Biospecimens and Genetics Data Manager

Location: San Francisco, CA, United States

Involves gathering, analyzing, and curating a wide variety of research data, primarily involving human biofluids and genetics but also other clinical data elements. Participates in research by supporting data QC, ingesting data from external collaborators, creating datasets to share with researchers, summarizing collected data according, developing data best practices, and faciliating data related activities (e.g., biospecimens’ inventory, billing). Prepares reports, charts, tables, and other visual aids to interpret and communicate data.

The position is with the UCSF Edward and Pearl Fein Memory and Aging Center (MAC) (http://memory.ucsf.edu), a dynamic multidisciplinary clinical research program investigating neurodegenerative diseases. Reporting to the Director of Research Technology, the Specimen Data Manager is responsible for data management activities supporting the Biospecimen Program and its operational work.

The Specimen Data Manager manages data workflows supporting several large studies that collect human fluid (e.g., blood, spinal fluid) specimens. Responsibilities include fluid derived data management, including QC, data wrangling, generation of metrics, and reporting for data ingestion and dataset generation. The Specimen Data Manager will also develop, write, and maintain programmatic scripts with attention to accuracy, reproducibility, documentation, and maintainability.

The Specimen Data Manager is responsible for fulfilling data requests in support of research activities, including identifying, preparing, integrating, validating, and delivering datasets from internal and external data sources. The position will investigate data validation errors, discrepancies, and data quality issues; identify items requiring resolution; and escalate decisions or issues requiring direction to the Director of Research Technology.

For specimen transfers, the Specimen Data Manager will support associated data activities, including querying data repositories to identify samples, reconciling and validating specimen data, preparing datasets and supporting documentation, and coordinating the transfer and integration of data and results into Memory and Aging Center systems. Questions or decisions requiring programmatic or technical direction will be brought to the Director of Research Technology.

The Specimen Data Manager collaborates with Biospecimen Core leadership and other program stakeholders on domain-specific requirements and operational context to ensure data activities effectively support specimen operations and program needs.

In addition to Biospecimen Program responsibilities, the Specimen Data Manager serves a cross-functional role within the broader Data Core group. The position will contribute data management and technical support to other Data Core initiatives and needs as assigned, working across programs and projects to support data preparation, quality assurance, integration, reporting, and related data activities.