Biobank Operations Coordinator - Fixed Term Contract

Nnphi; San Juan (PR); On-site; USD 52,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

The Puerto Rico Science, Technology and Research Trust is seeking a Biobank Coordinator based in San Juan, PR, to manage the CayoBank biospecimen program for NIH/NIA aging research. You will oversee receipt, processing, storage, and distribution of samples, ensure proper labeling and chain-of-custody, and coordinate with CPRC sites.

Responsibilities include maintaining inventory, quality control, and compliance with IATA/DOT regulations, SOP updates, and staff training.

Qualifications

• Knowledge of biosafety practices (BSL-2) and good documentation practices.
• IATA/DOT dangerous goods shipping certification, or willingness to obtain it within six months of hire.
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, in English and Spanish.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office 365, especially Excel.

Responsibilities

• Coordinates the day-to-day operations of CayoBank in Puerto Rico, including receipt, processing, storage, retrieval, and distribution of biospecimens for all participating institutions.
• Implements SOPs for biospecimen collection, processing, aliquoting, cryopreservation, and storage, verifies consistent application, and proposes SOP updates.
• Supports collection, labeling, aliquoting, and preservation of tissues during post-mortem events under veterinary supervision.
• Ensures biospecimen and products are identified, barcoded, and registered in the inventory system with storage location and source metadata.
• Processes blood and other biospecimens according to SOPs (plasma, serum, PBMCs, whole blood, etc.).
• Coordinates quality control of biospecimens, records, and storage conditions, and reports deviations.
• Monitors ultra-low temperature freezers and liquid nitrogen storage; maintains temperature logs and coordinates maintenance.
• Coordinates with field teams the receipt of field samples and tissue handoffs.
• Coordinates biospecimen shipments, including dry ice packaging and documentation per IATA/DOT regulations.
• Updates and reconciles records and metadata in the system (CayoBank).
• Organizes schedule and activities of technical personnel and interns; supports training on SOPs.
• Prepares periodic operational reports on inventory, processing, QC, and activities.
• Maintains inventory of biobank supplies and informs needs in a timely manner.
• Keeps an up-to-date, organized laboratory journal with detailed procedures.
• Ensures adherence to PRSTRT policies, safety guidelines, and protocols.

Skills

Biosafety awareness

Documentation practices

English and Spanish communication

Laboratory operations

Education

Bachelor's degree in biology or related field

Master's degree preferred

Tools

Microsoft Office 365

Excel

Lab information management systems

Job description

The Puerto Rico Science, Technology and Research Trust is seeking a Biobank Coordinator based in San Juan, PR, to manage the CayoBank biospecimen program for NIH/NIA aging research. You will oversee receipt, processing, storage, and distribution of samples, ensure proper labeling and chain-of-custody, and coordinate with CPRC sites.

Responsibilities include maintaining inventory, quality control, and compliance with IATA/DOT regulations, SOP updates, and staff training.