Shipments (40%)

• Receive requests, provide initial biospecimen inventories for sample selection, ensure that the process to obtain PI approval for release is followed and that MTAs are in place for any shipments.

• After samples are selected for release: create pull manifests for lab staff, coordinate with lab staff and the researcher to set timelines for sample release, and manage biospecimen releases according to standard procedure, including steps to update relevant databases and trackers with appropriate documentation.

• Complete the University of Minnesota's biospecimen shipper training. After samples are released through TTL's standard process, manage the shipment including: creation of FedEx or other courier waybills, documented communication with study team and recipient, and physical preparation of the shipment.

Database Administrative Support and QC (20%)

• Enter and review entries in the Freezerworks Sample Inventory Database. Regularly perform QC activities to maintain organization and accuracy of Freezerworks and fix any discrepancies.

• At project level: assist lab manager with research database (LIMS) QC processes.

Update Study Trackers (10%)

• Create inventory reports, enter results into study-specific tracking documents and share with appropriate research staff and customers according to established UMN guidelines for data sharing.

• Hold a general awareness of the lab's freezer capacity and current usage and provide ideas and strategies for efficiency and space saving.
• Work with DBUC and the lab coordinator to identify old studies with inventory that can be destroyed due to age or completion of trial endpoints. After approval, create manifests for biospecimens that should be destroyed and manage the database updates and documentation of the sample destruction.

Monitor and manage available freezer space (5%)

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

-BS/BA and 2 years of related experience or a combination of education and work experience to equal six (6) years.

Preferred

-Experience with JStreet-LIMS database and Freezerworks software.

Pay Range: $25 - $29/hour; depending on education/qualifications/experience.

Retirement plan options are available for Civil Service, Faculty, Labor-Represented, Professional & Administrative, and Temp Casual classifications. Learn more about retirement plans.

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 Forbes as a Best Employer for Company Culture (2026), Best Employer for Women (2023), and Best Employer by State (2022-2026). In 2026, we also received Culture Excellence & Industry Awards recognition for employee appreciation and work-life flexibility.