Biobank Head

About the role

The Biobank Head will lead the establishment, accreditation and ongoing operation of the UGHE‑AVEGA Biobank in Kigali, supporting a wide range of clinical trials and research programs in precision medicine, genomics, oncology, infectious and non‑communicable diseases.

Key responsibilities

• Plan, launch and manage the biobank infrastructure, ensuring compliance with ISBER Best Practices, ISO 20387 and national regulations.
• Develop and maintain SOPs, quality management systems, governance frameworks and prepare for ISO accreditation.
• Oversee biospecimen acquisition, processing, cryopreservation, storage, inventory, retrieval and distribution.
• Implement and administer a Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS) for secure, traceable data handling.
• Lead a multidisciplinary team, manage budgets, equipment lifecycle and donor‑funded reporting.

Required profile

• PhD (preferred) or Master’s in Biobanking, Medical Laboratory Sciences, Genomics, Public Health or related field.
• 8+ years of experience in biobank or clinical laboratory management, with at least 5 years in senior leadership.
• Proven track record establishing or expanding a biobank, including workflow design and accreditation preparation.
• Experience managing donor‑funded programs and preparing regulatory documentation.

Required skills

• Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS) implementation and administration.
• Knowledge of ISBER Best Practices, ISO 20387/15189, GCLP and GCP standards.
• Expertise in biospecimen collection, processing, cryopreservation and inventory management.
• Quality Management Systems (QMS) development and audit preparation.