Biocenter Biobank Scientist

AstraZeneca • Gaithersburg, MD

18d

About The Position

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 maintains the HBS inventory in line with Global Standard, GCP, and SOPs—covering receipt, logging, storage, tracking, processing, dispatch, return, and disposal—using specialised IT systems to ensure compliance and clear daily communication with users and stakeholders. The role leads process and IT improvements, manages stakeholder relationships, provides local training, liaises with external vendors, advises on HBS availability, and may coordinate local biobank operations, including regional user forums and national/organizational compliance. This position also delivers HBS processing capabilities (e.g., sectioning, staining, scanning) and, in the UK, participates in and coordinates HTA-compliant on-call rotas to safeguard sample integrity.

Requirements

• BS/BA with three (3) years of experience, MS/MA with two (2) years, or PhD with zero (0) years in a scientific or related discipline.
• Experience in Biobanking and working with HBS
• Proficient in Histology techniques such as Microtomy, different staining methodologies and evaluation of the various challenges in the process.
• Fluent in English as the AstraZeneca working language
• Understanding of, and experience with, working with various IT solutions, such as LIMS systems and databases, including extensive knowledge of Excel for data transformation and analyses
• High focus on problem solving, investigating and escalating issues
• Identifying and leading continuous improvement processes, with enthusiasm to solve the root cause of problems and not only overcome the presenting problem
• Interest in logistics and developing processes through customer interactions and technology awareness
• Strong influencing skills and willingness to challenge stakeholders to maintain or develop processes
• Automation experience with equipment such as Hamilton STAR

Nice To Haves

• Histopathology experience
• Strong collaborative partnering and interpersonal skills
• Experience in the management of complex projects
• Clinical Laboratory scientific experience
• RMS experience

Responsibilities

• Receive and register incoming HBS.
• Process requests for HBS from customers.
• Act as the first escalation point for histology issues to bring expertise to resolve problems.
• Act upon day-to-day issues and partner with Biobank groups globally and internal and external stakeholders to drive continuous improvement.
• Perform aliquoting or sectioning (and other histology techniques) of HBS.
• Contribute to laboratory training & education and maintenance of histology and microtomy areas, relevant SOPs, equipment maintenance, COSHH guidelines and risk assessments. In addition, the role holder will understand SHE procedures and other regulations applicable to the subject area.
• To be responsible for the implementation and continued maintenance of archiving of all study-based materials, including raw data, images, FFPE blocks and slides.
• Ensure that all electronic records are continually maintained and available for audit.
• Maintains an up-to-date knowledge of current sample management and analysis techniques and regulations to support histology/microtomy capability.
• 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.
• Perform all work following global standards, SOPs, Good Clinical Practice and legal requirements (HTA).
• Communication with science partners (customers) to ensure compliance with global HBS standard and legal requirements (HTA).
• Act upon day-to-day issues and partner with biobank groups globally, as well as internal and external customers, to drive continuous improvement.
• When applicable, provide histological technical support to the organization and collaboration with scientific functions, including microtomy, cryo-sectioning, routine histological staining, immunohistochemistry staining, slide scanning and digital image analysis.
• When applicable, provide aliquoting technical support (including automated aliquoting) to the organization in collaboration with scientific functions
• May be occasionally required to work weekends or out of hours as part of role.

Benefits

• Our positions offer eligibility for various incentives—an opportunity to receive short-term incentive bonuses, equity-based awards for salaried roles and commissions for sales roles.
• Benefits offered include qualified retirement programs, paid time off (i.e., vacation, holiday, and leaves), as well as health, dental, and vision coverage in accordance with the terms of the applicable plans.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level