The position of Biomaterial and Reproductive Lab Coordinator is newly established within the Reproductive Sciences Department of Omaha's Henry Doorly Zoo & Aquarium and the Lee G. Simmons Wildlife Safari Park. This role is primarily responsible for maintaining accurate biomaterial records and data entry, ensuring the efficient operation of gamete and cryopreservation labs, and providing support for research initiatives and reproductive procedures. The reproductive science team is dedicated to advancing zoological research through rigorous and ethical science, conservation-based practices, inclusivity, and collaboration. The successful candidate should embody these values and contribute to fostering an encouraging and efficient workplace. This position reports directly to the Director of Reproductive Sciences and receives guidance from the Lead Scientist and Registrar.
Duties and Responsibilities (includes but not limited to):
- Serve as the main liaison for the management, inventory, and security of biomaterials.
- Ensure all pertinent data, agreements, storage details, samples, and distribution records are properly tracked and maintained.
- Support the department’s digital biobanking initiatives.
- Conduct quality control reviews of both physical and electronic laboratory records, documents, and forms related to biomaterials.
- Perform laboratory upkeep tasks to ensure biomaterials are handled with the utmost care and in compliance with best laboratory practices and standards.
- Ensure dry shippers are properly charged and logged before every use.
- Maintain quality control and internal performance assessment of the genome resource bank including liquid nitrogen tanks, freezers, and dry shippers.
- Receive biomaterial shipments, document any sample issues or discrepancies, and notify appropriate internal and external colleagues as needed.
- Contribute to sample management processes to help drive continuous improvement.
- Oversee effective operation of the gamete and cryopreservation labs.
- Responsible for ordering, maintenance, and utilization of departmental equipment and supplies.
- Manage inventories, vendor relationships, and service contracts.
- Work closely with Zoo safety officers to ensure compliance with MSDS resources and safety protocols.
- Assist in the development and updating of detailed laboratory protocols and standard operating procedures.
- Prepare shipments for the department and manage documentation for importation and exportation of biological samples according to all applicable regulations (government or otherwise).
- Clean and repack containers with supplies, solutions, and equipment for reproductive procedures.
- Assist in coordinating external and internal collaborations, meetings, and events, including setting agendas and facilitating lab visits.
- Manage routine departmental website updates including creating new content and auditing existing content.
- Assist the department by entering work orders for equipment and building maintenance.
- Engage in professional development opportunities to refine abilities and technical expertise.
Qualifications, Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
- Exceptional organizational, communication, and problem-solving skills.
- Bachelor’s degree in biological sciences or related field of study, MSc preferred.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Visio, Teams, SharePoint) with advanced Excel skills (lookups, matching, comparison tools) and basic understanding of accounting.
- Technical knowledge in maintaining electronic files of large datasets and data entry/manipulation.
- Experience with biorepository tracking and management software.
- Knowledge and familiarity of gamete/cryopreservation lab equipment including autoclaves, gas sterilizers, cryogenic storage dewars, liquid nitrogen, -80 freezers, incubators, air filtration units, water systems, laminar flow hoods, and endoscopes.
- Ability to implement lab policies and collaborate with both internal departments and external partners.
- Familiarity with the collection, storage, transportation of animal biomaterials, with a strong understanding of compliance with state, federal, international regulations, and AZA standards.
- Possesses valid U.S. driver’s license.
- Legal eligibility to work in the U.S.
- Candidates might be (depending on position) required to pass a pre-employment background check, drug test, negative skin tuberculosis test, and possess a valid driver’s license with a good history.
Work Environment/Physical Demands
- Must be able to stand, kneel, bend, twist, and reach above head.
- Must be able to lift, push, pull, and/or move up to 50 pounds using safe and proper lifting methods.
- Ability to perform tasks that require heavy use of arms, wrists, and hands.
- Ability to work with a variety of biological specimens from animals.
DISCLAIMER
- The information presented indicates the general nature and level of work expected of employees in this classification.
- It is not designed to contain, nor is it to be interpreted as, a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, qualifications, and objectives required of employees assigned to this job.
- Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer as defined by the EEOC.
