Job summary
The Clinical Research Unit (CRU) is a Phase 1 accredited unit, the first NHS trust in England and Wales to achieve this standard. The unit undertakes and delivers clinical trials in patients and healthy volunteers with a particular emphasis on early phase research.
The post of CRU Laboratory Technician will involve working in the CRU lab, assisting with the collection, processing and dispatch of clinical trial specimens and clinical data, and the accurate recording of this information onto any study specific documentation in line with Good Clinical Practice (GCP). The post holder will be expected to have excellent communication and team working skills and will work in a dynamic, multi-disciplined team that specialises in delivering early phase research.
Main duties of the job
The CRU Laboratory collects, processes and stores biological samples from consenting adult patients and volunteers from a variety of clinical trial studies. All work is carried out to ICH GCP standardThe biological samples are collected, processed and stored according to a set of strict standard operating procedures and under the guidance of all current UK legal and ethical regulations including the Human Tissue Act and Data Protection Act.
The biological samples are processed and stored within the CRU laboratory and repository areas and regularly dispatched to sponsors or research partners in a variety of forms including; whole blood, serum, plasma, formalin fixed paraffin embedded material, cerebral spinal fluid, excreta, frozen tissues (such as biopsies) and as fractionated sub-cellular components such as RNA, DNA and protein.
About us
Liverpool University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust was created on 1 October 2019 following the merger of two adult acute Trusts, Aintree University Hospital NHS Foundation Trust and the Royal Liverpool and Broadgreen University Hospitals NHS Trust.
The merger provides an opportunity to reconfigure services in a way that provides the best healthcare services to the city and improves the quality of care and health outcomes that patients experience.
The Trust runs Aintree University Hospital, Broadgreen Hospital, Liverpool University Dental Hospital and the Royal Liverpool University Hospital.
It serves a core population of around 630,000 people across Merseyside as well as providing a range of highly specialist services to a catchment area of more than two million people in the North West region and beyond.
To hear more about our achievements click here https://www.liverpoolft.nhs.uk/media/13089/1606-annual-report-booklet_final.pdf
Follow us on Social Media:
Facebook - Liverpool University Hospitals Careers
Instagram - @LUHFTcareers
Twitter - @LUHFTcareers
Job description
Job responsibilities
The following tasks and responsibilities are performed according to standard operating procedures within the CRU:
- Prepare samples for processing (labelling and racking of collection/transfer tubes) and prepare study specific documentation prior to patient visits- Processing of biological samples (such as centrifugation, pipetting, biopsy fixation, preparing blood smears), storing and shipping of biological specimens to various analysis labs according to protocol requirements.- Co-ordinating courier collections for clinical trial samples.
- Accessing data/information from Trust information systems as required.- Monitoring and maintaining sample laboratory kits and other consumables for use in CRU studies.- Performing routine laboratory duties such as preparing solutions, cleaning equipment, weekly stock checks and general housekeeping etc.- Data collection, and accurate completion of research documentation as appropriate, with meticulous attention to detail- Perform daily temperature monitoring checks using specialised temperature monitoring software (training provided)- Exercise independent judgement and initiative when problems arise by taking appropriate action to resolve the problem.- Liaising with visiting research teams for booking use of the laboratory for the processing and storage of trial samples.- To meet on a regular basis with the CRU Laboratory Manager for professional support and guidance- To attend training courses, conferences and study days in order to remain up to date with all relevant aspects of clinical research.- Deliver training in own discipline- To be aware of hazards within the laboratory and to comply with COSHH guidelines- To comply with ICH GCP
Job description
Job responsibilities
The following tasks and responsibilities are performed according to standard operating procedures within the CRU:
- Prepare samples for processing (labelling and racking of collection/transfer tubes) and prepare study specific documentation prior to patient visits- Processing of biological samples (such as centrifugation, pipetting, biopsy fixation, preparing blood smears), storing and shipping of biological specimens to various analysis labs according to protocol requirements.- Co-ordinating courier collections for clinical trial samples.
- Accessing data/information from Trust information systems as required.- Monitoring and maintaining sample laboratory kits and other consumables for use in CRU studies.- Performing routine laboratory duties such as preparing solutions, cleaning equipment, weekly stock checks and general housekeeping etc.- Data collection, and accurate completion of research documentation as appropriate, with meticulous attention to detail- Perform daily temperature monitoring checks using specialised temperature monitoring software (training provided)- Exercise independent judgement and initiative when problems arise by taking appropriate action to resolve the problem.- Liaising with visiting research teams for booking use of the laboratory for the processing and storage of trial samples.- To meet on a regular basis with the CRU Laboratory Manager for professional support and guidance- To attend training courses, conferences and study days in order to remain up to date with all relevant aspects of clinical research.- Deliver training in own discipline- To be aware of hazards within the laboratory and to comply with COSHH guidelines- To comply with ICH GCP
Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential
- Educated to NVQ 3 or equivalent in a relevant subject area (e.g. Biological Science)
Desirable
- Degree in relevant biological science
Experience
Essential
- Experience of working in a hospital and/or laboratory environment
- Scientific experience of working with human biosamples for research purposes
- Experience of working with basic lab equipment such as centrifuges and manual pipettes
Desirable
- Experience of working to Good Clinical Laboratory Practise (GCLP) or to Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) standards
- Experience and knowledge of the Human Tissue Act
Knowledge
Essential
- Knowledge and experience of computer software such as Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Access
Desirable
- Knowledge of the relevant legal and ethical regulations surrounding human tissue acquisition and storage
Skills
Essential
- Ability to handle confidential data
- Good communication skills both written and verbal
- Meticulous attention to detail
- Able to prioritise and organise own workload
Other
Essential
- Able to work effectively both independently and as part of a team
- Flexible approach to working hours
Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential
- Educated to NVQ 3 or equivalent in a relevant subject area (e.g. Biological Science)
Desirable
- Degree in relevant biological science
Experience
Essential
- Experience of working in a hospital and/or laboratory environment
- Scientific experience of working with human biosamples for research purposes
- Experience of working with basic lab equipment such as centrifuges and manual pipettes
Desirable
- Experience of working to Good Clinical Laboratory Practise (GCLP) or to Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) standards
- Experience and knowledge of the Human Tissue Act
Knowledge
Essential
- Knowledge and experience of computer software such as Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Access
Desirable
- Knowledge of the relevant legal and ethical regulations surrounding human tissue acquisition and storage
Skills
Essential
- Ability to handle confidential data
- Good communication skills both written and verbal
- Meticulous attention to detail
- Able to prioritise and organise own workload
Other
Essential
- Able to work effectively both independently and as part of a team
- Flexible approach to working hours
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.
Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).
From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).
Additional information
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.
Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).
From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).
