Biorepository Manager – Lipedema Foundation

Remote (Eastern Time Zone Preferred)

The Lipedema Foundation (LF), the largest funder of Lipedema research, is seeking a highly skilled and experienced Biorepository Manager to help us launch our first commercial biobank, housed offsite at a commercial service provider. Advanced planning is underway, and we’re hoping you will come onboard in time to finalize, launch and expertly manage the biobank and related efforts. As the Biorepository Manager, you will report to the Chief Science Officer and be responsible for liaisons with the biobank vendor; monitoring the integrity and quality of biological specimens (and associated data) stored in the repository; as well as ensuring compliance with relevant regulations and standards. More broadly, you will be a contributing member of LF’s science team, meaning you’ll contribute to both the optimization of the biobank project as well as the organization’s other internal priorities.

The ideal candidate will have a strong background in basic science, research, biorepository operations, excellent organizational, communication (oral/written) and leadership skills, and a keen eye for detail. Although prior experience with clinical databases and BLIMS (Biosamples Laboratory Information Management System) is not required, a willingness to acquire proficiency in such systems is essential.

This is a fantastic opportunity to learn about biomedical research philanthropy and impact an emerging corner of women’s health research. This person will join an innovative start-up environment that values ownership, creativity and effectiveness, with the potential to learn and grow.

LF staff currently work remotely. All staff members travel for in-person team meetings approximately every 4 to 8 weeks, often to the Greenwich, CT or New York City areas.

Position Description

The Biorepository Manager will work closely with the LF science team, clinical sites, the biobank vendor, and researchers, ensuring the procurement, safe storage, retrieval, and distribution of samples. The facility will be housed offsite at a commercial service provider, archiving samples that may include, but not be limited to, punch biopsies, lipoaspirate, blood, and urine samples, along with associated clinical information. We intend for this role to go above and beyond the clinical coordination of sample storage, and we want candidates who will enthusiastically be involved in growing this nascent research field via the biobank. This position will have great ownership and will be a crucial contributor to everything from IRB contracts to the Manual of Operations and Standard Operating Procedures. Once the site is launched, the eager manager will dive into both process optimization as well as additional initiatives.

Up to 20% travel is required for this role.

Responsibilities

• Oversee the day-to-day operations of the biorepository, including sample collection, processing, storage, and distribution
• Develop and periodically revise a Manual of Operations (MOO) and MTAs (draft in progress)
• Develop and implement standard operating procedures (SOPs) to ensure the quality, integrity, and traceability of biological specimens
• Ensure compliance with regulatory requirements, such as FDA, HIPAA, and other relevant guidelines, with attention toward data security
• Manage the inventory of specimens, including tracking and documentation of sample information, storage locations, and availability for research projects using clinical databases and BLIMS
• Train and conduct quality control on external clinical staff involved in sample processing, handling, and storage, ensuring adherence to protocols and quality standards
• Collaborate with researchers and other stakeholders to understand their sample requirements and provide efficient and timely sample retrieval services
• Manage liaison with scientific advisors
• Implement and maintain a robust quality control program, including regular monitoring, audits, and corrective actions as needed
• Develop and maintain relationships with external partners, such as biobanks and research institutions, for sample exchange and collaboration
• Stay up-to-date with advancements and best practices in biorepository management and recommend improvements to enhance efficiency and effectiveness
• Prepare reports and presentations on biorepository activities, including sample utilization, inventory management, and compliance metrics
• Collaborate with the science team and larger LF team, lending subject matter expertise or other assistance as needed
• Participate in mission-related conferences throughout the year, as deemed necessary, in particular the FDRS annual conference and the annual LF Research Retreat
• Over time, grow the scope of the biobank, both in terms of participating sites and new recruitment avenues (e.g., live recruitment events at patient conferences)

Qualifications

• A master’s degree or higher in a relevant scientific field
• Knowledge of and experience with vertebrate, preferably human, clinical biosamples
• A solid understanding of current trends in precision medicine, tissue/molecular profiling
• Strong knowledge of biorepository operations, including sample collection, processing, storage, and distribution
• Familiarity with relevant regulations and guidelines, such as FDA, HIPAA, and Good Clinical Practice (GCP)
• Familiarity with research and clinical study protocols, IRB, eligibility and Inclusion/Exclusion criteria, and informed consent
• Excellent organizational and leadership skills, with the ability to prioritize tasks and manage multiple projects simultaneously
• Attention to detail and strong problem-solving skills to ensure the accuracy and integrity of sample data and documentation
• Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written, with the ability to effectively communicate complex concepts to diverse audiences
• Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to build and maintain relationships with internal and external stakeholders
• Ability to work independently and adapt to changing priorities and deadlines
• Comfort and interest in working with women’s health issues, with a particular sensitivity to patient experiences with the healthcare system

Preferred Qualifications

• Ph.D. and postdoctoral experience preferred
• Proven experience in biorepository management, preferably in an academic or research setting, would be an asset
• Understanding and facility with statistical concepts/analyses in biological/clinical contexts, preferably with statistical programming experience in R and/or Python
• Proficient in using biorepository management software/BLIMS and other relevant software applications

We appreciate that a candidate may not meet all requirements for the position. If you are a detail-oriented and experienced professional with a passion for biorepository management and ensuring the availability of high-quality biological samples for research, we encourage you to apply for the position of Biorepository Manager.

Physical Requirements

• Capable of travel, minimal meeting and conference booth set up, including moving boxes.
• Capable of standing during booth-related duties at conferences (infrequent).

Inclusivity

The Lipedema Foundation values equity and inclusion, and we encourage applications from people underrepresented in philanthropy to apply. All qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, or any other class protected under federal or state law.

Compensation

The salary range for this role is $90,000-130,000 per year. It is not typical for an individual to be hired at or near the top of this range; however for an exceptional candidate with all of the required and preferred qualifications, it is possible. LF offers a competitive benefits package, including generous insurance and retirement benefits.

About the Foundation and Lipedema

The Lipedema Foundation is a private, non-fundraising foundation established in 2015 to define, diagnose and develop treatments for Lipedema. It has awarded more than $12 million in the US and internationally to date and maintains the Lipedema Foundation Registry.

Lipedema is a chronic medical condition primarily impacting women and characterized by a symmetric buildup of adipose tissue (fat) in the legs and arms, often with pain and, at advanced stages, impaired mobility. It is frequently misdiagnosed as obesity or lymphedema, though Lipedema is resistant to exercise and diet. Lipedema is widespread, affecting millions of adolescent and adult women, but is vastly under-diagnosed. Awareness is increasing; progress includes recognition by the American College of Cardiology and publication of a standard of care in the United States.

Find out more at www.lipedema.org.