Head of Pan Human Biobank

About the role

M42 is a global health company combining AI, technology and genomics, headquartered in Abu Dhabi. Its Abu Dhabi BioBank collects, stores and analyses high-quality biological samples to advance genomics, precision medicine and drug development. The Head of Pan-Human Biobank leads the strategy and operations of participant recruitment, cohort management and scientific delivery for the Abu Dhabi Biobank, ensuring data and samples are used to the highest scientific, ethical and regulatory standards.

Key responsibilities

• Lead strategy and delivery of large-scale participant recruitment, enrolment, retention and longitudinal cohort management.
• Set up recruitment pathways with hospitals, clinical sites and community partners to build a representative cohort.
• Monitor cohort performance, including recruitment, retention, representativeness, data quality and operational KPIs.
• Oversee consent, data collection, bio specimen handling, traceability and quality in line with approved protocols and bio-banking standards, including ISO 20387.
• Ensure compliance with research ethics, UAE health data requirements, Abu Dhabi Department of Health regulations and international standards.
• Develop SOPs, governance frameworks and quality processes for cohort and biobank operations.
• Provide scientific and epidemiological leadership on cohort design, research studies, genomics and multi-omics initiatives.
• Manage access to data and samples for academic, pharmaceutical and industry partners while protecting participant rights.
• Promote scientific publications, collaborations and external representation of the biobank.
• Lead, develop and mentor multidisciplinary teams, own departmental budgets and build relationships with clinical, scientific, regulatory, government and commercial stakeholders.

Required profile

• PhD in Epidemiology, Public Health, Biostatistics or a closely related field; MBA advantageous.
• Significant experience in large-scale cohort studies, population health research, epidemiology or biobank operations, including senior leadership.
• Demonstrated experience in participant recruitment, longitudinal cohort management and large-scale health data and bio specimen collection.
• Experience collaborating with academic, government, healthcare, pharmaceutical or commercial partners.
• Strong leadership, stakeholder management, financial management and operational delivery capabilities.
• Knowledge of UAE/GCC healthcare and research regulations is advantageous; Abu Dhabi Department of Health license and Arabic are advantageous but not essential.

Required skills

• Strong knowledge of research ethics, informed consent, data governance and bio-banking standards, including ISO 20387.
• Experience with genomic, multi-omic or population health datasets is highly desirable.
• Familiarity with LIMS, REDCap, Open Specimen or equivalent cohort/sample management platforms is beneficial.