Sample Reception Manager

Coordinate and lead sample reception operations for a busy and modern laboratory as part of an integrated service adhering to best industry practice, regulatory guidelines, and SOP requirements.

Key Responsibility Areas

• The key responsibility areas (KRAs) are the major outputs for which the position is responsible and are not a comprehensive statement of the position activities.

Laboratory Duties

• Maintain the laboratories in an efficient and well-organised manner
• Manage clinical sample registers and/or relevant records in the Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS)

Sample Reception

• Ensure all aspects of domestic and international sample shipments and storage are conducted to a high standard liaising with Principal Investigators, Project Managers, Clinical Sites and clients as required.
• Coordinate and optimise the tracking of clinical samples in the Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS) ensuring training and correct use by scientists and support staff.
• Ensure equipment and systems are sufficient to track and monitor the storage of critical reagents and clinical samples across all storage environments including temperature-controlled environments for the duration of studies and as part of biobanking services.
• As required: support Sample Logistics Officers by conducting sample receipt, retrieval or dispatch for internal testing and external shipments
• Assess and recommend shipping methods, routing or carriers to meet necessary parameters, specifications and costs

Data Analysis, Reporting and Document Work

• Conduct sample reception metric analysis and provide clear interpretation of data to others
• Prepare, maintain and review policies, SOPs, systems and procedures to assure the quality and integrity of service offerings at 360biolabs
• Maintain records (LIMS, database and paper) to levels consistent with relevant standards and industry expectations
• Maintain records and produce reports to levels consistent with NATA accreditation, regulatory guidelines and industry expectations and communicate with clients and external bodies

Leadership

• Provide leadership to drive the work ethic and culture of the sample reception team with a client and customer focus.
• Proactively manage strategic relationships between internal resources and external entities such as vendors, service providers and partner organizations.
• Managerial oversight of multiple Sample Reception team members, including managing priorities, supervision, training and staff development, performance reviews, 1:1s and providing regular feedback
• Participate in defining milestones (Company, Group and Project) and ensure activities are aligned to deliver goals

Accreditation

• Adhere to ISO/IEC 17025, OECD Principles of GLP, GCLP Principles, 360biolabs’ Quality Management System, and other requirements as per NATA Accreditation and regulatory guidelines

Safety

• Ensure the safe and efficient conduct of laboratory activities
• Ensure compliance to relevant internal processes and statutory requirements

Team Work

• Coordinate responsibilities and provide oversight for the day to day priorities and operations of the Sample Reception Team.
• Collaborate well in a cross functional matrix environment; maintain high levels of communication with colleagues and productive relationships with service providers and other partners.

Professional Development

• Attend meetings and training associated with biological and clinical research and the work of 360biolabs where appropriate.
• Participate in professional activities including attendance at conferences, training courses, and seminars

Key Selection Criteria

Qualifications

• BSc in a scientific discipline (Essential)

Experience / Knowledge / Attributes

• Extensive experience in laboratory environment such as an analytical, pharmaceutical or pathology lab conducting sample testing (Essential)
• Experience in the conduct of laboratory assays at a Contract Research Laboratory (Essential)
• Experience working in a quality-controlled environment preferably an accredited facility following ISO/IEC 17025, GLP or similar quality-controlled environment (Essential)
• Extensive people management experience (Essential)
• Excellent organisational and time-management skills (Essential)
• Ability to work as part of a team (Essential)
• Excellent analytical, interpersonal, verbal and written communication skills (Essential)
• Experience in handling clinical samples and international shipping and logistics (Desirable)
• Experience with database computer software and file management (Desirable)
• Experience with use and/or configuration of a Lab Information Management System (LIMS) (Desirable)
• High motivation and enthusiasm for biomedical research (Desirable)