Research Assistant Jobs in Wisconsin

Summary

Under general supervision, contribute to the preparation, processing, and shipment of clinical trial-related labs, biopsies, and archived tissue samples for the Cancer Center Clinical Trials Office (CCCTO). Manage sufficient kit supplies and inventory, while also overseeing databases and filing systems. Fulfill various administrative and data entry responsibilities as needed to support clinical research studies.

Primary Responsibilities

• Prepare blood collection tubes and deliver to appropriate locations (Clinical Cancer Center Lab, TRU, coordinator, procedure rooms/clinics, inpatient wards) and pick up tubes and process or transport as necessary.
• Process (spin, aliquot, freeze samples; make peripheral blood slides) and ship labs to appropriate institutions in a timely manner, according to the sponsor specifications.
• Request archived tissue samples (slides or blocks) from pathology department at FMLH or outside hospitals for disease teams and ship as required by study sponsor.
• Assist study teams with collection, processing, and shipping of fresh tissue biopsies per study protocol.
• Collect required data from study coordinators and research nurses and enter onto clinical research forms and into study lab specimen database.
• Accurately enter research data onto case report forms or specified programs (OnCore) and other databases as appropriate under the direction of the research nurse or study coordinator.
• Under direct guidance, assist with coordination of basic study activities.
• Organize lab and file room to maintain an efficient and safe workplace.
• Handle supply orders, returns, and destruction.
• Meet with study-specific monitors for Site Initiation Visits and monitoring visits to go over lab training, kit inventories, and stored samples.
• Meet with investigators to determine logistics (what kind of labs are needed, where to store or send, how long will it take to process for billing purposes) of lab samples for Investigator Initiated Trials
• Help facilitate Lab Competency Trainings for new CCCTO employees (processing and shipping labs, biohazard waste location, wearing proper PPE, and discussing Exposure Control Plan)
• Assist with coordination of preventative maintenance for laboratory equipment.
• Troubleshoot lab-related issues involving delivering extra tubes, clarification of blood draw order and times, last minute research lab add-ons, and missed labs.
• Other duties as assigned.

Knowledge – Skills – Abilities

• Basic knowledge of laboratory procedures, safety protocols, and equipment operation
• Strong attention to detail to ensure precision in experiment execution, data recording, and documentation upkeep.
• Effective verbal and written communication skills for clear interaction and reporting.
• Adequate proficiency in essential computer software such as Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).
• Capability to organize tasks, optimize time management, and meet deadlines.
• Capacity to work both independently and collaboratively within a team environment.

Qualifications

Appropriate experience may be substituted for education on an equivalent basis.

Minimum Required Education: High school

Minimum Required Experience: 3 years

Preferred Education: Bachelor’s degree in scientific or related field

Preferred Experience: Research, clinical care or systems and data management experience

Required Certification/Licensure(s): CITI training within 30 days of hire

Physical Requirements

Work involves light exertion transporting materials or equipment but not for sustained time.

Work Environment

Occasional exposure to dust, noise, temperature changes, or contact with water or other liquids. Work is performed in an environmentally controlled environment.

Sensory Acuity

Ability to detect and translate speech or other communication required. May occasionally require the ability to distinguish colors and perceive relative distances between objects.

Why MCW?

• Outstanding Healthcare Coverage, including but not limited to Health, Vision, and Dental. Along with Flexible Spending options
• 403B Retirement Package
• Competitive Vacation and Paid Holidays offered
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Paid Parental Leave
• Employee & Family Assistance Program (EFAP)
• Pet Insurance
• On campus Fitness Facility, offering onsite classes
• Additional discounted rates on items such as: Select cell phone plans, local fitness facilities, Milwaukee recreation and entertainment etc.

For a brief overview of our benefits see: Benefits Overview

For a full list of positions see: MCW Careers

At MCW all of our endeavors, from our internal operations to our interactions with our partners, are driven by our shared organizational values: Caring – Collaborative – Curiosity – Inclusive – Integrity – Respect. We are committed to fostering an inclusive environment that values diversity in backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives through merit-based processes and in alignment with all applicable laws. We believe that embracing human differences is critical to realize our vision of a healthier world, and we recognize that a healthy and thriving community starts from within. Our values define who we are, what we stand for and how we conduct ourselves at MCW. If you believe in embracing individuality and working together according to these principles to improve health for all, then MCW is the place for you. For more information, please visit our institutional website.

MCW as an Equal Opportunity Employer and Commitment to Non-Discrimination:

The Medical College of Wisconsin (MCW) is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to fostering an inclusive community of outstanding faculty, staff, and students, as well as ensuring equal educational opportunity, employment, and access to services, programs, and activities, without regard to an individual's race, color, national origin, religion, age, disability, sex, gender identity/expression, sexual orientation, marital status, pregnancy, predisposing genetic characteristic, or military status. Employees, students, applicants or other members of the MCW community (including but not limited to vendors, visitors, and guests) may not be subjected to harassment that is prohibited by law or treated adversely or retaliated against based upon a protected characteristic.