Clinical Research Unit Lab Specialist

J  o  b    D  e  s  c  r  i  p  t  i  o  n

JOB INFORMATION

Effective Date:

7/3/2026

Entity:

Wisconsin

Job Code:

510050

Job Title:

Clinical Research Unit Lab Specialist

FLSA Exemption Status:

Non-Exempt

Management Level:

Individual Contributor

JOB SUMMARY

The UW Health Clinical Research Unit (CRU) is a dedicated research unit designed to provide medical scientists with the resources and conditions necessary to conduct high quality clinical research in an effective and efficient manner that includes a sample processing laboratory.

The UW Health Clinical Research Unit Lab Specialist is responsible for receiving specimens and research kits into the CRU processing laboratory, checking specimens and requisitions for correct labeling and appropriateness, processing specimens according to the individual study protocol requirements, and completion of daily duties which may include basic instrument maintenance (temperatures, monitoring reagents), ensuring adequate lab supplies, quality checks, and clerical duties. In addition, the Specialist will create and maintain lab specific SOPs, review incoming clinical research protocols and amendments that include specimen collection and/or processing and collaborate with the CRU protocol team lead to draft the lab set-up, collection and processing instructions for visits conducted on the CRU.

This position requires a high degree of interaction with a variety of research staff personnel, including but not limited to clinical research nurses, clinical research coordinators, principal investigators, laboratory staff from various areas (e.g., UW Health Clinical Lab, UWCCC CP Lab, and other investigator labs), clinical research dietician, pharmacy staff, and the Pharmaceutical Research Center. This position assists CRU nurses and study personnel in the assessment and coordination of laboratory requirements for study participants, specifically routine and protocol specific blood, urine, tissue, and other biological specimens for analysis and processing. Problems encountered are of a moderate degree of complexity but may require innovation because reference sources and subject matter experts are not always readily available. To meet the challenges of a changing research environment, this position must exercise independent judgment, be timely in meeting responsibilities, have a high degree of organizational skill, the ability to multi-task, and demonstrate a self-directed work effort and commitment to customer service. Excellent, respectful communication skills and professional demeanor are essential.

Day to day activities are moderate to highly complex and overseen by the CRU Nurse Manager.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES

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Perform basic to moderately complex lab set-up and sample processing according to established protocols and procedures.

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Verify provider orders are entered for all research samples and UW Health labs required for upcoming CRU study visits. Communicate any discrepancies with CRU charge nurse for follow-up.

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Receive research specimens and carefully check label and applicable paperwork for accuracy and completeness. Directly connect with staff who collected the sample if any information is incomplete.

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Identify research kits needed for upcoming CRU visits and coordinate communication to study teams with CRU charge nurse. Track research kits as they are received, confirm they are accurate, complete, and within the expiration date. Compare research kits to specific visits, timepoints, and physician orders, and follow-up with study teams on any discrepancies as necessary.

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Create and maintain use of the CRU sample log on a daily basis, noting expected number of samples, samples obtained, stored, and tracking sample pick-up.

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Operate, clean, and maintain organization of research equipment and research area.

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Monitor and maintain lab supplies – track inventory levels and place replenishment orders.

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Develop appropriate specimen labels and lab related tracking forms for research sample collection and storage as required for specific studies.

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Practice universal safety precautions according to Infection Control policy and procedures at all times (e.g., use of gloves, lab coat).

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Provide education/training and ongoing support of CRU staff on lab set-up and sample processing procedures.

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Participate in the feasibility assessment of protocol implementation on the CRU including a detailed evaluation of the research lab activities required.

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Serve as an approachable and responsive point-of-contact for research lab related questions. Also serve as a resource for Principal Investigators and study personnel with lab/processing related questions for their studies that includes sharing best practice for standard lab processes.

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Meet personal continuing education and professional developmental needs.

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Develop research lab specific documents to support the lab set-up, specimen collection, specimen processing, and collection of study specific data as applicable to ensure fidelity to the research protocol.

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Perform additional duties as assigned.

