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Head of Department
Head of Biobank (f/m/d) Full-time NEW
Lead the next chapter of an established biobank shaping the future of pediatric cancer research!
At the St. Anna Children’s Cancer Research Institute (St. Anna CCRI), science and clinical care are inseparably linked by a shared mission: improving the lives of children with cancer. This open role builds on an existing, actively used biobank infrastructure, embedded in routine diagnostics and numerous ongoing clinical trials.
We are now seeking an exceptional Head of Biobank to strategically modernize, consolidate, and further integrate this long‑standing biobank into a state‑of‑the‑art, certified infrastructure, including a sustainable digital database linked to clinical, diagnostic, and research data. This position is open to candidates at different career stages.
This is a rare opportunity to lead a state-of-the-art biobank that directly fuels precision oncology, cutting edge multi-omics research, and clinical innovation, turning high quality biospecimens into tangible breakthroughs for patients.
Key responsibilities
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Lead and further develop a certified biobank: Consolidate and modernize a long‑standing biospecimen collection, covering collection, processing, storage, and governance, and integrate it into a modern, database‑driven infrastructure linked to clinical, diagnostic, and research data.
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Strategic development & quality excellence: Define the biobank’s long‑term strategy, infrastructure, and workflows, ensuring compliance with regulatory, ethical, biosafety, and ISO quality standards.
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Clinical trial‑embedded biobanking: Oversee biospecimen acquisition, processing, and storage within numerous ongoing national and international clinical trials, respecting study‑specific regulatory requirements, material types, and defined time points.
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Robust governance & lifecycle management: Ensure full sample lifecycle governance, including consent, traceability, documentation, data integrity, and transparent access processes for researchers.
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Digital & infrastructural innovation: Lead the integration of existing biobank collections into a modern database environment, including metadata harmonization, linkage to clinical, diagnostic, and research data, and implementation of query interfaces for internal and external scientific users.
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Institutional & translational collaboration: Act as a central interface to the clinical diagnostics laboratory Labdia (St. Anna CCRI subsidiary), Precision Oncology, the St. Anna CCRI Clinical Trials Unit, pathology partners, and research groups to support translational research pipelines.
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Leadership, visibility & sustainability: Build and lead a high‑performing team, represent the biobank in national and international networks, and secure funding to ensure long‑term sustainability.
Required Qualifications
- PhD, MD/PhD, or equivalent degree in biology, biomedical sciences, pathology, or a related discipline.
- Several years of experience in biobanking, biospecimen management, laboratory quality systems, and ISO accreditation processes.
- Experience in establishing, optimizing, or managing laboratory infrastructures or service platforms is an advantage.
- Expertise in digital pathology, database systems, metadata structures, and modern sample lifecycle management platforms.
- Strong leadership capabilities with demonstrated team management, problem‑solving strengths, and scientific judgement.
- Experience collaborating with pathology, clinical teams, IT, clinical trials units, and diagnostic partners.
- Familiarity with ethical, legal, and regulatory frameworks for human biospecimen handling.
- Excellent communication and documentation skills within interdisciplinary scientific environments.
- Ability to thrive in a dynamic, collaborative, and technology‑driven setting.
- Fluent German and English required.
Our offer
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Strong institutional commitment & sustainable funding: Long‑term investment and stable internal funding to establish and operate a certified, state‑of‑the‑art biobank as a core institutional infrastructure, complemented by support for third‑party funding acquisition.
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Embedded translational ecosystem: Close integration with clinical care, precision oncology, diagnostics, clinical trials, and advanced multi‑omics and digital pathology platforms.
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Professional institutional support: Well‑established support structures for quality management, IT, grant management and other internal support functions.
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Attractive employment conditions: Competitive remuneration, flexible working arrangements, and tailored onboarding support for international candidates.
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Mission‑driven culture & location: A collaborative, purpose‑driven institute dedicated to improving outcomes for children with cancer, based in Vienna, offering excellent quality of life and a strong biomedical ecosystem.
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Compensation: The minimum annual gross salary for this position is € 73.000.- (all in), with the possibility of higher compensation depending on qualifications and experience.
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Contract terms: The initial appointment is for 2 years. Subject to a positive evaluation, a rolling tenure with regular evaluations is foreseen, reflecting the institute’s long‑term strategic commitment to this role.
Who we are
One of Europe’s leading institutions in the field of pediatric oncology, St. Anna Children’s Cancer Research Institute (St. Anna CCRI) investigates the biological foundations of cancer in children and adolescents. For almost 40 years, our multidisciplinary teams have been committed to developing innovative diagnostic approaches and personalized treatments aimed at further improving young patients’ chances of cure. In close collaboration with the St. Anna Children’s Hospital and both national and international partners, we combine scientific excellence with clinical relevance. We stand for responsible research, transparency, and sustainable knowledge building. As an employer, we offer a state-of-the-art research environment, opportunities for professional development, as well as a workplace culture that embraces diversity and appreciation. Work where it really matters and contribute to science that makes a difference.
St. Anna CCRI is an equal opportunity employer. We value diversity and are committed to providing a work environment of mutual respect to everyone without regard to race, colour, religion, national origin, age, gender identity or expression, disability, or any other characteristic protected by applicable laws, regulations and ordinances.
Find more information here: https://ccri.at/.
Your application
We are looking forward to your application! Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled.
Please submit the following documents:
• Curriculum Vitae (including full publication list)
• List of up to five most important publications with a short comment explaining the relevance of the paper and your contribution
• Funding track record
• Names and contact details of at least three references
• Description of your previous experience relevant to biobanking, including operational, technical, or strategic responsibilities
In case of questions please contact us at faculty-recruiting@ccri.at.
Your recruiting process
Our recruitment process is designed to ensure a fair, transparent, and rigorous evaluation. It includes the following steps:
- Initial screening and pre‑selection
- Virtual interviews with the Scientific Directors
- On‑site hearing
- Offer & final negotiations