Clinical Research Lab Technician

Are you in search of a fulfilling and meaningful position? Do you want to work for an organization that promotes growth and development? 

Here at Men's Health Foundation we envision a world where inequity and stigma do not separate people from healthcare.

"Reimagining Healthcare" is our commitment to affirming the unique experience of every patient. We prioritize our patients’ evolving needs and strive to help each patient feel comfortable, understood, and respected. 

Why Men's Health Foundation? 

Men's Health Foundation is seeking compassionate, mission-driven individuals. We believe that by reimagining how healthcare is delivered, we can help create greater health equity for those most at risk, breaking down barriers to care. We welcome all backgrounds, gender identities, and expressions.

We recognize our staff as the heart of our organization and seek to provide a generous and competitive benefits package to support our employee's well-being. We offer the following:

• Medical, Dental, Vision, Life and LTD insurance (may be eligible on the 1st of the month following date of hire)
• 12 Paid Holidays (including 1 mental health day)
• 401(k) Retirement plan (may be eligible for employer matching up to 4% following completion of 90th day of employment)
• Flexible Spending Account (FSA)
• 40 hours of sick pay (following completion of 90th day of employment)
• 120 hours of PTO accrued within the 1st year of employment

We seek team members who embrace and champion diversity, as our work within the LGBTQ+ community promotes positive sexuality and inclusivity. Candidates should be comfortable with exposure to imagery, events, and materials that reflect our culture of acceptance and expression, ensuring alignment with our values.

Organization Background

Men’s Health Foundation connects men at risk to comprehensive healthcare and wellness through education, collaboration, and advocacy. Inspiring and empowering all men to live longer, healthier, and happier lives. We see a world where inequity and stigma do not separate men from healthcare. At Men’s Health Foundation, we are reimagining men’s healthcare.

Founded in 1999, Mills Clinical Research (MCR) conducts cutting-edge research with a special focus on infectious diseases including HIV prevention and treatment, vaccine trials, medical device trials, and trials focused on men’s health. Mills Clinical Research is led by Dr. Anthony Mills as the CEO and Primary Investigator (PI) with office locations in West Hollywood and South LA. MCR is affiliated with Men’s Health Foundation and has expansive community networks within Southern California. They share the mission to eliminate health inequity for all, especially those at risk. 

Job Description

Overview

The Clinical Research Laboratory Technician supports the conduct of Phase I-IV clinical research studies by performing laboratory-related activities in accordance with study protocols, Good Clinical Practice (GCP), laboratory standards, IATA/DOT, sponsor requirements, and applicable regulatory guidelines. Responsibilities include specimen collection support, processing, storage, shipping, equipment maintenance, documentation, quality control activities, and ensuring compliance with all laboratory and research requirements.

The Laboratory Technician works closely with investigators, clinical research coordinators, research nurses, sponsors, contract research organizations (CROs), and laboratory vendors to ensure the integrity and quality of study specimens and laboratory data.

Essential Functions and Responsibilities 

(This list may not include all of the duties assigned.) 

Clinical Trial Laboratory Operations

• Receive, process, centrifuge, aliquot, label, package, and store biological specimens according to study-specific laboratory manuals and protocols. 
• Prepare and ship specimens to central laboratories, specialty laboratories, and sponsors in accordance with IATA and DOT regulations. 
• Maintain specimen chain-of-custody documentation and temperature logs. 
• Order and track laboratory kits, supplies, and shipping materials to ensure study readiness. 
• Ensure proper collection, handling, processing, storage, and shipment of specimens to preserve sample integrity. 

• Coordinate specimen management activities for Phase I, II, III, and IV clinical trials.

• Demonstrate responsibility, accountability and professionalism in all areas of lab/clinic. 

Quality and Regulatory Compliance

• Comply with Good Clinical Practice (GCP), Good Documentation Practices (GDP), laboratory policies, sponsor requirements, and applicable federal, state, and local regulations. 
• Maintain accurate laboratory records, source documentation, and study-specific logs. 
• Assist with internal audits, sponsor monitoring visits, regulatory inspections, and quality assurance reviews. 
• Report protocol deviations, laboratory discrepancies, equipment failures, and specimen issues to appropriate personnel. 
• Maintain confidentiality of participant information in accordance with HIPAA and organizational policies.

Equipment and Laboratory Maintenance

• Perform routine maintenance, calibration, and quality control checks on laboratory equipment. 
• Monitor and document refrigerator, freezer, and room temperatures. 
• Maintain inventory of laboratory supplies, reagents, and consumables. 
• Ensure laboratory areas remain organized, clean, and inspection-ready. 
• Coordinate equipment service, calibration, and repairs as needed.

Participant Support

• Assist research team with participant visits and specimen collection activities, as permitted by training and scope of practice. 
• Verify participant identification and specimen labeling accuracy. 
• Provide excellent customer service and maintain a professional, participant-centered environment. 
• Ensure participant safety, comfort, and privacy during laboratory procedures.

Data Management and Documentation

• Enter laboratory information into electronic data capture systems, laboratory information systems, and study tracking tools. 
• Complete requisitions, shipping manifests, laboratory worksheets, and sponsor-required documentation. 
• Maintain study laboratory binders and filing systems. 
• Reconcile specimen inventories and shipment records.

Safety Responsibilities

• Adhere to biohazard handling and infection control procedures. 
• Utilize appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE). 
• Follow OSHA, CLIA, CAP, CDC, and institutional safety guidelines. 
• Properly manage hazardous waste and biohazardous materials.

QUALIFICATIONS

Education

• High School Diploma or GED required.

Experience

• Minimum 3-4 years of laboratory experience.
• Experience supporting clinical research studies.
• Experience with specimen processing and shipping.
• Experience in regulated healthcare, laboratory, or research environments.

Certifications (Preferred)

• IATA Dangerous Good Certification
• GCP Certification
• Phlebotomy Certification

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Knowledge of clinical research processes and Phase I-IV clinical trials.
• Understanding of GCP, HIPAA, and research compliance requirements.
• Familiarity with laboratory specimen handling and processing procedures.
• Knowledge of biosafety and infection control practices.
• Strong attention to detail and organizational skills.
• Ability to handle multiple protocols and competing priorities.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite and electronic research systems.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively within multidisciplinary teams.

Experience for HIV and Infectious Disease Research Programs (Preferred)

• Experience handling PBMC processing, plasma/serum aliquoting, and long-term specimen storage.
• Experience maintaining ultra-low temperature freezers and cryogenic storage systems.
• Familiarity with HIV clinical research protocols and infectious disease studies.
• Experience coordinating shipments to central laboratories and biorepositories.
• Knowledge of specimen requirements for pharmacokinetic (PK), virology, immunology, and biomarker testing.

COMPANY REQUIREMENTS

• Must be able to pass a pre-employment drug test, physical, and a background check to include a 7-year criminal, 10-year SSN & employer history reference check. 
• Must be able to provide proof of COVID-19 vaccination on the first day of work. 
• Excellent interpersonal skills.
• Attention to detail.
• Must be able to work flexible schedules.
• Must take yearly flu shots or wear flu mask during flu season for patient-facing positions and test for tuberculosis as required by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.