Job summary
The NIHR Newcastle Clinical Research Facility (NCRF) provides dedicated purpose-built facilities and expertise for the delivery of high quality, cutting edge experimental research and early phase clinical trials. In February 2022 we were delighted to be one of the 28 sites across the UK to secure NIHR funding for the next 5 years, which will allow us to continue to develop, grow and deliver high quality research across our region. To support this growth, we are now seeking a dedicated and enthusiast Biomedical Technician to oversee our laboratory.
As the dedicated NCRF Biomedical Technician, you will be responsible for the day-to-day operation of the research laboratory, ensuring it runs effectively and safely. This will include processing research samples, ensuring the lab operates within national guidelines and local SOPs and to provide training and technical support to our staff in laboratory procedures and use of equipment. This role will form a key part of our research team to ensure we can provide high quality clinical samples at the forefront of clinical research.
- Interview Date: 10th July 2023
- 37 hours 30 minutes /Week
- You will be redirected to Trac to apply for the vacancy. Please expand the job details section and read all of the information before applying for the vacancy.
Main duties of the job
The successful candidate will play an important role in the NCRFs daily research activity, overseeing the operation of our laboratory, performing and supervising research sample processing, updating and maintaining sample tracking systems and SOPs as well as undertaking general laboratory duties. They will have regular contact with our research staff and departments as well as with sponsor companies and Clinical Research Organisations to assist with the laboratory aspects of setting up new research studies and to resolve lab related research queries.
Applications are invited from candidates with a minimum HNC/HND in relevant subject, preferably educated to degree level in a Biomedical Science and have a high degree of technical skill to support processing of biological samples and the routine use of laboratory equipment.
About us
Newcastle Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust is one of the busiest, largest and most successful teaching NHS foundation trusts in the country, with over 18,000 staff and an annual income of £1 billion.
Rated 'Outstanding' by theCQC for the second consecutive time in 2019, we have a long history of providing high quality care, clinical excellence, and innovation in medical research regionally, nationally and internationally.
We're also proud to be the second largest provider of specialised services in the country. This means we support people with a range of rare and complex medical, surgical and neurological conditions, cancers and genetic orders.
Our staff oversee around 1.84 million patients 'contacts' each year, delivering high standards of healthcare.
We are committed to promoting equality and diversity and recognise the benefit in providing an inclusive environment. We value and respect the diversity of our employees and aim to recruit a workforce which reflects the communities we serve, and is equipped to deliver the best service to our patients. We welcome all applications irrespective of people's race, disability, gender, sexual orientation, religion or belief, age, gender identity, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity and in particular those from under- represented groups.
Job description
Job responsibilities
- The main function of this post is to oversee the operation of the laboratory and ensure it runs effectively and safely, evaluating performance and handling any procedural or technical problem.
- Provide routine technical support in the correct handling, processing, storage and documentation of clinical samples in accordance with HTA and other legislative guidelines.
- Organising of sample shipments and maintaining the sample tracking systems. Sourcing, requesting and shipping of archival tissue samples as required for research protocol.
- Continually assess, implement and update policies, SOPs and operations of the laboratory.
- Organise induction and training for new and junior staff in laboratory procedures and use of equipment including providing assistance with sample processing techniques.
- The forward planning of equipment and material needs.
- Preparation of reagents used in processing of clinical samples as required by research-specific protocols.
- Maintenance of laboratory stocks of chemicals and other consumablerequirements and initiating orders within specified laboratory ordering procedures.
- Monitor the satisfactory operation and maintenance of laboratory equipment and mains services, reporting any defects in relevant laboratory areas. Organise and ensure maintenance and calibration of equipment is carried out as required.
- Maintain up to date record keeping of sample storage and transit, logs of equipment maintenance and calibration and chemical inventories.
- Arrange transport of biological material with courier companies in line with current transport regulations.
- Responsible for the safe storage and disposal of hazardous waste inaccordance with local rules and legal requirements.
- Adherence to relevant safety rules, including assessment of risks, and the development of risk assessment forms using relevant COSHH, BIOCOSHH, pathological specimen and potent carcinogen rules.
- Responsible for the care and cleanliness of laboratory areas, facilities and equipment.
- Liaise with research teams involved in translational research to facilitate the establishment of new tissue and blood sample collections.
- Assist with data management involving analysing medical case notes and extracting relevant data to assist in reporting of research participants.
- Facilitate internal audits of laboratory facilities, policies, equipment, sample log and storage compliance, and contribute to and implement quality assurance systems.
- Participate in out of hours cover in event of fridge/freezer breakdown within the Clinical Research Directorate and in the processing of samples from clinical trials patients when research requires.
- Carry out any additional duties as required by the line-manager commensurate with the grade of the post.
As a flexible working friendly organisation, we want to be sure that you can work in a way that is best for us and for our patients, and for you. Speak to us about how we might be able to accommodate a flexible working arrangement. If it works for the service, we will do our best to make it work for you.
