Head of Pan Human Biobank

Overview

M42 is a global health champion powered by artificial intelligence (AI), technology and genomics to advance innovation in health for people and the planet. Headquartered in Abu Dhabi, M42 combines its specialized, state-of-the-art facilities with integrated health solutions like genomics and biobanks, and harnesses advanced technologies to deliver precise, preventive and predictive care, to disrupt traditional healthcare models and positively impact lives globally.

Abu Dhabi BioBank is a state-of-the-art biobanking facility at the forefront of medical research and innovation in the region. By collecting, storing, and analyzing high-quality biological samples, it enables groundbreaking discoveries in genomics, precision medicine, and drug development. As part of M42’s Integrated Health Solutions platform, Abu Dhabi BioBank plays a vital role in advancing population health, accelerating scientific breakthroughs, and addressing global health challenges.

The Head of Pan-Human Biobank is responsible for the strategic and operational leadership of participant recruitment, cohort management and scientific delivery for the Abu Dhabi Biobank. The role ensures population health data and biological samples are collected, governed and utilised to the highest scientific, ethical and regulatory standards. Working across clinical, scientific, government and commercial stakeholders, the role will drive cohort growth and retention, data and sample quality, research outputs and the responsible utilisation of biobank assets for academic and industry partnerships.

Responsibilities

- Lead the strategy and delivery of large-scale participant recruitment, enrolments, retention and longitudinal cohort management.

- Establish recruitment pathways with hospitals, clinical sites and community partners to achieve a representative population cohort.

- Monitor cohort performance, including recruitment, retention, representativeness, data quality and operational KPIs.

- Oversee participant 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 applicable international standards.

- Lead the development of SOPs, governance frameworks and quality processes supporting cohort and biobank operations.

- Provide scientific and epidemiological leadership across cohort design, research studies, genomics and multi-omics initiatives.

- Oversee appropriate access to biobank data and samples for academic, pharmaceutical and industry partners while protecting participant rights and research integrity.

- Drive scientific publications, research collaborations and external representation of the biobank at relevant scientific and industry forums.

- Lead, develop and mentor multidisciplinary teams while promoting scientific excellence, quality and continuous improvement.

- Own departmental budgets, resource planning and performance against agreed operational, scientific and commercial objectives.

- Build strong relationships across clinical, scientific, regulatory, government and commercial stakeholders to support the continued growth and impact of the biobank.

Qualifications

- 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 responsibility.

- Demonstrated experience in participant recruitment, longitudinal cohort management and large-scale health data and bio specimen collection.

- Strong knowledge of research ethics, informed consent, data governance and bio banking standards, including ISO 20387.

- Experience working with genomic, multi-omic or population health datasets is highly desirable.

- 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.

- Familiarity with LIMS, REDCap, Open Specimen, or equivalent cohort/sample management platforms is beneficial

- Abu Dhabi Department of Health license and Arabic language skills are advantageous but not essential.