Biobank Technician

Position Summary

The Biobank Technician supports the daily operations of the Biobank within the Bio-Medical Platform at King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST). The technician is primarily responsible for handling human biospecimens, including collection, reception, processing, labelling, storage, quality checks, and distribution. The Technician ensures that all activities are performed according to standard operating procedures (SOPs) and tracked in the Biobank Lab Inventory Management System (LIMS). The Technician also contributes to process and assay development The position requires strong technical skills, attention to detail, and the ability to work collaboratively with the Biobank Manager, laboratory staff, and researchers.

Major Responsibilities

• Donor Consents & Records: Assist in the collection, verification, and documentation of donor consents and medical/clinical records, ensuring compliance with ethical and regulatory requirements.
• Sample Handling: Carry out daily biobank operations, including reception, labelling, aliquoting, storage, retrieval, and distribution of human biospecimens (e.g. blood, saliva, tissue).
• Sample Processing: Carry out basic molecular biology experiments (e.g. DNA, RNA, protein extraction), tissue fixation, and cell cultures (e.g. primary cells, induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSC)).  
• Documentation & Data Entry: Record all activities accurately in the lab/electronic notebook, and Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS).
• Quality Control: Perform routine checks on samples, reagents, and equipment to ensure integrity and reliability of biobank materials.
• Laboratory Support: Prepare reagents, cell culture media, manage consumables inventory, assist with equipment cleaning, calibration, and routine maintenance.
• Compliance & Safety: Follow SOPs, biosafety regulations, and institutional guidelines in all activities; promptly report deviations or incidents.
• Collaboration: Support lab manager and other staff members by providing samples, data, and technical assistance as requested.
• Training: Participate in ongoing training sessions to develop technical expertise in sample processing, molecular biology, and biobanking procedures.

Personal Requirements

Competencies

• Strong technical skills in molecular biology, cell culture (including iPSC), and human sample processing

• Ability to adhere strictly to SOPs and comply with established quality and safety standards.
• Basic understanding of LIMS or other electronic laboratory/data management systems.
• Good organizational skills with attention to detail in handling diverse laboratory tasks.
• Effective communication and teamwork skills to collaborate with colleagues and support researchers.

Qualification/Experience

• Master’s degree in Biological Sciences, Biotechnology, or related field.
• 3-5 years of hands-on laboratory experience, preferably related to molecular and cell biology.
• Familiarity with GLP standards and biosafety requirements.
• Previous experience with sample collection in hospital or clinical settings is a plus.