Job summary

Our vision is to situate Nottingham University Hospitals Trust at the very forefront of clinical research placing patient needs at the centre of our research activity. Across our hospitals we have over 2000 metre squared of dedicated and purpose-built research facilities, staffed by research staff, committed to delivering cutting-edge research.

Our expertise in experimental medicine is at the forefront of COVID-19 research for effective treatments and vaccines, as well as contributing to the world's understanding of Coronavirus.

The Post Holder will be an experienced, qualified Clinical Research Laboratory Technician, and will perform work that require a degree of responsibility and autonomy, including working unsupervised for significant periods. As a Clinical Research Laboratory Technician, the post holder will be a member of the Research and Innovation laboratory team and assist in the delivery of the Cell and Therapy services through processing and quality control testing of cellular material. You will comply with GCP, GMP, GLP, and health and safety regulations to ensure the service and laboratory facilities are run in a safe and cost-effective manner. You will assist in the delivery of a quality driven, patient focused service, and to provide that service in a manner commensurate with the profession, working towards JACIE accreditation.

Main duties of the job

In addition to the brief list above you must familiarise yourself with the full job description and person specification attached to this advert prior to applying.

The post holders' main role is to assist in the processing of peripheral blood stem cells for life saving transplantation. Participate in any Cell Therapy work as part of our Stem Cell Apheresis service within the Research and Innovation department in collaboration with The Anthony Nolan post holder will also ensure the accurate handling, processing, storage and transfer of a multitude of research samples obtained through clinical trials, both commercial and non-commercial, carried out within the Research and Innovation laboratories. As a Clinical Research Laboratory Technician, the post holder will be part of the Research and Innovation department including the NIHR Nottingham Clinical Research Facilities (NCRF), Nottingham Bioresource, and NIHR Nottingham Biomedical Research Centre (BRC). The post holder will be expected work across all Research and Innovation laboratories within Nottingham University Hospitals and participate in training and pre-agreed activities as directed by Anthony Nolan, either on-site or externally.

About us

With more than 18,000 colleagues, we are the largest employer in Nottinghamshire and one of the biggest and busiest NHS Trusts in the country, serving more than residents of Nottingham and Nottinghamshire and a further four million people across the East Midlands and beyond.

We provide a range of national and internationally renowned specialist services and we are at the forefront of new surgical procedures and research programmes. We are home to the East Midlands Major Trauma Centre, the Nottingham Children's Hospital and in partnership with the University of Nottingham we host a Biomedical Research Centre carrying out vital research into hearing, digestive diseases, respiratory, musculoskeletal disease, mental health and imaging.

This is an exciting time to join NUH and help support our future ambitions.

Job description

Job responsibilities

Under the direction of the Research and Innovation department (R&I) and the R&I Laboratory Manager, the key job responsibilities include:

Carry out all laboratory analyses and procedures associated with the post, including reporting results, maintaining appropriate records and documentation for the Stem Cell Processing and Cell Therapy work. Undertake flow cytometry and support the interpretation of results Undertake storage, delivery, and shipping duties of cells Support quality control procedures, examine quality control results to identify poor performance Undertake routine and complex laboratory-based work such as the pre-analytical processing of clinical trial specimens and samples for analysis using various technologies Perform clerical tasks including, monitoring and querying sample processing requests made by the clinical team, completing sample tracking logs, equipment maintenance logs, and other documentations appropriate for the role. Accurately follow, or in some cases design, protocols to ensure the smooth running of the facility and the accurate processing of study samples. Collect, catalogue and store human tissue, blood and urine samples from within the R&I department, Nottingham University Hospitals or external sites. Manage sample storage facilities and maintain collections - this will involve monitoring freezers. Organise sample retrieval from external sites. From time to time, some of this work may be out of hours therefore some flexibility within working hours is essential. Culture of epithelial and smooth muscle cells from human lung biopsies. Process human sputum samples including differential cell count. To accurately record sample transfers both in and out of R&I laboratories. Isolate stored samples for transfer to or from the R&I laboratories, this will involve arranging couriers and ensuring samples are packed appropriately. Observe all GLP, GCP, HSE and HTA regulations. Maintain records to comply with Human Tissue Act, including assisting with sample audits. To adhere to Trust policy and procedures. Be responsible for the upkeep of the lab areas and equipment. Maintain laboratory stock levels of chemicals and consumables and ensure adequate equipment maintenance. Maintain and clean laboratory equipment and maintain a high standard of housekeeping within the laboratory. Any other duties appropriate to the role and level. To assist in the induction, and training of new laboratory staff, providing mentorship and support within the clinical team. To contribute to the development of clinical and research policies, and Standard Operating procedures. To act as a resource for colleagues in relation to clinical studies. To attend relevant training and to gain experience from other laboratories. This may mean some travel is involved. To keep appropriate staff informed of the progress of clinical studies. To maintain an up-to-date knowledge of relevant research related articles particularly related to clinical studies. To continue your own professional development according to appropriate regulatory guidance, keeping updated with current practice. To assist with training of placement students in relevant scientific techniques To attend national meetings/conferences in relation to clinical studies as appropriate and agreed with R&I Laboratory Manager

Person Specification

Physical skills

Essential

Manual dexterity required to perform tasks Physically capable of carrying out laboratory tasks and capable of intense periods of concentration

Commitment to Trust Values and Behaviours

Essential

Must be able to demonstrate behaviours consistent with the Trust's behavioural standards

Training & Qualifications

Essential

BSc in a biological or biomedical subject or attained or working towards NVQ level 3 in Clinical Laboratory Support or equivalent qualification or equivalent experience Extensive experience as a scientist/technician working in an academic or healthcare/clinical laboratory within Haematology, Blood transfusion and transplantation or other closely related fields. Knowledge and experience of Good Laboratory practice and research governance Demonstrates a commitment to continuing education and training Can maintain confidentiality and act professionally

Desirable

MSc in a biological or biomedical subject IBMS membership. Demonstrates a knowledge and awareness of instrumentation, method development and new technologies

Experience

Essential

Demonstrable knowledge/experience in flow cytometry and Tissue Culture work. Relevant laboratory experience of at least Minimum 12 months Knowledge of Equal Opportunities, Human Tissue Act & Data Protection / Confidentiality. Knowledge of GCLP and Health & Safety legislations related to the Laboratory. Conscientious and Meticulous, demonstrates ability to organise their own work effectively Keyboard skills and computer literacy.

Desirable

HCPC Registration Experience of laboratory management and quality control. Experience of laboratory stock control. Training junior staff. Has a genuine interest in the future of Stem Cell and Cell Therapy work. Experience of audit.

Communication and Relationship skills

Essential

Good interpersonal skills. Able to communicate concisely, effectively and clearly Able to work well in a team and as an individual Can maintain confidentiality and act professionally

Desirable

Demonstrates a range of IT skills

Analytical and Judgement skills

Essential

Able to make judgements regarding complex facts or situations that require analysis, interpretation and comparison of a range of options. trouble shooting & resolving issues such as mismatched samples, QA assessments and technical failures

Desirable

Experience of troubleshooting in a laboratory setting.

Planning and organisation skills

Essential

Able to plan own work activities and those of supervised staff Able to meet agreed targets on an ongoing basis