Biobank Coordinator (Fixed Term Contract)

Puerto Rico Science Technology & Research Trust•San Juan, PR

1d•Onsite

About The Position

The Biobank Coordinator supports the NIH/National Institute on Aging U19 program “Causes, Consequences, and Modifiers of Heterogeneity in Aging in a Naturalistic Nonhuman Primate Model” (U19AG092410), a multi-institution research program studying aging in the free-ranging rhesus macaque population of Cayo Santiago. The position coordinates the day-to-day operations of CayoBank in Puerto Rico under the supervision of the Research Institute Core Labs Manager, ensuring biobank processes and records are consistent, reproducible, and verifiable across participating institutions. This full-time, grant-funded position is based in San Juan, Puerto Rico, with regular travel to Caribbean Primate Research Center facilities in Toa Baja and Humacao, including boat access to Cayo Santiago. It is a fixed-term contract through June 2027. Continuation of employment depends on federal funding availability, the subaward terms, and satisfactory performance. The role oversees biospecimen receipt, processing, storage, retrieval, distribution, inventory, quality control, documentation, and shipment. It also coordinates technical personnel and interns assigned to CayoBank, supports their training, and prepares operational reports. The work includes handling nonhuman primate biospecimens and complying with biosafety and CPRC occupational health requirements.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in biology, microbiology, biochemistry, biomedical sciences, medical technology, or a related STEM field from an accredited college or university; an equivalent combination of education and experience will be considered.
At least two years of experience in a biorepository, research laboratory, or clinical laboratory, including biospecimen processing and management.
Knowledge of BSL-2 biosafety practices and good documentation practices.
IATA/DOT dangerous-goods shipping certification, or willingness to obtain it within six months of hire.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English and Spanish.
Proficiency with Microsoft Office 365, particularly Excel.
Strong organization and attention to detail, with the ability to follow procedures precisely, manage multiple tasks, and work independently and as part of a team.
Willingness to complete CPRC occupational health requirements, including tuberculosis screening and B virus awareness training.
Ability to work under field and post-mortem collection conditions, stand for extended periods, and lift and carry equipment weighing up to 25 pounds.
Valid Puerto Rico driver’s license and ability to travel regularly among the PRSTRT Research Institute, Sabana Seca Field Station, and Punta Santiago and Cayo Santiago facilities, including boat access to Cayo Santiago.

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree in a related STEM field.
Experience with biospecimen inventory or laboratory information management systems.
Experience coordinating laboratory workflows or training laboratory personnel.
Experience handling animal-derived biospecimens.

Responsibilities

Coordinate CayoBank’s day-to-day operations in Puerto Rico, including receipt, processing, storage, retrieval, and distribution of biospecimens for participating institutions.
Implement and verify consistent application of CayoBank SOPs for biospecimen collection, processing, aliquoting, cryopreservation, and storage, and propose updates to CayoBank Core Leaders.
Support tissue collection, labeling, aliquoting, and preservation during post-mortem events, including flash-freezing and formalin fixation, under the direction of CPRC veterinary staff and CayoBank Core Leaders.
Identify, barcode, and register biospecimens and derived products in the eLab inventory system, documenting storage locations and maintaining links to source metadata and chain-of-custody records.
Process blood and other biospecimens according to SOPs, including plasma, serum, buffy coat, PBMCs, whole-blood aliquots, and blood smears.
Coordinate quality control of biospecimens, records, and storage conditions; document and report deviations to the Research Institute Core Labs Manager.
Monitor ultra-low-temperature freezers and liquid nitrogen storage at the PRSTRT Research Institute and CPRC, maintain temperature logs, respond to equipment alarms, and coordinate preventive maintenance and contingency storage.
Coordinate receipt of field samples during the annual capture-and-release season with CayoField (Core C), and tissue handoffs from post-mortem events at Sabana Seca Field Station with the Pathology Assistant and CPRC veterinary staff.
Coordinate biospecimen shipments to participating institutions, including dry-ice packaging, documentation, and tracking, in accordance with IATA and DOT regulations and applicable material transfer agreements.
Coordinate with CayoHub (Core D) to update and reconcile CayoBank records and metadata.
Organize schedules and activities for CayoBank technical personnel and interns and support their training on SOPs in coordination with their supervisors.
Prepare periodic operational reports on inventory, processing, quality control, and completed activities for the Research Institute Core Labs Manager and CayoBank Core Leaders.
Maintain the inventory of biobank supplies and consumables and inform the Research Institute Core Labs Manager of needs in a timely manner.
Maintain an up-to-date, organized, legible laboratory journal documenting procedures in detail.
Manage implementation of assigned elements that support program goals and remain knowledgeable about PRSTRT policies, procedures, and protocols.
Follow safety guidelines and procedures, including biosafety practices for nonhuman primate biospecimens and CPRC occupational health requirements for facility access.
Attend and participate in team meetings and in-services, assist peers and supervisors after completing assigned work, and follow the PRSTRT attendance policy and scheduled work hours.
Perform other duties as required by organizational needs.