Biobank Director

Department BSD SRF - Human Tissue Resource Center About the Department The Human Tissue Resource Center (HTRC) Biobank unit is a pathology-based, CAP-accredited core facility. It provides effective procurement, storage, distribution, and analysis of human biospecimens that are of critical importance to biomedical research. The HTRC Biobank provides investigators with a centralized infrastructure to optimize the efficiency and costs related to research involving human biospecimens. The core provides a coordinated, centralized, and dedicated program for the procurement, processing, dispersing, and assessment of all types of biospecimens. It is a BSD core part of the Office of Shared Research Facilities. Job Summary The Biobank Director provides strategic, operational, and regulatory leadership for the institution's biobanking program, overseeing the collection, processing, storage, management, and distribution of human biospecimens to support research. This role directs biobank operations, including laboratory activities, quality systems, personnel, biospecimen lifecycle management, infrastructure, and fee-for-service programs, while ensuring compliance with institutional policies, IRB requirements, CAP standards, and applicable regulations. Working collaboratively with investigators, clinical teams, research administration, and external partners, the Biobank Director advances operational excellence, develops standardized processes, and supports institutional research priorities through high-quality, sustainable biobanking services. This at-will position is wholly or partially funded by contractual grant funding which is renewed under provisions set by the grantor of the contract. Employment will be contingent upon the continued receipt of these grant funds and satisfactory job performance. Responsibilities In partnership with the Faculty Director, develops and executes the strategic vision for the biobank, ensuring alignment with institutional research priorities. Identifies opportunities for program growth, new services, technology implementation, and operational efficiencies. Represents the biobank on institutional committees, external collaborations, and professional organizations. Supports research initiatives and business development activities related to biospecimen services. Directs laboratory facility operations, including equipment procurement, vendor management, service contracts, and infrastructure planning. Collaborates with HTRC Histology and Faculty Director to troubleshoot technical and administrative challenges and implementing effective resolutions. Leads daily biospecimen operations, including tissue collection, as well as processing, storage, and shipment of tissue and biofluids. Aligns biobanking operations, resources, and strategic priorities with institutional research objectives and evolving clinical research needs. Partners with researchers to develop, implement, and update biospecimen banking protocols and Institutional Review Board (IRB) submissions. Provides operational and regulatory guidance to investigators on long-term research initiatives, biospecimen utilization, and departmental strategy. Serves as a key institutional contact for inspections, safety audits, and compliance reviews. Oversees data compliance reporting and monitoring activities. Oversees the Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS), LabVantage, ensuring system integrity, data quality, regulatory compliance, and optimization of biobanking workflows. Oversees the functionality, maintenance, validation, and repair of laboratory equipment; evaluates operational needs and recommends equipment acquisitions and capital funding requests. Directs laboratory facility operations, including equipment procurement, vendor management, service contracts, and infrastructure planning. Ensures biobanking operations and procedures comply with College of American Pathologists (CAP) and institutional requirements, and all applicable policies and procedures. Leads the development, implementation, and continuous improvement of standard operating procedures, workflows, and technical processes to improve efficiency and research quality. Directs all CAP accreditation activities, including inspection readiness, execution of inspections, and oversight of corrective actions and remediation of findings. #J-18808-Ljbffr University of Chicago (UC)