Biospecimens and Genetics Data Manager

University of California - San Francisco; San Francisco (CA); On-site; USD 75,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of California - San Francisco is looking for a Biospecimen and Genetics Data Manager to support key data workflow for various specimen collection protocols. You will manage data quality, prepare reports, and facilitate data-related activities for a clinical research program.

Candidates should possess a Bachelor's degree and at least one year of relevant experience, with skills in statistical analysis and systems programming. Proficiency in Excel and a programming language such as Python or R is also required. This role is vital for maintaining accurate data in a dynamic research environment.

Qualifications

• Minimum one year of experience or equivalent training.
• Proven track record of success managing and maintaining accurate data.
• Ability to multitask and stay organized in a dynamic environment.

Responsibilities

• Maintains and develops research gathering, retrieval, and reporting systems.
• Prepares queries and reports for internal department constituents.
• Aggregates and QC research specimen data; prepares information summaries.

Skills

Data management

Statistical analysis

Systems programming

Scripting

Excel

Python

R

Education

Bachelor's degree in a related field

Tools

Freezerworks LIMS

Git

Job description

Job Function Summary

Involves gathering, analyzing, and curating a wide variety of research data, primarily involving human biofluids and genetics but also other clinical data elements. Participates in research by supporting data QC, ingesting data from external collaborators, creating datasets to share with researchers, summarizing collected data, developing data best practices, and facilitating data‑related activities (e.g., biospecimens' inventory, billing). Prepares reports, charts, tables, and other visual aids to interpret and communicate data.

Generic Scope

Professional who applies acquired job skills, policies, and procedures to complete substantive assignments, projects, or tasks of moderate scope and complexity; exercises judgment within defined guidelines and practices to determine appropriate action.

Custom Scope

Position within the UCSF Edward and Pearl Fein Memory and Aging Center (MAC) a multidisciplinary clinical research program investigating neurodegenerative diseases. Under the supervision of the MAC Genetics and Biospecimen Manager and the Director of Research Technology, the Biospecimen and Genetics Data Manager supports and manages key aspects of program data workflow needs for more than 30 related specimen collection protocols involving multiple partners and laboratories.

Key Data Management Responsibilities

• 10%: Maintains and develops research gathering, retrieval, and reporting systems. Provides data extraction and reporting as needed for specimen billing, including scripting and creating/maintaining Excel data sheets.
• 5%: Provides data feasibility input (e.g., cohort counts, availability) to support study design. Works with team to support biospecimen requests through data querying and subject identification, delivering information to PIs or Specimen Manager for cohort design.
• 20%: Prepares queries and reports for internal department constituents. Performs data querying and summarization in support of data requests and routine reporting for internal and external researchers outside the supported biospecimen data meta‑repository.
• 10%: Assists in maintaining systems for organizing data, analyzing, identifying and reporting trends. Implements/ modifies scripts and queries to provide a replicable pipeline for data return needs and functions as a data power user in key systems supporting biospecimen data workflows.
• 30%: Aggregates and QC research specimen data; prepares and summarizes information and/or recommendations. Daily/weekly requests, receives and integrates new inventory and biospecimen result datasets (csv/excel) into central data repositories, checks integrity of identifiers, dates, and values, identifies, reports and assists specimens team and laboratory staff in resolving discrepancies.

Reporting: The Data Manager reports to the Genetics and Biospecimen Program Manager for domain‑specific work and to the Director of Research Technology for data‑related work on an interim basis; this co‑supervision structure is temporary before a dedicated data supervisor is appointed.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a related field and minimum one year of experience or equivalent training.
• Working knowledge of research functions.
• Working skills in systems programming, scripting, and statistical software packages.
• Working skills in analysis and consultation.
• Proven track record of success managing and maintaining accurate data in a complex data environment.
• Demonstrated proficiency in statistical analysis, data transformation and linking, data systems programming, and/or data schema design and documentation.
• Knowledge of Freezerworks LIMS or similar systems.
• Ability to multitask, stay organized, and work quickly in a dynamic environment with competing priorities.
• Prior experience working in a research environment, preferably an closely linked wet‑lab.
• Excellent Excel and MS Office skills.
• Proficiency in a programming language (Python, R, etc.).
• Experience with source control management (e.g., Git) and best practices for scripting.

Preferred Qualifications

• Minimum of 3 years of research or clinical data management experience.
• Knowledge of HIPAA and best practices for securing protected health information.
• Experience working with relational databases or software tools to design queries and reports.
• Basic understanding of genetics and proteomics.