Biobank Manager at Medical Research Council Unit - The Gambia

Medical Research Council Unit - The Gambia - The MRC Unit The Gambia at London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine (LSHTM) is one of two research units established in sub- Saharan Africa by the Medical Research Council UK and is the MRC Unit The Gambia at LSHTM’s single largest investment in medical research in a low and middle-income country. MRC Unit The Gambia at LSHTM represents a unique concentration of scientific expertise and high-quality research platforms in the West African region.

We are recruiting to fill the position below:

Job Title: Biobank Manager

Location: Fajara, Gambia
Grade: 2a
Accountability: The post-holder will be accountable to the Head of Laboratory Management

Purpose of the job

• The post-holder will play a pivotal role in overseeing all aspects of biobanking operations at the MRC Unit, The Gambia.
• This includes the strategic management of biological sample archiving, transfers, data integration, and compliance with international biobanking standards such as ISO 15189 and ISO 20387.
• The role requires a dynamic leader with strong technical expertise, a deep understanding of laboratory information systems and cold storage, and the ability to foster collaborative research both locally and across the West African sub-region.
• The ideal candidate will also have experience in managing staff, budgets, training, and quality assurance processes, while actively contributing to the Unit’s scientific mission.

Key Responsibilities
Technical Responsibilities:

• Maintain a fully functional Biobank, ensuring accredited systems and software (e.g., ItemTracker) are operational and compliant.
• Develop, implement, and enforce Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and user guides for sample collection, storage, archiving, and disposal.
• Provide or coordinate user training and ensure competency in Biobank policies, SOPs, and systems.
• Establish systematic communication channels with Principal Investigators (PIs) regarding sample disposal and related actions.
• Oversee support systems for laboratory operations. 
• Organize and monitor the shipment and reception of biological samples for internal and external research projects.
• Ensure compliant transport of biological samples from Fajara clinics to laboratories, adhering to international quality standards.
• Manage the dry ice production system, including CO₂ Plant and Pelletizer operations.
• Oversee cold chain logistics for biological sample and reagent transportation to and from field stations.
• Make strategic and operational decisions aligned with international laboratory standards and quality assurance frameworks.

Managerial Responsibilities:

• Develop and maintain policies and procedures in compliance with ISO 15189, ISO 20387, GRP, and GCLP standards.
• Ensure visibility and accountability through regular written updates and stakeholder engagement.
• Expand and manage the Unit’s DNA bank, facilitating access for internal and external collaborators.
• Drive integration of new and ongoing projects to ensure steady inflow and utilization of DNA samples.
• Ensure strict compliance with Material Transfer Agreements (MTAs).
• Lead quality assurance and quality improvement programs, including the identification and mitigation of operational risks.
• Develop and implement a cost recovery system to ensure sustainability of Biobank services.
• Provide leadership in staff management, including appraisals, probation reviews, workload distribution, and leave schedules.
• Manage up to six staff members and coordinate with field site lab managers to align biobank practices with established procedures and policies.
• Conduct regular field visits to ensure compliance, provide on-site support, and strengthen collaboration with field station teams.
• Offer Biobank training to all laboratory staff across the main campus and field stations to ensure standardization and competency.
• Oversee the timely reporting and investigation of accidents, near-misses, or ill-health incidents, and implement corrective actions.
• Ensure monthly performance reporting and KPI tracking to meet overall laboratory service objectives.

Research:

• Contribute to research aligned with the Unit’s strategic objectives.
• Dedicate up to 25% of effort to research that adds value through cost recovery or strategic benefit.

Training:

• Deliver training on relevant lab software and techniques (e.g., processing, nucleic acid extraction).
• Mentor interns and early-career biomedical students.

Communication:

• Maintain effective communication with internal and external stakeholders.
• Represent and promote the Biobank at seminars, in publications, and at conferences.

Finance:

• Manage the Biobank’s budget with spending authority up to £1,000.
• Develop annual budgets and forecasts for operational sustainability.
• Oversee cost recovery systems for storage, retrieval, and shipping.

Relationships

• The post-holder is a full-time member of the MRC staff.
• The post-holder will report to the Head of Laboratory Management, Dr Ousman Secka.
• The Director of Operations is Dr Davis Nwakanma. 
• The Unit Director is Professor Umberto D’Alessandro.

Appraisals:

• Appraisals are held at least annually.

Length of appointment:

• The appointment is up to 31st March 2027 in the first instance and is subject to a probationary period of 6 months.

Qualifications and Experience
Essential:

• Master’s in Biomedical Sciences, Laboratory Medicine, or a related field.
• 3–5 years of experience in biobank or laboratory management with proven leadership.
• Proficiency with LIMS and cold storage systems.
• Familiarity with ethical frameworks and international biobanking standards.

Desirable:

• A PhD in Biomedical Sciences, Laboratory Medicine, or related field.
• Experience in regional collaborations in sub-Saharan Africa.
• Expertise in ISO accreditation and quality assurance.
• Track record in training, teaching, or mentorship.

Core Competencies:

• Leadership and staff development
• Communication and stakeholder engagement
• Operational planning and project management
• Research collaboration and scientific integrity
• Budget and resource control
• Quality assurance and risk management.

Application Closing Date
10th February, 2026.

How to Apply
Interested and qualified candidates should:
Click here to apply online

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