Biobank Head – Lead Research Biobank Operations

About the role

The Biobank Head will provide strategic, scientific, technical and operational leadership for the establishment and management of the UGHE‑AVEGA Biobank, a core research infrastructure of the Institute of Global Health Equity Research. Reporting to the Clinical Research Lead, the role ensures seamless integration of biobanking services with clinical trials and translational research across Rwanda and the region.

Key responsibilities

• Lead the planning, establishment, accreditation (ISO 20387) and continuous improvement of the biobank.
• Develop and maintain SOPs, Quality Management Systems, governance frameworks and regulatory compliance.
• Implement and manage the Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS) ensuring secure, accurate, traceable data.
• Oversee biospecimen acquisition, processing, storage, inventory, retrieval and distribution.
• Manage equipment, budgets, financial oversight and supervision of biobank personnel.
• Integrate biobanking activities with clinical trials, precision medicine, genomics and population health research.
• Build national and international collaborations and position UGHE as a regional centre of excellence.

Required profile

• Proven senior leadership experience in biobank management or a related scientific/technical field.
• Deep knowledge of ISBER Best Practices, ISO 20387, GCLP and GCP standards.
• Experience with LIMS implementation and quality assurance programs.
• Strong track record of regulatory compliance, accreditation processes and staff supervision.
• Ability to work in a multicultural academic‑research environment and travel between campuses.

Required skills

• Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS) administration
• Quality Management Systems (QMS) development
• ISO 20387 accreditation processes
• ISBER Best Practices implementation
• Good Clinical Laboratory Practice (GCLP)
• Good Clinical Practice (GCP) compliance
• Biospecimen handling, processing and storage

What we offer

• Two‑year renewable contract with competitive benefits
• Opportunity to shape a national biobank infrastructure
• Collaboration with leading researchers in clinical trials and precision medicine