Senior Specialist, Biosample Operations
About The Position
The Biosample Operations Specialist supports the hands-on operational management of Human Biological Samples (HBS) and related clinical trial materials for Cell Therapy programs. Based in Santa Monica, this role is responsible for sample receipt, physical and digital accessioning, controlled storage, inventory maintenance, approved sample pulls for scientists, and support of sample return, transfer, and destruction activities. Working closely with Biosample Operations Managers and cross-functional partners, this role serves as an operational custodian for clinical samples held in the laboratory, helping ensure controlled access, accurate documentation, and sample traceability. This is an individual contributor role with no formal people management responsibilities.
Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in Biology, Biochemistry, Cell Biology, Biomedical Sciences, or another relevant scientific discipline with 4+ years of relevant experience in biosample operations, biobanking, sample management, laboratory operations, clinical sample handling, or a related field.
- Master’s degree in Biology, Biochemistry, Cell Biology, Biomedical Sciences, or another relevant scientific discipline with 2+ years of relevant experience in biosample operations, biobanking, sample management, laboratory operations, clinical sample handling, or a related field.
- Experience handling, accessioning, storing, and documenting biological materials with a high degree of accuracy.
- Hands-on experience with LIMS and other sample management, inventory management, or project tracking systems.
- Experience working with temperature-sensitive biological materials and controlled storage environments.
- Strong record-keeping, organizational, and cross-functional collaboration skills.
Nice To Haves
- Experience supporting clinical trial biospecimens or Human Biological Samples (HBS).
- Experience with cryogenic materials, liquid nitrogen storage, and other cold-chain workflows.
- Familiarity with sample lifecycle activities including pull, return, destruction, and long-term storage transfer.
- Understanding of specimen handling requirements for downstream biomarker, translational, or pharmacokinetic analyses.
Responsibilities
- Receive incoming clinical samples and related materials, inspect and verify contents, and complete accurate physical and digital accessioning in LIMS and other applicable tracking systems.
- Serve as an operational custodian for clinical samples stored in the laboratory, maintaining controlled access, accurate labeling, inventory records, and sample traceability.
- Retrieve and prepare approved clinical samples for scientists and other authorized users; scientists will not directly access stored clinical samples.
- Support the receipt and documentation of samples for in-house laboratory analysis, including apheresis and product-related materials where applicable.
- Support sample pull, return, transfer, and destruction workflows, including required documentation and inventory updates in LIMS and related sample or project management systems.
- Maintain designated storage areas, including freezers, liquid nitrogen storage, dry ice, and other temperature-controlled environments.
- Support inventory handling for clinical samples, reagents, and selected consumables, including barcoding and record maintenance.
- Identify and escalate discrepancies, condition issues, or documentation gaps as appropriate.
- Collaborate with laboratory staff and cross-functional partners, including Biobank, HBS, and Quality teams, as needed.
- Contribute to compliant record-keeping, chain-of-custody practices, and continuous improvement of operational workflows.
- Help with other responsibilities to meet team and corporate goals.
Benefits
- Short-term incentive bonus opportunity
- Equity-based long-term incentive program
- 401(k) plan
- Paid vacation and holidays; paid leaves
- Health benefits including medical, prescription drug, dental, and vision coverage.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Senior
