Digital Pathology Research Technician (XR03)

Job description

Job responsibilities

JOB DETAILS

Job Title: Digital Pathology Research Technician

Reports to: Research Operations Manager

Accountable to: Research Operations Manager

Band: 3

Unit/Department: National Pathology Imaging Cooperative (NPIC)

Directorate: R&I

AfC Job No: 4108

2. JOB PURPOSE/SUMMARY

To help provide consent status determination, patient case note review, tissue collection, tissue retrieval and scanning support for pan-cancer translational studies in histopathology.

Review patient case notes to ensure compliance with the projects consenting requirements and the Human Tissue Act.

Create and maintain databases of these records to support the longer term establishment of research tissue/material repositories for the academic/clinical departments.

Accurate records of tissue retrieval, where they are stored and the chain of supply.

Knowledge and compliance with Good Clinical Practice.

Further input into broader project activities including clinical case retrieval, signing out on histopathology systems, block/slide anonymisation, digital scanning of slides and basic laboratory work if desired

Provision of pathology information to researchers subject to appropriate ethical constraints.

Ordering of laboratory consumables.

Participate in lab meetings and discussions.

Operation of Digital pathology scanners after suitable training

Other duties of a similar nature may be allocated by more senior team members.

4. ORGANISATIONAL CHART

Research Operations Manager

Specialist digital Pathology Scientist

Digital Pathology Research Technician

5. KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE REQUIRED

Background in biological sciences (HNC or equivalent). Previous laboratory experience in clinical records data handling and record keeping/data base creation using Excel. Some knowledge and/or experience in archival clinical tissue handling, clinical metadata collection and consenting will be an advantage Willingness to learn slide scanning

6. THE LEEDS WAY VALUES

Our values are part of what make us different from other trusts, so we see this as a strength, as well as a responsibility. They have been developed by our staff and set out what they see as important to how we work. Our five values are:

Patient-centred

Collaborative

Fair

Accountable

Empowered

All our actions and endeavours will be guided and evaluated through these values

Additionally the following are core values which relate specifically to this post:

Good interpersonal skills and commitment to working as part of a team

Honesty

Willingness to learn and to share information and laboratory resources is essential

Integrity and attention to detail are essential as role will involve access to patient information and handling of valuable research samples

7. CORE BEHAVIOURS AND SKILLS

The behaviours and skills that are required to perform effectively in the particular role.

Good interpersonal skills

Willingness to learn new techniques

Interactive behaviour within research team

Supportive of communal tasks and of research activities of colleagues

Sympathetic to needs of others

Hard-working and flexible in time management to accommodate the collection and processing of clinical samples

Attention to detail

Excellent hand/eye coordination and fine motor skills essential for this role

Able to fulfil all Occupational Health and Health and Safety requirements of the role (both LTHT and UoL)

8. CORE KNOWLEDGE AND UNDERSTANDING

Knowledge of biological sciences at a basic level is required. This includes knowledge of cell biology, biochemistry and some knowledge of disease processes

Understanding of team working within a research laboratory

Understanding and experience of processes required to maintain stock items, and working in laboratory areas

Understanding of relevant health and safety issues

9. PRINCIPAL DUTIES & AREAS OF RESPONSIBILITY

The post holder will provide support for others carrying out investigations aimed at improving outcomes in bowel cancer. Duties will include tissue retrieval at cut up and autopsy, storage of fresh and fixed material, basic processing of tissues and cutting H&E, immuno and molecular sections. Photography of specimens will be learnt and the individual will be responsible for the photography and documentation of the specimens and retrieving appropriate records to allow audit and research under and appropriate ethics. Digital pathology measurements will be required.

Appropriate health and safety regulations relating to handling of human clinical samples and all laboratory procedures (COSHH, HSE) are applied. Relevant training courses will be attended. Compliance with GCP is required.

Health and Safety/Risk Management

All staff are responsible for working with their colleagues to maintain and improve the quality of services provided to our patients and other service users. This includes complying at all times with the Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust and University of Leeds Policies, including Health and Safety policies, in particular by following agreed safe working procedures, and reporting incidents.

Infection Control

The jobholder must comply at all times with the Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust Infection Control policies, in particular by practising Universal Infection Control Precautions. Hand hygiene must be performed before and after contact with patients and their environment.

Equality and Diversity

The jobholder must comply with all policies and procedures designed to ensure equality of employment and that services are delivered in ways that meet the individual needs of patients and their families. No person whether they are staff, patient or visitor should receive less favourable treatment because of their gender, ethnic origin, age, disability, sexual orientation, religion etc.

Patient and Public Involvement

The Trust has a statutory duty to involve patients and public in evaluating and planning services. All staff have a responsibility to listen to the views of patients and to contribute to service improvements based on patient feedback.

Training and Personal Development Continuous Professional Development

The jobholder must take responsibility in agreement with his/her line manager for his/her own personal development by ensuring that Continuous Professional Development remains a priority. The jobholder will undertake all mandatory training required for the role.

Respect for Patient Confidentiality

The jobholder should respect patient confidentiality at all times and not divulge patient information unless sanctioned by the requirements of the role.

10. KEY RESULT AREAS.

An annual appraisal will be given

11. COMMUNICATION & WORKING RELATIONSHIPS

Within Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust day to day supervision by Dr Nick West.

Within the University of Leeds (post is based in NHS pathology laboratories on St Jamess University Hospital site) daily interaction with all members of the Pathology and Tumour Biology section (headed by Prof Phil Quirke) including staff, students and visitors.

Regular (weekly in the first year) meetings with Dr West.

Regular communication (brief, informal, approx. monthly) of results/activity will be required to the research group at weekly group meetings.

Occasionally post holder may interact informally with visitors to the laboratory as part of the groups public engagement activities.

12. SPECIAL WORKING CONDITIONS

i) PHYSICAL EFFORT:

The post requires highly developed physical skills, where accuracy is important, i.e. manipulation of fine tools or materials.

Very occasionally required to move / adjust equipment. Sitting and standing daily for bench work for long periods whilst processing samples, frequent repetitive movements. Occasional light/moderate effort for short periods required when manual handling of deliveries for short periods (e.g. 2kg once a day).

ii) MENTAL EFFORT:

There is a frequent requirement for concentration where the work pattern is predictable .

iii) EMOTIONAL EFFORT:

None.

iv) WORKING CONDITIONS:

Occasional unpleasant working conditions. Frequent exposure to infectious materials and body fluids, hazardous chemicals / materials.

Person Specification

Qualifications

Essential

• HNC or equivalent

Desirable

• Degree in relevant field

Experience

Essential

• Practical and theoretical knowledge across a range of biomedical and scientific procedures
• Previous laboratory experience in clinical records data handling and record keeping/data base creation using Excel.
• Some knowledge and/or experience in archival clinical tissue handling

Desirable

• Digital scanning, archival material handling, clinical metadata collection; experience in database creation and maintenance

Skills & Behaviours

Essential

• Organise own day-to-day work tasks or activities
• plan and organise straightforward activities
• prioritise urgent workload

Practical Skills or Additional Requirements

Essential

• Problem solving and communication skills
• Good hand/eye coordination and accuracy required when performing some procedures

Employer details

Employer name

Leeds Teaching Hospitals

Address

St. James's University Hospital

Beckett Street

Leeds

LS9 7TF

Employer's website

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