Biobank Operations Coordinator

British and Irish Association of Zoos and Aquariums (BIAZA); Greater London; On-site; GBP 22,000 - 37,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Pension up to 12%

Flexible working options

25 days leave + bank holidays

Life insurance from day one

Wellbeing support

Equality networks

Zoo tickets

Job summary

ZSL invites applications for Biobank Operations Coordinator based at the Institute of Zoology in Regent’s Park, London. The role develops ZSL's Biobank by implementing robust biobanking processes, improving workflows and exploring automation to support high‑quality research data.

The position is 12‑month fixed‑term, offers 3 days per week (Wed, Thu, Fri) with a salary of £22,054.80 per annum including London Weighting. Travel to Whipsnade may be required; right to work in the UK is assumed.

Qualifications

• MSc degree in STEM required.
• Experience in project management.
• Experience in developing data management systems.
• Experience delivering improved operational efficiencies.
• Strong written and oral communication with diverse audiences.
• Knowledge of a coding language (Python, SQL, R).

Responsibilities

• Standardisation & governance of biobanking practices across ZSL with standardised workflows, policies and legal frameworks.
• Process optimisation of biobanking workflows, identifying and implementing automation where appropriate.
• Legal & ethical compliance ensuring processes meet national and international standards (CITES, Nagoya Protocol).
• Strategy & prioritisation support for biobanking initiatives and roadmap.
• Data sharing & accessibility to improve external visibility and access to biobank resources.
• Data management oversight to ensure accuracy, accessibility and integrity.

Skills

Python

SQL

R

Education

MSc degree or equivalent in a STEM field

Job description

ZSL - London Zoo

South East Closing date for applications is: 15th Sep 2026

Contact: ZSL Recruitment Team ([e-mail]) Sector: Research Type: Paid Contract type: Part-time Salary: £22,054.80 per annum (including London Weighting)

Purpose of the role

As Biobank Operations Coordinator, you will play a key role in developing the ZSL Biobank into a valuable resource for scientific research. This new role will develop and implement ZSL’s biobanking processes, streamline and optimise workflows, identify opportunities for automation, and support the development of information management systems and data-sharing platforms, ensuring efficient, compliant and impactful Biobank operations.

This position is based at the Institute of Zoology in Regent’s Park, London, NW1 4RY. Travel to the Whipsnade site may also be required if necessary. The standard working days for this role are Wednesday, Thursday and Friday.

This role is offered on a 12-month fixed-term contract, working 3 days per week, with a salary of £22,054.80 per annum including London Weighting (FTE £36,758)

Key Responsibilities

• Standardisation & Governance: Aligning biobanking practices across ZSL by developing standardised workflows, policies, governance, and legal frameworks.
• Process Optimisation: Streamlining and optimising biobanking processes and workflows, including identifying and implementing automation opportunities where appropriate.
• Legal & Ethical Compliance: Ensuring processes are reviewed and compliant with national and international legal and ethical standards (CITES, Nagoya Protocol and biobanking best practices).
• Strategy & Prioritisation: Supporting the Biobank Manager with the development and implementation of a biobanking strategy and prioritisation.
• Data Sharing & Accessibility: Developing and implementing data-sharing processes to improve external visibility and accessibility of the biobank.
• Data Management: Overseeing data management practices to ensure accuracy, accessibility, and integrity.

About You

• A MSc degree or equivalent in a STEM field
• Experience of project management
• Experience in developing data management systems
• Practical experience of identifying and delivering improved operational efficiencies
• Strong written and oral communication skills with various audiences/stakeholders
• Knowledge of a coding language (Python, SQL, R etc.)
• Training in relevant laboratory techniques will be provided where required.
• Ability to work on Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays.
• Willingness and ability to travel to the Whipsnade site when necessary.

This role is subject to standard pre-employment checks, including confirmation of your right to work in the UK. Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.

ZSL recognises that conservation is one of the least diverse sectors, and we actively encourage applications from candidates who identify as part of underrepresented communities. We are committed to building a supportive and inclusive workplace where everyone can thrive and celebrate the value of having a team of employees with diverse skills, experiences, and heritage.

About Us

We’re ZSL, an international conservation charity. Through our unrivalled animal experts in our two zoos (London Zoo and Whipsnade Zoo), the work of our pioneering scientists, our dedicated conservationists, our purpose is to inspire, inform and empower people to stop wild animals going extinct. Our vision is a world where wildlife thrives and we’re working every day to achieve this. From investigating the health threats facing animals, to helping people and wildlife live alongside each other, we are committed to bringing wildlife back from the brink of extinction.

What We Offer?

At ZSL, we are proud of our approach to employee benefits. Our benefits include:

• Up to 12% contributory pension
• Flexible working options
• 25 days' annual leave plus UK bank holidays, increasing with service
• Enhanced family-friendly policies
• Life assurance from day one (for eligible employees)
• 24/7 Employee Assistance Programme and wellbeing support
• Access to our staff Equality Networks
• Complimentary London Zoo and Whipsnade Zoo tickets, plus retail discounts
• Cycle2Work scheme and interest-free season ticket loans (for eligible London-based employees)

You can find the full details of our benefits in the attached Benefits Guide.

We anonymise applications until interview stage to ensure a fair hiring process. It’s important to highlight your unique skills, experience, and knowledge. Over reliance on AI-generated content may miss key criteria outlined in the job description and reduce the effectiveness of your application.

If you have any questions about this role, we’d love to hear from you! Please get in touch with our recruitment team at – [e-mail]