As needed, additional responsibilities reasonably within the scope of duties and physical requirements may be assigned.  ALL DUTIES AND REQUIREMENTS MUST BE PERFORMED CONSISTENT WITH THE UW HEALTH PERFORMANCE STANDARDS AND RESPECT FOR PEOPLE COMMITTMENTS.

X

Non-Clinical

JOB REQUIREMENTS

No minimum education.

Required

Some post-secondary education in a healthcare or a related science field that may include course work in Medical Laboratory Technician, Cytotechnologist, Histotechnician or Medical Laboratory Scientist degree/certification

Preferred

High school diploma or equivalent.

Preferred

6 months

Experience in lab or healthcare

Required

1 year

Healthcare or lab related work experience

Preferred

Experience with sample collection and sample processing

Preferred

Experience with quality assurance and good laboratory practices

Preferred

Medical Laboratory Technician (MLT) or equivalent

Preferred

LICENSE, CERTIFICATIONS, AND REGISTRATIONS MUST BE MAINTAINED PER UW HEALTH POLICY. 

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Excellent communication skills (interpersonal, oral and written) and the ability to maintain good interpersonal relationships with co-workers and clients

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Excellent organizational skills, including the ability to prioritize work

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Competence in problem identification and resolution

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Ability to work independently

•

Knowledge of laboratory medicine and universal precautions preferred

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Knowledge of medical terminology preferred

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Knowledge of word processing and electronic communication preferred

•

Ability to educate staff and colleagues

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS/WORKING CONDITIONS

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Sedentary: Sedentary work involves lifting no more than 10 pounds at a time and occasionally lifting or carrying articles like docket files, ledgers, and small tools. Although a sedentary job is defined as one which involves sitting, a certain amount of walking and standing is often necessary in carrying out job duties. Jobs are sedentary if walking and standing are required occasionally and other sedentary criteria are met.

Up to 10#

Negligible

Negligible

☒

Light: Light work involves lifting no more than 20 pounds at a time with frequent lifting or carrying of objects weighing up to 10 pounds. Even though the weight lifted may be very little, a job is in this category when it requires a good deal of walking or standing, or when it involves sitting most of the time with some pushing and pulling of arm or leg controls. To be considered capable of performing a full or wide range of light work, you must have the ability to do substantially all of these activities. If someone can do light work, we determine that they can also do sedentary work, unless there are additional limiting factors such as loss of fine dexterity or inability to sit for long periods of time.

up to 20#

Up to 10# or requires significant walking or standing or requires pushing/pulling of arm/leg controls.

Negligible or constant push/pull of items of negligible weight

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Medium: Medium work involves lifting no more than 50 pounds at a time with frequent lifting or carrying of objects weighing up to 25 pounds. If someone can do medium work, we determine that they can also do sedentary and light work.

20-50#

10-25#

Negligible-10#

☐

Heavy: Heavy work involves lifting no more than 100 pounds at a time with frequent lifting or carrying of objects weighing up to 50 pounds. If someone can do heavy work, we determine that they can also do medium, light, and sedentary work.

50-100#

25-50#

10-20#

☐

Very Heavy: Very heavy work involves lifting objects weighing more than 100 pounds at a time with frequent lifting or carrying of objects weighing 50 pounds or more. If someone can do very heavy work, we determine that they can also do heavy, medium, light, and sedentary work.

Over 100#

Over 50#

Over 20#

Other - list any other physical requirements or bona fide occupational qualifications not indicated above:

Over 50 lbs.

UW Health does not require, nor does it expect that its employees lift more than 50 lbs unassisted. Objects in excess of 50 lbs should be lifted or moved with mechanical means or through a team lift. Employees in patient care areas are expected to utilize mechanical lifts and adhere to the "Use of Mechanical Lifts (Liko)" policy in the Patient Services Policy and Procedure Manual.

Note: The purpose of this document is to describe the general nature and level of work performed by personnel so classified; it is not intended to serve as an inclusive list of all responsibilities associated with this position.

THE EMPLOYEE MUST BE ABLE TO COMPLETE ALL PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS OF THE JOB WITH OR WITHOUT AN APPROVED ACCOMODATION. Note: The purpose of this document is to describe the general nature and level of work performed by personnel so classified; it is not intended to serve as an inclusive list of all responsibilities associated with this position.