Summary
Reporting to the Biobank Director, the Manager’s principal responsibility is to provide direction and operational oversight of the core facility according to its research vision, goals and objectives.
The candidate will hold a Bachelor’s or graduate degree in a relevant field (i.e. science or medicine), in addition to experience/expertise in managing large-scale research projects involving clinical samples. A degree in business or similar would be an asset. The ideal candidate will bring in-depth knowledge of basic science research and lab experience as well as an understanding of biological samples and biobanking processes. Quality management is an essential component of maintaining and operating the biobank, and experience in data management, clinical research and quality assurance would also be considered an asset. The Biobank Manager must be able to track, collect, process, store, and distribute biospecimens and data to manage quality and ensure effective future use.
The Biobank manager will foster relationships with investigators, other biobanks and collaborators, pursue industry partnerships, build networks and establish strategies for stable funding. The Biobank manager will work with investigators and patient partners to develop efficient recruitment strategies for desired populations. The manager must also design and implement a data repository that will preserve the data generated from biobanked sample research to encourage researchers to build on completed research. Other duties of the manager are to ensure compliance with registration and regulatory bodies, appropriate training of Biobank staff, quality control, equipment maintenance and financial management of the facility.
For more information, please see our Biobank Facility Website.
Key responsibilities
Operational/ Business Management Responsibilities:
- Supervision of Biobank personnel:
- Oversee biobank staff performance, provide direction, guidance and leadership.
- Ensure all required staff training is completed.
- Provide opportunities for advancing skills and knowledge.
- Financial obligations:
- Plan, document, implement, oversee and review budget, purchases, expenses, billing and accounting system.
- Calculate and update the cost recovery fee schedule annually to ensure sustainability of the Biobank.
- Calculate costs and provide quarterly invoices to investigators for samples and services provided.
- Negotiate sample contributions and budgets with investigators.
- Work towards more sustainable funding.
- Supporting Investigators:
- Provide guidance to investigators on the type(s) of samples required for their research.
- Provide logistical support to the various research teams.
- Determine the needs of investigators and implement changes to respond to the needs of the research community– i.e. more diversity in sample types.
- Negotiate material and data transfer agreements as needed.
- Provide strategic expertise and guidance to ensure ongoing alignment with the UOHI Biobank’s goals and objectives.
- Liaise regularly with the Director and provide feedback and guidance to the Biobank Committee.
- Explore options to grow the Biobank sample collection.
- Design and implement a data policy for the Biobank.
- Liaison with other biobanks and industry.
- Maintain registration of Biobank by ensuring all staff training is completed on schedule and regulatory documents are current and updated as required.
- Report to the institutional Scientific Advisory Committee annually (detailed financial report, operational updates, etc.).
- Maintain contracts for the storage of samples at the OHRI Biorepository.
- Ensure that all activities are in compliance with policies and standards, as set out by the UOHI, funding agencies, regulatory agencies (Health Canada), Ottawa Health Science Network Research Ethics Board (OHSN-REB) and, where applicable, follow Good Clinical Practice (GCP) regulations for Clinical Trials and Tri-Council Policy Statement.
- Oversee data protection policies used when handling and storing biospecimens and their derived data, as well as other data from participants.
- Review and revise standards for the operations of the biobank, including standard operating procedures (SOPs), quality control (QC) and quality assurance (QA) processes.
- Direct the submission of all documentation for certification and re-certification and prepare facility for internal and/or external audits.
- Report, monitor and manage information security incidents or other non-compliant events.
- Act as a catalyst for change and improvement in performance and quality.
- Oversee database and update datasheets as required.
- Ensure calibration and maintenance of all Biobank equipment.
Quality management responsibilities
- Ensure that all activities are in compliance with policies and standards, as set out by the UOHI, funding agencies, regulatory agencies (Health Canada), Ottawa Health Science Network Research Ethics Board (OHSN-REB) and, where applicable, follow Good Clinical Practice (GCP) regulations for Clinical Trials and Tri-Council Policy Statement.
- Oversee data protection policies used when handling and storing biospecimens and their derived data, as well as other data from participants.
- Review and revise standards for the operations of the biobank, including standard operating procedures (SOPs), quality control (QC) and quality assurance (QA) processes.
- Direct the submission of all documentation for certification and re-certification and prepare facility for internal and/or external audits.
- Report, monitor and manage information security incidents or other non-compliant events.
- Act as a catalyst for change and improvement in performance and quality.
- Oversee database and update datasheets as required.
- Ensure calibration and maintenance of all Biobank equipment.
Requirements
Skills and qualifications:
- Post-secondary training in a relevant field (Bachelor, Master or PhD).
- Experience managing large-scale clinical research projects.
- Knowledge and experience of research and lab procedures.
- Experience in managing and aligning human, financial and material resources.
- Developing and implementing SOPs and monitoring performance.
- Experience with good recordkeeping practices and data management.
- Experience with computer systems and software such as Windows, word processing, spreadsheets, databases, presentations, e-mail and Internet.
- Strong analytical aptitude and critical thinking ability.
- Demonstrated abilities in writing interpretive reports, flowcharts, project plans and proposals.
- Experience in supervising staff.
Experience:
- Demonstrated leadership skills.
- Demonstrated ability to work independently and as a part of a team.
- Ability to work flexible hours aligned with the needs of the research studies.
- Excellent interpersonal relations and communications skills, sound judgment and ability to foster a cooperative work environment.
- Attention to detail.
- Ability to multi-task and produce high-quality work under pressure while meeting deadlines.
- Experience and training in business would be considered an asset.
- Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to develop and maintain strong relationships and collaborations.
- Works in accordance with the provisions of applicable health and safety legislation and all UOHI corporate and departmental policies and procedures related to occupational health and safety.
To apply
Please send your cover letter and CV to jobpostings@ottawaheart.ca.
Applications from Indigenous persons, members of racialized minorities, persons with disabilities, women, members of the LGBTQ+ community, as well as from all qualified candidates with the skills and knowledge to productively engage with equitable, diverse and inclusive communities are strongly encouraged.
According to government policy, all qualified candidates are invited to apply; however, preference will be given to Canadians and permanent residents. When submitting your application, please indicate if you are legally entitled to work in Canada.
The University of Ottawa Heart Institute is committed to ensuring barrier-free selection processes and work environments. Accommodations will be provided in all parts of the hiring process relating to any specialty requirements. Please notify us of any accommodations that you require – any information you provide will be handled respectfully and in complete confidence.
The successful candidate will be required, prior to the start of employment, to complete mandatory organizational training available online, and provide the following: an official piece of photo identification and a satisfactory Criminal Record Check and proof of two doses of COVID-19 vaccine.