Clinical Research Laboratory Technician

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:

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 out of hours monitoring of sample 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 University of Nottingham and R&I laboratories

Isolate stored samples for transfer to or from the University of Nottingham and 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 and University Health and safety.

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

Training and Qualifications

Essential

• BSc in a biological or biomedical subject
• Attained or working towards NVQ level 3 in Clinical Laboratory Support orequivalent qualification or equivalent experience
• Extensive experience as a scientist/technician working in an academic or healthcare/clinical laboratory
• 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
• Demonstrates a knowledge and awareness of instrumentation, method development and new technologies

Experience

Essential

• Excellent, demonstrable experience and technical competency in processing human tissue samples.
• 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

• Demonstrable experience and technical competence in complex (i.e. PBMCs, Sputum, and Cell Culture) sample processing and laboratory procedures.
• Experience of laboratory management and quality control.
• Experience of laboratory stock control.
• Training junior staff.

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

Desirable

• Demonstrates a range of IT skills

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

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. e.g. troubleshooting & resolving issues such as mismatched samples, QA assessments and technical failures

Desirable

• Experience of troubleshooting in a laboratory setting.

Physical Skills

Essential

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

Disclosure and Barring Service Check

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.

Employer details

Employer name

Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trusts

Address

Nottingham City Hospital

Nottingham

NG5 1PB

Employer's website

https://www.nuh.nhs.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)