Position
Specimen Management & Shipping Specialist
Salary Range
$22-25/HR
Location
Baltimore, MD
About Pharmaron
Pharmaron is a global contract research and manufacturing organization (CRO/CDMO) helping pharma and biotech companies bring new therapies to life. With over 25,000 employees worldwide across 28 locations in the US, UK, China, and Singapore, we support drug discovery through to manufacturing with fully integrated high-quality services.
We're proud of the impact we make and just last year, we supported 887 discovery projects , 1,100+ CMC programs , and 1,397 clinical trials across all phases. Our teams are involved in everything from small molecules, ADC's, biologics, and gene therapies and we work with more than 3,300 global customers . To learn more, visit www.pharmaron.com.
Help Advance Clinical Research Through Expert Specimen Management
Do you have experience handling biological specimens and a passion for quality, organization, and regulatory compliance? We are seeking a Specimen Management & Shipping Specialist to join our clinical research laboratory team in Baltimore.
In this role, you'll be responsible for the management, storage, tracking, packaging, and shipment of critical biological specimens supporting pharmacokinetic (PK), pharmacodynamic (PD), pharmacogenomic (PG), and biomarker studies. Your work will ensure specimen integrity while supporting life-changing pharmaceutical and clinical research programs.
If you're detail-oriented, enjoy working in a regulated laboratory environment, and thrive in a collaborative setting, we'd love to hear from you.
What You'll Do
As a Specimen Management & Shipping Specialist, you'll oversee the lifecycle of research specimens from receipt through long-term storage and shipment.
Key Responsibilities
- Receive, inspect, and verify incoming biological specimens for proper preservation, temperature, and documentation.
- Manage freezer inventory and long-term specimen storage while maintaining accurate inventory records.
- Prepare, package, label, and quality-check biological specimens for domestic and international shipment.
- Ensure shipments comply with FDA, DOT, OSHA, and IATA regulations.
- Create electronic shipping manifests and securely distribute documentation using encrypted email and SharePoint.
- Coordinate courier pickups and resolve shipment or transit issues as needed.
- Monitor specimen inventory and prepare monthly inventory and storage reports.
- Partner with Project Management, Data & Compliance, and Laboratory Operations to ensure chain-of-custody and data privacy requirements are met.
- Accurately enter specimen information into laboratory information systems and maintain tracking documentation.
- Cross-train in specimen processing functions, including centrifugation, pipetting, aliquoting, pooling, and sample preparation as business needs require.
- Perform all work in compliance with Good Clinical Practice (GCP), Good Laboratory Practice (GLP), company SOPs, and study protocols.
Qualifications
Required
- High school diploma or equivalent.
- At least one year of experience in specimen handling, laboratory logistics, specimen shipping, or a related laboratory environment.
- Strong organizational skills and exceptional attention to detail.
- Experience maintaining accurate documentation and electronic records.
- Ability to prioritize multiple tasks while meeting deadlines.
- Strong communication and problem-solving skills.
Preferred
- Associate's or Bachelor's degree in Biology, Chemistry, Life Sciences, Health Sciences, or a related field.
- Experience working in clinical research, pharmaceutical, biotechnology, or diagnostic laboratory environments.
- Familiarity with FDA, DOT, OSHA, IATA, GCP, and GLP regulations.
- Experience with laboratory inventory management systems and specimen tracking software.
What Makes You Successful
We're looking for someone who:
- Takes pride in maintaining specimen quality and chain of custody.
- Enjoys working in a highly organized, regulated laboratory environment.
- Demonstrates excellent attention to detail and accuracy.
- Builds strong working relationships across multidisciplinary teams.
- Adapts quickly to changing priorities and study requirements.
- Is committed to delivering exceptional service to both internal teams and external clients.
Work Environment
- Full-time, on-site laboratory position.
- Temperature-controlled laboratory environment.
- Regular handling of biological specimens, dry ice, cryogenic storage, and laboratory shipping materials.
- Exposure to biological samples and laboratory chemicals while following established safety procedures and using appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE).
Physical Requirements
- Ability to stand and walk for extended periods.
- Frequently lift, move, push, or pull materials weighing up to 50 pounds occasionally.
- Perform repetitive hand movements associated with specimen handling and packaging.
- Ability to work safely in cold-storage environments and handle dry ice.
Schedule
- Full-time (40+ hours per week).
- Work schedule may be adjusted based on study and project needs.
- No travel required.
Why Pharmaron?
Pharmaron is a premier service provider for the life sciences industry. Founded in 2004, Pharmaron has invested in its people and facilities and established a broad spectrum of research, development, and manufacturing service capabilities throughout the entire drug discovery, preclinical, and clinical development process across multiple therapeutic modalities, including small molecules, biologics, and CGT products. With over 21,000 employees and operations in the U.S., the U.K. and China. Pharmaron has an excellent track record in delivering R&D solutions to its partners in North America, Europe, Japan, and China.
Collaborative Culture:
You will thrive in our inclusive and collaborative environment, where teamwork and innovation go hand in hand. Here, your voice matters, and your contributions make a real impact. "Employees Number One" and "Clients Centered" are the core cultural values at Pharmaron. Our culture, which sets Pharmaron apart from other organizations, has evolved from our deep commitment to our employees, partners, and collaborators.
Benefits:
As part of our commitment to your well-being, we offer a comprehensive benefits package:
- Insurance including Medical, Dental & Vision with significant employer contributions
- Employer-funded Health Reimbursement Account
- Healthcare & Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts
- 100% Employer-paid Employee Life and AD&D Insurance, Short- and Long-Term Disability Insurance
- 401k plan with generous employer match
- Access to an Employee Assistance Program
How to Apply:
Ready to seize this incredible opportunity? Join us at Pharmaron and be part of a dynamic team driving innovation and excellence in biopharmaceutical research and development. Apply online today!
As an Equal Employment Opportunity and Affirmative Action employer, Pharmaron values diversity and inclusion in the workplace, fostering an environment where all individuals are empowered to succeed. Join us in our mission to make a difference in the world of life sciences.
