Principal Scientist, Biobanking and Biospecimen

Job Description

The Data AI & Genome Sciences Department is recruiting for a Principal Scientist to lead a of a growing biobanking team, based in San Diego, CA. The Principal Scientist, Biobanking and Biospecimen Management role is accountable for management of in-scope biospecimens and associated data to support our growing Immunology discovery efforts.  This role will be a knowledge resource and key partner, engaging with both internal stakeholders and external partners and vendors, to assure the successful sourcing, storage and reconciliation of biospecimens to enable downstream discovery efforts.

In this role, you will serve as a strategic partner to our discovery and computational colleagues and will shape biospecimen sourcing strategies across our company's immunology portfolio. You will also assume a hands-on leadership role, implementing rigorous biospecimen handling and tracking practices, aligning resources based on scientific priorities, and mentoring and developing talented members of the Biobanking and Biospecimen Management team. You will operate in a highly collaborative environment, partnering with peers across multiple locations and in the broader scientific community.

In this exciting role, you will:

• Manage our in-house biobank and LIMS system, and develop and implement standards and norms for biobanking
• Drive biospecimen selections for research initiatives using identifier information and clinical metadata, and provide sample annotations and mapping to scientific stakeholders
• Lead operational biobanking staff to ensure that biospecimens in the biobank are managed appropriately, and to facilitate ongoing dispositioning and reconciliation of biospecimens derived from our academic partners
• Oversee biospecimen aliquoting and shipment for genotyping and other molecular analyses
• In partnership with Discovery and Translational Medicine, oversee receipt, storage, and reconciliation of physical biospecimens and corresponding data to vendor facilities and relevant data platforms (e.g., LIMS, EDC etc.)
• Coordinate timely and accurate reporting of sample status, both internally to key stakeholders as well as to subscribers, as appropriate

Education:

• Bachelor's (with 14 years), Master's (with 10 years) or Ph.D. (with 8 years) in biology, immunology or related discipline with relevant experience in biopharma, CRO or research environment

Required Experience and Skills:

• IATA training and certification
• Operational experience in biobanking and biospecimens
• Thorough knowledge and/or equivalent working knowledge of central laboratory operations (kits/supplies, logistics, laboratory operations, specimen storage, data reporting and transfers, site alerts, etc.)
• Fluency in the biological assays and sample requirements to address complex research questions related to immunological disorders
• Demonstrated ability to manage study timelines
• Requires a strong working knowledge of MS Office, Word, PowerPoint, Excel, SalesForce, project management, and data management
• Ability to establish and maintain productive cross-site and high caliber external collaborations
• Excellent communication, verbal and written, and interpersonal skills with strong ability to interact with internal teams and partners across all levels of the organization

Preferred Experience and Skills:

• Demonstrated ability to think strategically and work both independently and as part of a team in a matrixed company environment
• Highly organized and detail-oriented, with excellent time-management skills, and the ability to manage multiple projects and deliver on tight deadlines
• Demonstrated ability for innovation and problem solving

NOTICE FOR INTERNAL APPLICANTS

In accordance with Managers' Policy - Job Posting and Employee Placement, all employees subject to this policy are required to have a minimum of twelve (12) months of service in current position prior to applying for open positions.

If you have been offered a separation benefits package, but have not yet reached your separation date and are offered a position within the salary and geographical parameters as set forth in the Summary Plan Description (SPD) of your separation package, then you are no longer eligible for your separation benefits package. To discuss in more detail, please contact your HRBP or Talent Acquisition Advisor.