Biobank Lab Manager

Driving global talent acquisition

The Role

The Lab Manager plays a key operational and managerial role within the Biobank of the Bio-Medical Platform at King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST). The position involves coordinating and tracking the daily operations of the Biobank, including the acquisition, processing, storage, quality control, and distribution of human biospecimens and related data. The lab manager ensures that all activities adhere to Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), quality controls, regulatory compliance, and ethical governance. The lab manager also actively contributes to process and assay development. The role requires strong expertise in molecular and cell biology, biobanking practices, and lab management, as well as excellent organizational skills, attention to detail, and the ability to work collaboratively with clinicians, laboratory staff, and institutional offices to support translational and biomedical research at KAUST.

Responsibilities

• Biobank Operations: Operate and oversee daily biobank operations, including the collection, reception, processing, storage, and distribution of human biospecimens (e.g., blood, saliva, urine, skin biopsy, DNA). Apply molecular biology, biochemistry, cell biology, and analytical methodologies to characterize and validate biospecimens.
• Sample & Data Management: Manage the intake and inventory of human biospecimens and derivatives using Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS), ensuring all samples are tracked, safely stored, and documented according to SOPs. Ensure proper donor consent, accurate sample annotation, metadata management, and integration with LIMS.
• Quality Assurance & Compliance: Develop and maintain quality control and quality assurance procedures for all biobank activities, ensuring sample and data integrity and traceability. Ensure that all operations comply with ethical, legal, and regulatory standards of the institution.
• Laboratory Management: Manage routine lab operations, including procurement, reagent and consumable inventory, documentation, and equipment maintenance. Oversee the Biobank budget, ensuring efficient use of resources and sustainability of operations.
• Documentation: Manage, review and approve all the biobank documentation, including laboratory manuals, SOPs and batch records, for all tasks undertaken for human biospecimen handling, processing, storage, and distribution.
• Reporting: Prepare regular reports on biobank activities, including inventory status, sample usage, compliance audits, and operational performance. Contribute to grant proposals, publications, and strategic development initiatives.
• Process and Assay Improvement: Continuously assess and optimize biobank processes to improve efficiency, reduce errors, and ensure the integrity of sample collections. Support the adoption and implementation of new technologies. Contribute to accreditation, certification, and audit processes.
• Staff Training & Technical Support: Provide hands-on training and guidance in sample processing, cell culture, and molecular biology techniques to develop staff expertise.
• Collaboration & Communication: Serve as a primary liaison between the biobank, researchers and clinical partners. Collaborate with the Head of the Bio-Medical Platform to align biobank activities with institutional priorities and KPIs.

Qualifications

• PhD in Biological Sciences, Biochemistry, or related field, with 5-8 years of relevant work experience, including at least 2-3 years in a lab management role and/or biobanking.
• Good knowledge of relevant regulatory requirements, ethics and GLP standards.

Required Skills

• Strong technical expertise in molecular and cell biology, cell culture, and iPSC.
• Highly organized with strong attention to detail to manage diverse samples and data while adhering to strict SOPs and quality standards.
• Strong analytical and problem solving skills.
• Good understanding of biobanking practices, LIMS and data management system.
• Able to write and review SOPs, reports and IBEC applications.
• Excellent communication (verbal and written) and interpersonal skills, with the ability to interact with diverse stakeholders.
• Proven ability to manage staff and coordinate a variety of laboratory operations.
• Previous experience with sample collection in hospital or clinical settings is a plus.

Preferred Skills

• Previous experience with sample collection in hospital or clinical settings is a plus.

Seniority level

Mid Senior level

Employment type

Contract

Job function

Health Care Provider and Research

Industries

Hospitals and Health Care