Senior Biological Sample Management Specialist

Job Title: Senior Biological Sample Management Specialist Location: UAE Employment Type: Full-Time Work Arrangement: On-Site / Hybrid, depending on operational requirements Level: Senior About Us We are seeking an experienced Senior Biological Sample Management Specialist to oversee the collection, receipt, processing, storage, tracking, and distribution of biological specimens in accordance with approved protocols and quality standards. The successful candidate will ensure sample integrity, traceability, regulatory compliance, and efficient laboratory operations while collaborating with clinical research teams, laboratory personnel, healthcare providers, and external partners. Key Responsibilities Oversee the receipt, registration, labeling, processing, storage, retrieval, and shipment of biological samples, including blood, plasma, serum, tissue, urine, and other specimen types. Ensure all samples are handled according to approved protocols, study requirements, biosafety procedures, and applicable quality standards. Maintain accurate sample inventories, chain-of-custody records, tracking logs, and electronic sample management databases. Monitor sample storage conditions, including temperature, humidity, and other environmental parameters where required. Manage sample storage equipment, including refrigerators, freezers, ultra-low-temperature freezers, and cryogenic storage systems. Establish and maintain procedures for sample identification, accessioning, aliquoting, labeling, packaging, and long-term preservation. Ensure sample traceability throughout the specimen lifecycle, from collection and receipt through storage, transfer, use, and final disposal. Coordinate sample transfers and shipments with clinical sites, research laboratories, biobanks, courier services, and external testing facilities. Verify sample documentation, collection details, consent requirements, processing timelines, and acceptance criteria before samples are processed or stored. Investigate sample discrepancies, labeling errors, temperature excursions, damaged containers, and other incidents that may affect sample integrity. Implement corrective and preventive actions (CAPA) to address recurring issues and improve sample management processes. Monitor freezer performance, temperature alarms, equipment maintenance schedules, and backup storage arrangements. Support laboratory audits, quality inspections, research monitoring visits, and regulatory reviews by maintaining complete and accessible documentation. Ensure compliance with applicable biosafety, biosecurity, confidentiality, and data protection requirements. Collaborate with laboratory, clinical operations, quality assurance, and research teams to coordinate sample availability and resolve operational challenges. Maintain sample management procedures, standard operating procedures (SOPs), work instructions, and training records. Support the implementation and optimization of Laboratory Information Management Systems (LIMS) and other electronic sample tracking platforms. Train and supervise junior staff on specimen handling, labeling, storage, documentation, and safety procedures. Monitor sample utilization, inventory levels, storage capacity, and retention periods to support efficient resource planning. Identify opportunities to improve sample workflow, reduce sample loss, strengthen traceability, and maintain specimen quality. Qualifications and Experience Bachelor's degree in Biomedical Science, Medical Laboratory Science, Biotechnology, Biology, Molecular Biology, Life Sciences, or a related discipline. At least 5–8 years of experience in biological sample management, biobanking, clinical research laboratories, specimen processing, or laboratory operations. Strong understanding of biological specimen collection, processing, preservation, storage, and transport requirements. Experience handling biological materials in accordance with approved laboratory procedures and quality management systems. Knowledge of sample identification, chain of custody, inventory control, sample tracking, and documentation standards. Familiarity with Good Clinical Practice (GCP), Good Laboratory Practice (GLP), and relevant ISO standards, such as ISO 20387 for biobanking, where applicable. Understanding of biosafety principles, biological risk assessment, specimen containment, and safe handling procedures. Experience with LIMS, electronic sample tracking systems, laboratory databases, and inventory management platforms. Knowledge of temperature monitoring systems, freezer alarm management, equipment qualification, and contingency storage procedures. Familiarity with applicable UAE healthcare, laboratory, research, and data protection requirements. Strong organizational, analytical, and problem-solving skills with excellent attention to detail. Ability to investigate sample deviations, document findings, and implement appropriate corrective actions. Excellent communication skills and the ability to coordinate effectively with laboratory teams, researchers, and external service providers. Relevant training or certifications in biobanking, clinical research, laboratory quality, or biosafety are an advantage. Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) Sample Integrity: Maintain specimen quality throughout processing, storage, and transportation. Traceability: Ensure accurate identification and complete tracking of biological samples. Inventory Accuracy: Maintain reliable sample records and minimize inventory discrepancies. Processing Efficiency: Meet established timelines for sample receipt, processing, storage, and distribution. Temperature Compliance: Maintain required storage conditions and respond promptly to temperature excursions. Quality and Compliance: Ensure adherence to approved SOPs, biosafety procedures, and applicable regulatory requirements. Incident Management: Reduce sample loss, labeling errors, and preventable handling deviations. Audit Readiness: Maintain complete documentation and support successful quality inspections. Operational Improvement: Improve storage utilization, workflow efficiency, and sample management performance. What We Offer Competitive compensation based on qualifications and experience. Opportunities to contribute to laboratory research, clinical studies, and biobanking operations. Professional development and access to relevant laboratory quality and biosafety training. Collaboration with experienced laboratory scientists, researchers, and healthcare professionals. Opportunities for career progression in laboratory operations, biobanking, and research support. A professional working environment focused on quality, scientific integrity, safety, and continuous improvement. How to Apply Interested candidates should submit an updated CV and a brief cover letter highlighting their biological sample management experience, specimen handling expertise, laboratory systems knowledge, and achievements in quality assurance or operational improvement. Email Subject Line: Application – Senior Biological Sample Management Specialist (UAE) We welcome detail-oriented professionals with strong laboratory expertise, sound quality judgment, and a commitment to maintaining the integrity, traceability, and security of biological specimens. Show more Show less