Biobank Data Manager

Job description

Biobanking of biological samples donated by patients is an important resource which is central to the Medical Research. The King’s College Denmark Hill Haematology Biobank (KCDHH) is based at the Rayne Institute in King’s College London (KCL)’s Denmark Hill Campus and collects bone marrow, blood and other tissue samples from patients treated in the Department of Clinical Haematology at King’s College Hospital (KCH) and referring hospitals in the region. Our biobank consenting and sample collection processes are fully integrated into our clinical practice, and we have a robust Governance structure and a custom-build databases.

This post is for a Data Manager who will have responsibility for overseeing the operation of the REDCap clinical database which is used to annotated biobanked samples. The Data Manager will be responsible for the day to day running of data collection and clinical data governance procedures. In addition, the postholder also helps to co-ordinate Biobank-related committee meetings, and chairs the quarterly Access sub-committee meeting. They will be responsible for generating reports on Biobank data, including recruitment. The Data Manager is assisted by and line manages a Data Co-ordinator.

The postholder will be a graduate with a Healthcare, Science or Management background. Prior experience of databases and excellent IT skills are required. Knowledge and experience of healthcare data and systems would be advantageous. We are seeking an individual who has a keen interest in being part of clinical research. The postholder will have access to confidential clinical data systems, and therefore must have an excellent understanding of issues around data confidentiality and data governance. The postholder will work closely with the dedicated Biobank Laboratory team led by Ms Rajani Chelliah, as well as with Clinicians, Clinical Scientists and Biomedical Scientists. The Biobank Laboratory team oversees receipt, processing, storage and release of samples, and the documentation which is necessary to ensure HTA licence compliance with regards to consent, sample data protection, sample quality and sample tracking.

This post will be offered on a fixed-term contract until 12th November 2025.

This is a full-time post - 100% full time equivalent.

Key responsibilities

Biobank Operations

• Provide day-to-day data administration of the KCDHH biobank. This includes ensuring that clinical annotation of banked samples are complete and up to date using a REDCap database.
• Under guidance of the Biobank Access sub-committee, identify suitable biobanked samples for research to be released to researchers, oversee the authorised and safe transfer of anonymised clinical data to researchers, and liaise with the Biobank laboratory for safe and efficient transfer of samples to researchers.
• Be proficient in using the online Biobank clinical database, and liaise with in-house data scientists and external database providers.
• Liaise with IT colleagues to maintain the database, and when appropriate, update the design of the clinical database according to the needs of the Biobank.
• Lead on preparation of financial reports, management of invoices and contracts related to database maintenance and development. In conjunction with the Biobank leadership, ensure appropriate contracts are in place for the conduct of database and data collection work with external parties.
• Work with Biobank leadership to ensure financial sustainability of the Biobank. This may include gathering data on Biobanking costs, preparing business plans and liaising with external parties to obtain quotes. • Ensure compliance with KCL and NHS research and data governance policies.
• Provide advice and support to other staff members with regard to the Biobank database, Biobank and research governance and conduct.
• Maintain strong relationships and good communication with other key personnel and stakeholders in the Biobank, including Biobank scientists, Clinicians, Clinical Scientists, Biomedical Scientists and Researchers.
• Maintain knowledge of Biobank governance issues and an understanding of national and local policies.

Performance Management and Service Development

• Organise and attend the Governance Committee and biobank subcommittee (Operational and Access) meetings.
• Generate data reports on request from Biobank committees, and if appropriate, perform basic analysis of these data (e.g. biobank activity, patient recruitment).
• Under guidance of the Biobank leadership, prepare reports and manuscripts to share progress with funders, collaborators and wider public.
• In consultation with the Biobank leadership, take the lead in the development of standard operational procedures (SOPs), or updated protocol amendments for non-laboratory aspects of the biobank.
• Assist in gaining regulatory and ethical approval for future protocol amendments, including submission of Ethics Committee applications.
• In consultation with Drs Quek and Patten, attend national and international meetings as required, which will provide opportunities to build networks with researchers and other Biobanks.

Research

• Under the guidance of Drs Quek and Patten, take part in research projects involving biobanked samples. This may include analysis of patient recruitment and clinical data.
• Be involved with research development of data collection methodology, especially in the field of clinical data collection systems.

Personal Education, Training and Development

• Keep up-to-date with National, NHS and KCL policies of data governance and management to ensure timely effective implementation of changes.
• Attend relevant courses, meetings and conferences. • Contribute to the development and improvement of the Biobank.

The above list of responsibilities may not be exhaustive, and the post holder will be required to undertake such tasks and responsibilities as may reasonably be expected within the scope and grading of the post.

Skills, knowledge, and experience

Essential criteria

1. Bachelor degree in Healthcare/Science/Management -related subject or relevant equivalent experience.
2. Experience of database design, development and data governance.
3. The ability to work independently and as part of a team, to organise, plan and manage a wide range of tasks.
4. Excellent IT skills, including intermediate/advanced knowledge of MS Office applications e.g Excel, Access, Word, Power Point.
5. Well-developed statistical skills, with the ability to perform statistical analysis.
6. Demonstrate effective organisational and problem solving skills.
7. Flexibility to prioritise and manage multiple demands whilst working to changing priorities and tight deadlines.
8. Excellent interpersonal and communication skills including ability to write SOPs and reports as required.
9. Ability to follow the KCL safety guidelines and adhere to risk assessments and COSHH regulations.

Desirable criteria

1. Knowledge of Research Ethics Committee (REC) processes.
2. Current working knowledge of Data Protection Act (1998), ICH GCP, GCLP, Research Governance, Human Tissue Act (2004) and other key regulatory areas and ethical frameworks.
3. Experience of management of Biobanks, research studies or clinical trial, including experience of audits and inspections.

Further information

This post is subject to Disclosure and Barring Service clearance.