Biomarker Sample Operations Associate - III

Job Title: Biomarker Sample Operations Associate III Job Description
The Biomarker Sample Operations Associate supports the Precision Medicine group by ensuring the timely and compliant receipt, processing, tracking, and transfer of clinical trial biomarker specimens. Working closely with operations managers, project managers, laboratory managers, Clinical Operations, Biomarker Scientists, and IT, this role oversees the full lifecycle of biosamples using StarLIMS, including accessioning, labelling, shipping, storage, and data reconciliation. The associate helps drive innovation and continuous improvement in biosample collection and handling processes, and is expected to perform all biosample operations with minimal supervision in a fast-paced, team-based environment.
Responsibilities
- Receive incoming biomarker sample shipments and perform sample accessioning while accurately tracking samples throughout their lifecycle using StarLIMS.
- Coordinate sample processing, labelling, and storage to ensure specimens are handled in accordance with study protocols and regulatory requirements.
- Maintain sample storage equipment, including refrigerators, ultralow freezers, and liquid nitrogen (LN2) units, and monitor equipment functionality and temperature to safeguard sample integrity.
- Coordinate sample analysis and data transfer by pulling sample inventory reports from various databases and determining accurate lists of samples available for testing.
- Plan, organize, and ship biomarker samples from investigator sites or centralized locations to assay laboratories or internal sites, ensuring timely delivery to vendors and storage facilities.
- Manage relationships with laboratory vendors, provide input into trial-specific documents, and assess service level commitments for labs involved in sample analysis, escalating issues when necessary.
- Support project managers with vendor oversight to ensure compliance with internal procedures and applicable regulations.
- Partner with Clinical Operations, Biomarker Scientists, and IT to contribute to the development, implementation, and management of sample tracking systems for assigned studies.
- Contribute to functional process and system improvements to ensure samples are appropriately collected, processed, analyzed, transported, stored, and destroyed for each assigned study.
- Reconcile data and physical samples stored in databases, ensuring accurate records and traceability.
- Adhere to ICH/GCP guidelines, biorepository procedures, biosample management best practices, and ethical standards related to biospecimen handling.
- Foster a positive and motivating work environment that encourages mutual respect, innovation, and accountability at all levels.
- Balance multiple priorities in a fast-paced, team-based environment and work independently with minimal supervision when needed.
Essential Skills
- Bachelors degree with at least 4 years of experience in project management, oncology (including biomarkers), and/or clinical trial operations, or a Masters degree with at least 3 years of similar experience.
- Hands-on experience with a Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS), preferably StarLIMS, including sample accessioning and lifecycle tracking.
- Practical experience in sample labelling, processing, and storage within a laboratory or sample management setting.
- Experience working with freezers and low-temperature storage, including ultralow freezers and liquid nitrogen (LN2), and monitoring temperature-controlled equipment.
- Demonstrated clinical trial experience and familiarity with biosample workflows in oncology and biomarker-driven studies.
- Scientific background and working knowledge of oncology and biomarkers.
- Ability to work with minor supervision, taking ownership of tasks and managing day-to-day operations independently.
- Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and effective time management with the ability to adapt to changing priorities.
- Solid analytical and interpersonal skills to resolve issues, collaborate across functions, and manage vendor relationships.
Additional Skills & Qualifications
- Proficiency in MS Office applications, including Excel, Word, and PowerPoint.
- Excellent oral and written communication skills in English.
- Project Management Professional (PMP) certification is a plus.
- Experience freezing and handling specimens for long-term storage.
- Prior experience in sample management and laboratory operations, even at entry level, is beneficial.
- Ability to contribute to process improvement initiatives and continuous innovation in biosample operations.
Work Environment
This position is based 100% onsite in Lake County at an AP9 facility and operates in a laboratory and biorepository setting focused on clinical trial biomarker specimens. The role involves frequent interaction with laboratory equipment such as refrigerators, ultralow freezers, and liquid nitrogen (LN2) storage units, as well as regular use of StarLIMS and other databases for sample tracking and data reconciliation. Work is performed in a fast-paced, team-oriented environment that emphasizes collaboration with operations managers, project managers, laboratory managers, Clinical Operations, Biomarker Scientists, and IT. The culture promotes mutual respect, innovation, accountability, and continuous improvement in biosample collection, processing, and transfer. Standard laboratory and office technologies are used daily, including MS Office tools for documentation and reporting. Appropriate laboratory attire and adherence to safety procedures are expected when working in sample processing and storage areas.
Job Type & Location
This is a Contract position based out of North Chicago, IL.
Pay and Benefits
The pay range for this position is $35.00 - $38.00/hr. Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job-related factors. Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job
classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be
subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits
available for this temporary role may include the following:

Medical, dental & vision
Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital
401(k) Retirement Plan Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available
Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents)
Short and long-term disability
Health Spending Account (HSA)
Transportation benefits
Employee Assistance Program
Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)
Job Type & Location
This is a Contract position based out of North Chicago, IL.
Application Deadline
This position is anticipated to close on Oct 16, 2026.
Workplace Type
This is a fully onsite position in North Chicago,IL. About Actalent

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 20,000 consultants and 5,000 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be an Engineering News-Record (ENR) Top 500 Design Firm for our engineering design services and a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing® winner for both client and talent service.

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