Mission

EPFL is strengthening its capacity to conduct world-leading research involving human biological samples, clinical collaborations, sensitive data, artificial intelligence, and biomedical innovation. To support this ambition, EPFL is establishing an institutional framework for the management of human biological samples and sensitive research data. This initiative will provide researchers with secure, compliant, and scalable infrastructure and services that support cutting-edge research while meeting evolving Swiss, European, and international regulatory requirements.

EPFL seeks an experienced and visionary coordinator to establish and develop this new capability.

Main duties and responsibilities

Strategic Development:

· Lead the implementation of EPFL's institutional strategy for human biological samples and sensitive research data.

· Develop a long-term roadmap for human research infrastructure at EPFL in coordination with the operational teams.

· Identify opportunities for national and international partnerships and participation in research infrastructures.

Governance, Policy, and Compliance:

· Establish and maintain governance frameworks for human biological samples and sensitive data, including policies for acquisition, access, sharing, reuse, and stewardship.

· Support institutional alignment with ethical, legal, and regulatory requirements (Swiss HRA, GDPR, data protection, biobanking standards).

· Promote harmonization and best practices across EPFL laboratories and research units.

Cross-Institutional Coordination:

· Serve as the institutional point of coordination for compliance topics involving human research.

· Facilitate interactions between researchers, IT services, Legal Affairs, Ethics Affairs, the Data Protection Office, and external partners.

· Coordinate EPFL’s participation in national and international infrastructures (e.g., biobanking networks, secure data environments, precision medicine initiatives).

· Oversee budget planning for the human research infrastructure ecosystem.

· Represent EPFL in relevant governance bodies, working groups, and strategic partnerships.

Sensitive Data and Clinical Research Support:

· Oversee the development of secure research environments and trusted research infrastructures for sensitive data.

· Work with the operational teams to implement robust processes for traceability, data governance, and responsible data use.

Human Biological Samples and Biobanking:

· Provide strategic oversight of the establishment and evolution of EPFL’s biobank services.

· Support the integration of EPFL’s biobank services with the School of Life Sciences and clinical partners.

Quality Systems:

· Define quality-management expectations and appropriate certification frameworks.

· Establish institutional KPIs, reporting mechanisms, and evaluation processes.

Research Community Engagement:

· Provide expert guidance to researchers developing projects involving human samples or sensitive data.

· Promote training and awareness programs and foster a culture of responsible and compliant research across EPFL.

Profile

Essential:

• PhD or equivalent advanced degree in life sciences, biomedical sciences, genetics, bioinformatics, public health, or a related field.
• Significant experience managing human biological samples, human subjects/clinical research data and clinical trials.
• Demonstrated experience in research infrastructure leadership, biobanking governance, data governance, or large-scale biomedical programs.
• Strong understanding of ethical, legal, and regulatory frameworks relevant to human research in Switzerland as well as Good Clinical Practice (GCP).
• Experience coordinating across multiple stakeholders and organizational units.
• Experience with data governance and secure data environments
• Ability to provide strategic leadership in complex, multi-partner environments.
• Excellent communication, negotiation and organizational skills.

Highly desirable:

• Experience with national or international biomedical infrastructures.
• Experience with biobank governance, sample management systems, or laboratory information management systems.
• Familiarity with precision medicine, genomics, multi-omics, or AI-enabled biomedical research.
• Experience operating at the interface between academia, healthcare institutions, industry, and public agencies.

We offer

At EPFL, we believe that people achieve great results when they feel supported, respected and enabled to succeed. By joining our community, you will help shape the future of society through education, research and innovation.

We offer an inspiring, international and collaborative environment where your work has real impact and your ideas are valued. Combined with flexible ways of working and attractive employment conditions, we aim to create an environment where everyone can contribute, grow and make a difference.

Beyond work, our campuses host a vibrant community and unique environment, enriched by initiatives promoting equality, inclusion, diversity, well-being and sustainability as well as an engaging program of cultural, sports and community activities throughout the year.

Read about our employment conditions and employee benefits

Informations

Contract Start Date : asap

Activity Rate : 100.00

Contract Type: CDD

Duration: one year

Reference: 2467