Please note it is a requirement of The Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust that all successful candidates who require a DBS for the post they have been offered pay for their DBS certificate.The method of payment is a salary deduction from your first months pay.
Job description
Job responsibilities
- The main function of this post is to oversee the operation of the laboratory and ensure it runs effectively and safely, evaluating performance and handling any procedural or technical problem.
- Provide routine technical support in the correct handling, processing, storage and documentation of clinical samples in accordance with HTA and other legislative guidelines.
- Organising of sample shipments and maintaining the sample tracking systems. Sourcing, requesting and shipping of archival tissue samples as required for research protocol.
- Continually assess, implement and update policies, SOPs and operations of the laboratory.
- Organise induction and training for new and junior staff in laboratory procedures and use of equipment including providing assistance with sample processing techniques.
- The forward planning of equipment and material needs.
- Preparation of reagents used in processing of clinical samples as required by research-specific protocols.
- Maintenance of laboratory stocks of chemicals and other consumablerequirements and initiating orders within specified laboratory ordering procedures.
- Monitor the satisfactory operation and maintenance of laboratory equipment and mains services, reporting any defects in relevant laboratory areas. Organise and ensure maintenance and calibration of equipment is carried out as required.
- Maintain up to date record keeping of sample storage and transit, logs of equipment maintenance and calibration and chemical inventories.
- Arrange transport of biological material with courier companies in line with current transport regulations.
- Responsible for the safe storage and disposal of hazardous waste inaccordance with local rules and legal requirements.
- Adherence to relevant safety rules, including assessment of risks, and the development of risk assessment forms using relevant COSHH, BIOCOSHH, pathological specimen and potent carcinogen rules.
- Responsible for the care and cleanliness of laboratory areas, facilities and equipment.
- Liaise with research teams involved in translational research to facilitate the establishment of new tissue and blood sample collections.
- Assist with data management involving analysing medical case notes and extracting relevant data to assist in reporting of research participants.
- Facilitate internal audits of laboratory facilities, policies, equipment, sample log and storage compliance, and contribute to and implement quality assurance systems.
- Participate in out of hours cover in event of fridge/freezer breakdown within the Clinical Research Directorate and in the processing of samples from clinical trials patients when research requires.
- Carry out any additional duties as required by the line-manager commensurate with the grade of the post.
As a flexible working friendly organisation, we want to be sure that you can work in a way that is best for us and for our patients, and for you. Speak to us about how we might be able to accommodate a flexible working arrangement. If it works for the service, we will do our best to make it work for you.
Please note it is a requirement of The Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust that all successful candidates who require a DBS for the post they have been offered pay for their DBS certificate.The method of payment is a salary deduction from your first months pay.
Person Specification
Qualifications & Education
Essential
- Minimum HNC/HND in relevant subject
Desirable
- Preferably educated to degree level in a Biomedical science
Knowledge & Experience
Essential
- High degree of technical competence and an ability to multi-task and meet the needs of the unit
- Knowledge of Health & Safety in laboratories
- Up to date knowledge of Microsoft office packages, databases and e-mail use
- Previous relevant experience working under laboratory conditions with biological specimens
Desirable
- Knowledge of Clinical Trials policies and procedures including: Good Clinical Laboratory Practice/Research, Governance Framework and Data Protection Ac
Skills & Abilities
Essential
- Organisational skills
- Able to work under pressure and prioritise skills
- Good communication skills
- Excellent time management skills
- High level of skill with Microsoft Office packages and databases
- Proven interpersonal skills
- Ability to use initiative, pay attention to detail and take a flexible attitude to work demands
- Excellent written and numeracy skills
- Ability to work independently
- To undertake unit procedures in accordance with departmental SOP's
- To work in compliance with local health and safety rules to ensure a safe working environment for yourself, colleagues and visitors (including COSHH and departmental risk assessments
Person Specification
Qualifications & Education
Essential
- Minimum HNC/HND in relevant subject
Desirable
- Preferably educated to degree level in a Biomedical science
Knowledge & Experience
Essential
- High degree of technical competence and an ability to multi-task and meet the needs of the unit
- Knowledge of Health & Safety in laboratories
- Up to date knowledge of Microsoft office packages, databases and e-mail use
- Previous relevant experience working under laboratory conditions with biological specimens
Desirable
- Knowledge of Clinical Trials policies and procedures including: Good Clinical Laboratory Practice/Research, Governance Framework and Data Protection Ac
Skills & Abilities
Essential
- Organisational skills
- Able to work under pressure and prioritise skills
- Good communication skills
- Excellent time management skills
- High level of skill with Microsoft Office packages and databases
- Proven interpersonal skills
- Ability to use initiative, pay attention to detail and take a flexible attitude to work demands
- Excellent written and numeracy skills
- Ability to work independently
- To undertake unit procedures in accordance with departmental SOP's
- To work in compliance with local health and safety rules to ensure a safe working environment for yourself, colleagues and visitors (including COSHH and departmental risk assessments
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).
