Research Lab Technician

The Research Lab Technician is responsible for collecting, processing, storing, documenting, and shipping biological specimens for industry-sponsored clinical research studies. All work must be completed in strict accordance with study protocols, laboratory manuals, company Standard Operating Procedures, sponsor requirements, and applicable safety regulations.

This is a full-time, daytime position with a consistent Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. schedule. No weekends or holidays are required.

Clinical research experience is strongly desired but not required. Training will be provided; however, the successful candidate must demonstrate exceptional attention to detail and the ability to learn and consistently follow study-specific procedures and time-sensitive specimen requirements.

Essential Functions

• Collect blood specimens through venipuncture and other approved collection methods.
• Process blood, urine, and other biological specimens for in-house testing, external reference laboratories, and central laboratories.
• Perform laboratory tests and procedures accurately and within protocol-required time frames.
• Prepare, label, aliquot, centrifuge, store, package, and ship specimens according to study protocols and laboratory manuals.
• Complete specimen-related documentation, logs, requisitions, and shipping records accurately and promptly.
• Perform vital-sign measurements and electrocardiograms (EKGs), as required.
• Interact with clinical research participants in a professional, respectful, and compassionate manner.
• Identify and promptly report specimen discrepancies, collection issues, temperature excursions, or protocol deviations.
• Maintain patient confidentiality and comply with all applicable privacy requirements.
• Perform other duties and responsibilities as assigned.

Other Related Functions

• Manage study-specific laboratory kit inventory, including receipt, organization, tracking, restocking, and monitoring expiration dates.
• Order laboratory supplies and study kits as needed.
• Maintain laboratory and examination rooms in a clean, organized, and inspection-ready condition.
• Maintain biohazard waste containers and coordinate proper disposal of biohazardous materials.
• Perform and document daily refrigerator, freezer, and other required temperature checks.
• Maintain laboratory equipment, including required cleaning, calibration, maintenance, and service records.
• Follow OSHA guidelines, infection-control procedures, universal precautions, and company safety policies.
• Assist with sponsor monitoring visits, audits, and inspections by ensuring laboratory records and supplies are complete and organized.

Requirements

Education Requirements

• Associate degree from an accredited institution is required.
• Coursework or training in medical laboratory technology, biology, chemistry, phlebotomy, or a related healthcare field is preferred.

Licensure and Certification

• Current phlebotomy certification meeting all applicable State of Louisiana requirements is required.
• The employee must maintain active certification throughout employment.
• Medical Laboratory Technician (MLT) certification is preferred.
• Current Basic Life Support (BLS) certification is preferred.

Experience and Qualifications

• A minimum of two years of laboratory, phlebotomy, specimen-processing, or related clinical experience is required.
• Clinical research experience, particularly in industry-sponsored clinical trials, is strongly preferred.
• Demonstrated experience processing, storing, packaging, and shipping biological specimens is required.
• Experience managing laboratory supplies or study-kit inventory is preferred.
• Ability to read, understand, and strictly follow clinical study protocols, laboratory manuals, SOPs, and sponsor instructions.
• Strong attention to detail, organization, time management, and documentation skills.
• Ability to manage multiple studies and time-sensitive specimen requirements without compromising accuracy.
• Familiarity with Good Clinical Practice (GCP), OSHA guidelines, universal precautions, and IATA specimen-shipping requirements is preferred.
• Ability to communicate effectively with research participants, investigators, study coordinators, sponsors, central laboratories, and other team members.