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.
