Biobank Operations Specialist – Fixed Term

Puerto-Rico-Science-Technology-; San Juan (PR); On-site; USD 42,000 - 56,000; Full time

Job summary

Puerto Rico Science, Technology and Research Trust in San Juan, PR, seeks a Biobank Coordinator to manage CayoBank operations, oversee biospecimen processing, storage, retrieval, and records, and coordinate shipments with institutions.

The role requires field and post-mortem handling, strict SOP adherence, and collaboration with CPRC veterinary staff. This is a full-time, grant-funded role through June 2027 with travel as needed.

Qualifications

• Knowledge of biosafety practices (BSL-2) and good documentation practices.
• IATA/DOT dangerous goods eshipping certification, or willingness to obtain it within six (6) months of hire.
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, in English and Spanish.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office 365, particularly Excel.
• Well organized and detail-oriented, with the ability to follow procedures precisely, manage multiple tasks, and work both independently and as part of a team.
• Willingness to complete the occupational health requirements for access to CPRC facilities, including tuberculosis screening and B virus awareness training.
• Ability to work under field and post-mortem collection conditions, to stand for extended periods, and to lift and carry equipment weighing up to 25 pounds.
• Valid Puerto Rico driver's license and ability to travel regularly among the PRSTRT Research Institute, the Sabana Seca Field Station, and the Punta Santiago and Cayo Santiago facilities, including boat access to Cayo Santiago.
• Others as per organization's needs.

Responsibilities

• Coordinates the day-to-day operations of CayoBank in Puerto Rico, including the receipt, processing, storage, retrieval, and distribution of biospecimens collected by the U19 research teams for all participating institutions.
• Implements the CayoBank SOPs for biospecimen collection, processing, aliquoting, cryopreservation, and storage, verifies their consistent application, and proposes updates to the CayoBank Core Leaders.
• Supports the collection, labeling, aliquoting, and preservation of tissues during post-mortem collection events including flash-freezing and formalin fixation, under the direction of CPRC veterinary staff and CayoBank Core Leaders.
• Ensures that every biospecimen and derived product is identified, barcoded, and registered in the CayoBank inventory system (eLab) with its storage location, and that it remains linked to source metadata and chain-of-custody records.
• Processes blood and other biospecimens according to CayoBank SOPs, including plasma, serum, buffy coat, PBMCs, whole blood aliquots, and blood smears.
• Coordinates quality control of biospecimens, records, and storage conditions, and documents and reports deviations to the Research Institute Core Labs Manager.
• Monitors the ultra-low temperature freezers and liquid nitrogen storage used by CayoBank at the PRSTRT Research Institute and at the CPRC, maintains temperature logs, responds to alarms, and coordinates preventive maintenance.
• Coordinates with CayoField the receipt of field samples during the annual capture-and-release season, and with Pathology Assistant and CPRC staff the handoff of tissues from post-mortem events.
• Coordinates biospecimen shipments to participating institutions, including dry ice packaging, documentation, and tracking, per IATA and DOT regulations.
• Coordinates with CayoHub the update and reconciliation of CayoBank records and metadata.
• Organizes the schedule and activities of technical personnel and interns assigned to CayoBank and supports their training on SOPs.
• Prepares periodic operational reports on inventory, processing, quality control, and completed activities for the Research Institute Core Labs Manager and the CayoBank Core Leaders.
• Maintains the inventory of biobank supplies and informs the Research Institute Core Labs Manager of needs.
• Maintains an organized laboratory journal recording all procedures.
• Manages implementation of assigned elements that support program goals.
• Remains knowledgeable and competent in all PRSTRT policies, procedures, and protocols.
• Comply with safety guidelines, including biosafety and occupational health requirements for CPRC facilities.

Skills

BSL-2 knowledge

Documentation skills

Bilingual English/Spanish

Excel proficiency

Organizational skills

Team-oriented

Fieldwork readiness

Driver's license

Travel willingness

Laboratory safety

Education

Bachelor's degree in biology, microbiology, biochemistry, biomedical sciences, medical technology, or related STEM

Master's degree preferred

Tools

LIMS systems

eLab inventory system

Microsoft Office 365

Job description

Puerto Rico Science, Technology and Research Trust in San Juan, PR, seeks a Biobank Coordinator to manage CayoBank operations, oversee biospecimen processing, storage, retrieval, and records, and coordinate shipments with institutions.

The role requires field and post-mortem handling, strict SOP adherence, and collaboration with CPRC veterinary staff. This is a full-time, grant-funded role through June 2027 with travel as needed.