Located in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, the Versiti Blood Research Institute (VBRI) is the largest blood-focused research institute in the United States. With over 30 basic, translational, and clinical investigators, the institute is dedicated to advancing scientific knowledge and developing innovative therapies related to blood and blood disorders. The institute's research interests encompass a wide range of topics, including transfusion medicine, cellular therapy, thrombosis/hemostasis, immunology, and hematologic malignancies. As a vital part of Versiti, a non-profit organization with a blood bank at its core, the VBRI strives to improve lives through innovative research and the development of novel diagnostics and treatments.

VBRI is part of the Milwaukee Regional Medical Campus, a rapidly growing clinical-translational research hub. VBRI’s proximity to the Medical College of Wisconsin, Childrens’ Hospital of Wisconsin, and Froedtert Hospital facilitates seamless interdisciplinary collaborations. A range of exemplary core facilities support highly competitive research. In the summer of 2024, construction of a new research building began, doubling existing VBRI research space to enable the recruitment of 10-15 new faculty. With its renowned researchers, strategic expansion plans and location in a highly collaborative environment, the VBRI is poised to maintain and expand its position as one of the leading hematology institutes in the world.

The Senior Coordinator of the Versiti Blood Research Institute Biorepository is responsible for the day-to-day operations of the institutional biorepository. Develops, implements, maintains, and monitors policies and procedures for the biorepository, including quality, safety, and traceability of biospecimens and related data. Creates infrastructure where it is needed. Ensures compliance with federal, state, institutional, safety, and IRB policies and requirements. Reviews results of quality tests and initiates corrective action plans as needed. Maintains excellent public relations for all biorepository services, including establishing relationships with key stakeholders and collaborators. Provides guidance and mentorship for biorepository personnel and reviews technical operations ensuring that all processes, protocols, and procedures are quality controlled and functioning up to standards. Oversees the educational needs of investigators, research staff, and clinical research professional staff on biobanking services and policies.

Benefits
Versiti provides a comprehensive benefits package based on your job classification. Full-time regular employes are eligible for Medical, Dental, and Vision Plans, Paid Time Off (PTO) and Holidays, Short- and Long-term disability, life insurance, 7% match dollar for dollar 401(k), voluntary programs, discount programs, others.

• Implements and performs technical and organizational biobanking policies and procedures, including the creation and maintenance of all SOPs.
• Provides mentorship and guidance to biorepository staff, supports Shared Resources Director to anticipate staffing needs, and, provides technical support as applicable. Provides input into the annual evaluations, including documenting the performance of all biorepository personnel
• Maintains accurate and timely record of the activities of the biorepository and provides information to appropriate institutional leaders, including annual report of activities and collected biospecimens
• Ensures the quality, safety, and traceability of biospecimens and associated data
• Assures effective communication with investigators, institutional committees, research, and clinical research professional staff, including managing queries, feedback, biorepository requirements, policy and procedure updates, and customer satisfaction
• Creating commercial service portfolio of the biobank for academic and industrial clients, cooperation with clients and partners
• Coordinates functional integration of various biobank areas and trains team members in new procedures developed and or evaluated for use in the biorepository
• Coordinates with appropriate IT and other organizational personnel to assure a sustainable, functional system that meets the requirements for biobanking
• Contributes innovations related to biobanking and biorepository functions and operations
• In collaboration with the PI, develops and implements policies and procedures for the biorepository including manual of laboratory operations detailing necessary laboratory techniques
• Performs other duties as required or assigned which are reasonably within the scope of the duties in this job classification
• Understands and performs in accordance with all applicable regulatory and compliance requirements
• Complies with all standard operating policies and procedures

Education

• Master's Degree in a relevant field of biomedicine (biotechnology, biology, genetics, or similar) required
• PhD or equivalent degree preferred

Experience

• 4-6 years experience in a clinical laboratory, biobank, or biorepository including facility and laboratory maintenance required
• 1-3 years Experience processing blood and marrow samples required
• Experience working with laboratory information management systems (LIMS) for tracking of specimens, workflows, and reagents required
• Flow cytometry experience preferred
• Experience working in a matrixed environment with multiple stakeholders preferred
• Experience with hematology clinical care preferred

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Very strong attention to detail and ability to evaluate and ensure accuracy of data related to laboratory results, subject health history, and data collection and reporting required
• Strong knowledge of regulations associated with human subject research and biobanking required
• Strong proficiency with database functionality required
• Ability to work in an independent manner while providing mentorship to others required
• A leader in flexibility and dedication for handling a demanding, irregular schedule under pressure to meet deadlines required
• Proven ability to develop effective systems required
• Ability to work well in a team environment and with different personalities and educational levels required
• Excellent command of the English language required

Tools and Technology

• Laboratory Inventory Management Systems (LIMS) required
• Electronic Data Capture systems such as Redcap, Medidata, Inform, etc. required
• Graphpad Prism required

#LI-EH1

#LI-Onsite

#VBRI