Biorepository Associate – III
- Nairobi, Kenya
- Biosciences
The International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI) seeks to recruit highly skilled and experienced Biorepository Associate to oversee the efficient and accurate management of sample storage, data upload and storage, and relevant laboratory processes within the ILRI Biosciences laboratory facilities.
The Officer will apply their understanding of centralized management of the Laboratory Information Management Systems (LIMS) for sample management. In addition, S/he will be responsible for the overall sample reconciliation and sample inventories for all Laboratories using the ILRI LIMS which includes quality control procedures and ensuring the integrity and traceability of all samples.
ILRI works to improve food and nutritional security and reduce poverty in developing countries through research for efficient, safe and sustainable use of livestock. It is the only one of 15 CGIAR research centres dedicated entirely to animal agriculture research for the developing world. Co-hosted by Kenya and Ethiopia, it has regional or country offices and projects in East, South and Southeast Asia as well as Central, East, Southern and West Africa. www.ilri.org
Key Responsibilities:
Sample Management:
- Receive, catalogue, and in collaboration with both internal and external laboratory staff, scientists/PIs, who originate/ own the samples from their respective field and laboratory research, accurately record incoming samples details in the digital sample management system.
- Document all biorepository activities including release and disposal of samples in accordance with the set biosafety standards and policy
- Monitor and manage the cold chain sample management as per GLP guidelines to ensure samples remain viable and to prevent any errors or deviations
- Work with the ILRI engineering team and laboratory management ensure the Liquid Nitrogen Plant and sample storage tanks and the digital monitoring systems are in optimal operational condition all the time, and that their routine maintenance is carried out on time to ensure continuous supply of liquid Nitrogen to the tanks and cryosamples
- Work with the lab users to ensure that samples are available for the testing lab and biorepository where needed and coordinate shipments (including all permits required) with the support of the lab management
- Advise users of the Biobank facility on logging into the sample management system required for study specific protocols
- Work closely with the laboratory users to ensure accurate registration/documentation of samples when projects start and reconcile all samples during and at the close of projects in compliance with IREC/IBC and protocols/project requirements
- Conduct testing for viability of different sample types archived in liquid nitrogen tanks and freezers.
- Serve as central point of contact for sample reception, retrieval and shipments thus ensuring adherence to sample management QMS, approved shipment requirements, plans and Material Transfer Agreements (MTAs)
- Maintain Biosecurity in the platform and work with security unit in monitoring access to the platform
- Maintain inventory in LIMS and back up data for sample inventory in the platform includingarranging, sorting samples in -80 freezers.
- Conduct sample audits, and maintain updated records
- Contribute to the preparation of platform reports and present analysis and findings in meetings.
- Compile the recharges for services at Biorepository
- Laboratory Information Management Systems (LIMS) Expertise
- Updating of LIMS related SOPs, work instructions or validation processes with the support of LIMS provider
- Maintain and support in the configuration of LIMS to optimize sample management workflow and troubleshoot to minimize disruptions in sample management
- Ensure LIMS system is updated to support needs of users and LIMS ILRI administrator or vendor
Quality Control
- Assist in the development of required SOPs, forms and tracking documentation for sample management system
- Systematically inspect, review, and document the status of all sample materials physically stored in the LIMS and maintain highest level of data integrity
- Ensure that the samples are appropriately barcoded for easy and accurate tracking throughout their lifecycle
- Assist in regular sample management oversight audits in compliance with biobanking quality management regulatory and institutional policies
Data Management
- Ensure accurate and timely entry of sample data into the LIMS system
- Verify and validate data (and sample metadata) for completeness, accuracy
- Reconcile data for archived samples to update the LIMS system for liquid nitrogen and freezers
- Contribute to the preparation of reports, charts, and graphs to users and support data analysis and share with users to continuously improve the biorepository
Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in biotechnology, Microbiology, Biomedical sciences, Laboratory sciences, Information Management Systems, or a related field
- Minimum of 5 years’ experience in research laboratory techniques and Laboratory Information Systems (LIMS) is required
- Previous experience in a sample management role within a laboratory setting is required
- Certification with IATA on handling and shipment of infectious biological materials
- Demonstrate strong oral and written communication and facilitation skills as well as confidence with presentations
- Experience in laboratory sample processing and a variety of laboratory assays to be used for sample viability tests is highly desirable
- High level of interpersonal skills and the ability to work effectively in a cooperative and collaborative manner with all levels, across functional teams both internally and externally
- Ability to work on problems of moderate complexity and diverse scope using good judgment within defined procedures and policies to determine appropriate action
- Very good project planning and implementation skills in a cross-disciplinary and multi-cultural team are required
- Flexibility to change priorities and be comfortable with changing deadlines to meet organizational needs is required
- High level of independence in performing responsibilities is highly desirable
Post location: The position will be based in Nairobi, Kenya
Terms of Appointment
This position is at job level HG 12 and it is only open to Kenyan nationals. The position is a 3-year contract, renewable subject to satisfactory performance and availability of funding. ILRI offers a competitive salary and benefits package which includes pension, medical and other insurances.
How to apply: Applicants should send a cover letter and CV expressing their interest in the position, what they can bring to the job and the names and addresses (including telephone and email) of three referees who are knowledgeable about the candidate’s professional qualifications and work experience to the Director, People and Organizational Development through our recruitment portal by clicking on “Apply Now” on or before 10 March 2025. The position title and reference number REF: LM/1624/2025 should be clearly marked on the subject line of the cover letter.
We thank all applicants for their interest in working for ILRI. Due to the volume of applications, only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
ILRI does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process (application, interview meeting, processing or training). ILRI also does not concern itself with information on applicants’ bank accounts.
