Director, Biorepository Core — Strategy & Operations

Vcu Rrtc; Richmond, Northern (VA, KY); Hybrid; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive health benefits

Tuition benefits

Retirement plan options

Paid annual and holiday leave

Job summary

Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) School of Medicine seeks a Director of the Biorepository Core to lead biobanking operations, regulatory compliance, and strategic planning for SSLI’s biospecimen program. You will oversee biospecimen acquisition, processing, storage, quality management, and LIMS, while supervising staff and coordinating with institute leadership and external partners.

The role emphasizes data governance, IRB coordination, and regulatory adherence (HIPAA, IATA, GDPR

Qualifications

• Master's degree in Biological Sciences or related field.
• Ph.D. in Biological Sciences or related field preferred.
• Minimum of 10 years of biobanking or biorepository operations experience.
• Minimum of 5 years of supervisory or personnel management experience.
• Experience leading complex laboratory operations and multidisciplinary teams.
• Experience developing, implementing, and maintaining SOPs.
• Experience with Laboratory Information Management Systems (LIMS).
• Strong project management skills and ability to oversee multiple initiatives.
• Experience handling biohazardous materials per regulatory requirements.
• Knowledge of HIPAA regulations governing protected health information.
• Experience with IATA regulations for shipment of biological materials or ability to obtain certification.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills including PowerPoint.
• Understanding of biobanking best practices and research infrastructure.
• Ability to prioritize competing responsibilities and manage multiple projects.
• Strong interpersonal skills and fostering inclusive collaboration.
• Experience driving continuous process improvement.
• Ability to work in diverse academic environment.

Responsibilities

• Strategic Leadership: oversee biorepository and lab processing operations and develop long-term vision.
• Laboratory & Biorepository Operations: manage biospecimen collection, processing, storage, and chain-of-custody.
• Regulatory & Quality Oversight: ensure compliance with HIPAA, biosafety, IATA, IRB processes, and data privacy rules.
• Laboratory Information Systems & Technology: optimize LIMS and data integration.
• Personnel & Project Management: supervise staff, mentor, and manage multiple research projects.
• Scientific Support: assist investigators from study design to publication and translation.
• Regulatory Documentation: maintain protocol documentation and submissions to IRB.
• Strategic Collaboration: work with leadership, investigators, and external stakeholders.

Skills

Leadership

Biobanking operations

Regulatory compliance

Project management

Data governance

Quality management

Communication skills

Team supervision

Process improvement

Education

Master's degree in Biological Sciences or related field

Ph.D. in Biological Sciences or related field (preferred)

Tools

LIMS

SOP development

Job description

Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) School of Medicine seeks a Director of the Biorepository Core to lead biobanking operations, regulatory compliance, and strategic planning for SSLI’s biospecimen program. You will oversee biospecimen acquisition, processing, storage, quality management, and LIMS, while supervising staff and coordinating with institute leadership and external partners.

The role emphasizes data governance, IRB coordination, and regulatory adherence (HIPAA, IATA, GDPR