Human Biological Samples (HBS) are fundamental to medical research in the discovery, development and implementation of new treatments and diagnostics. They are ethically sensitive materials and underpin the delivery of every clinical trial.

The Biobank Scientist is responsible for maintaining the inventory of Human Biological Samples in accordance with the global standard, Good Clinical Practice and standard operating procedures. The emphasis is on sample handling to ensure that samples are received, logged, stored, tracked, dispatched, returned and disposed appropriately. Specialized IT systems and databases are key tools to maintain the sample library in a compliant way, and daily communications to customers/stakeholders is a part of the biobank scientist role.

The role can also include the Biobank Liaison Manager accountability, working at the interface between the biobank and clinical studies. This includes supporting the transfer of correct sample data for incoming shipments, acting as a point of contact to support the biobanks globally in resolving e.g sample manifest issues by working closely with the sample providers

What you’ll do

• Receive and register incoming HBS

• Process requests for HBS to customers

• Perform all work in accordance with global standards, SOPs, Good Clinical Practice and legal requirements

• Track all work-in-progress using specialized informatics systems as well as databases, so that there is a common understanding of status at all times

• Communication with science partners (customers) to ensure compliance with global HBS standard and legal requirements

• Responding to customer queries via mail or telephone

• Act upon day-to-day issues and partner with biobank groups globally as well as internal and external customers to drive continuous improvement

• Can include Biobank Liaison Manager (BLM) accountability:

  • Defining clinical studies and updating incoming shipments of samples within the IT system, coordinate mutually agreeable dispatch

  • Uploading sample manifests provided by the senders to pre-register samples within the IT system

  • Support the biobanks in resolving discrepancies between sample manifest and physical shipment through communication with the sender

  • Maintain compliance by monitoring and following-up on key dates (e.g planned end-of-retention)

Essential for the role

• Minimum 1+ years of relevant experience

• Fluent in English as the AstraZeneca working language

• Degree in a scientific discipline (BSc, MSc)

• Excellent communication skills

• Excellent attention to detail

• Understanding of, and experience with, working with various IT solutions, such as LIMS systems and databases, including knowledge of Excel for data transformation and analyses

• Experience of carrying out activities in a timely manner and to the correct standards

• Identifying, implementing and sharing continuous improvement processes

Desirable for the role

• Experience in Biobanking or working with human biological samples

• Interest in logistics and developing processes through customer interactions and technology awareness

Why AstraZeneca?