Westmead Biobank Manager

**Introduction**:
WIMR is one of Australia’s leading medical research institutes located at the heart of the Westmead Health Precinct, designated as the lighthouse precinct for Biomedical technology by the NSW Government. WIMR is an independent medical research institute governed by a Board. It is a multi-disciplinary institute with research in:

- Infection and Immunity
- Cancer
- Liver and Metabolic
- Neuroscience and Vision
- Cardiorespiratory

Closely affiliated with the University of Sydney and Westmead Hospital, the Institute’s research extends from the laboratory to the patient using the basic tools of molecular and cell biology, genetic epidemiology, imaging technology and clinical research.

Biomedical research in the Institute extends into clinical research programs across a wide range of disciplines which may interface with the many clinical trials in progress at any one time. This “bench to bedside” approach enables greater translation of research from biomedical discovery to the development of new prevention strategies, diagnostics and more effective treatments.

**Description**:
Reporting to the Director of Scientific Operations (DSO), the Westmead Biobank (WB) Manager is responsible for the daily operations of WB, developing and implementing required governance framework and a new inventory system, and providing high quality biobanking services to ensure that WB is operating efficiently, reliably and safely at the international standard. WB Manager will continue introducing new biobanking services and infrastructure to meet the biobanking needs at Westmead Precinct and beyond.

**The key responsibilities include**:
Governance & Compliance
- Maintenance and updates to HREC and governance approvals for WB. Ensure compliance with approved processes for the ethical and scientific integrity of biobank operation.
- Familiar with all regulatory and governance processes associated with collection, storage, retrieval and analysis of human samples in research
- Ensure the facility and activities undertaken within the facility meet all relevant guidelines and standards and are managed in accordance with a Risk Management Framework
- Ensure Work, Health and Safety (WHS) policies are developed and implemented to align with the WIMR WHS Management System. Demonstrate a genuine commitment to safety by taking reasonable care and cooperating with actions taken to protect the health and safety of everyone working at the Institute

Equipment & Infrastructure Management
- Manage all aspects of equipment including cutting edge technologies (e.g. fully automated cryostorage system and automated liquid handler) to optimise availability, quality control and access for WB users
- Liaise with facility management team to ensure all infrastructures services are well maintained at WB
- Procure and maintain the required facility equipment, managing Service Agreements with the vendors and ensuring budgets are established for ongoing service support and lifecycle maintenance
- Collaborate with DSO and procurement team to negotiate maintenance agreements and/or sponsorship with suppliers and for purchase orders for equipment repair and maintenance

Service Delivery & Scientific Support
- Ensure the services to WB users are always maintained to a high standard, delivered within the agreed timeframe and achieved the excellent customer satisfaction
- Manage the Biobank sample storage facilities and maintenance of inventory records
- Provide up-to-date sample records to users as requested
- Be on-call for biobank sample receipt and processing
- Work with facility management team to respond to equipment monitoring system
- Collaborate with other platforms when cross platform services are required
- Develop new biobank services and quality assurance procedures to meet the needs of WB users

Education & Training
- Provide induction, training and support to staff and visitors in the operation of laboratory equipment and techniques to help staff and researchers work safely and effectively
- Organise and present tutorials, seminars, workshops or other educational activities
- Maintain updated knowledge of biobanking initiatives nationally and internationally
- Develop and implement educational and training strategies to ensure the ongoing education and awareness of biobank staff and users

Administration & Financial Management
- Manage an online booking system (PPMS) and other relevant requirements for the administration, documentation, booking, compliance and coordination of biobanking at Westmead Biobank
- Develop and maintain manuals and associated documentation including Standard Operating Procedures
- Manage the purchase and storage of consumables
- Establish and implement new policies, procedures and workflows for the Biobank when needed
- Report to DSO on regular basis and take directions from WRH Operations committee and Westmead Research Hub (WRH) Biobank Scientific Advisory Committee (SAC) to ensure efficient operati