Research Technician
Location: Edinburgh Scotland
Description: University of Edinburgh is at the momment seeking for Research Technician right now, this position will be placed in Scotland. More complete informations about this position opportunity please read the description below. The Experimental Cancer Medicine Centre (ECMC) brings together scientific and clinical research, sharing knowledge and resources for the benefit of cancer patients. The centre fac! ilitates the translational research needed to develop new anti-cancer drugs, support discovery and validation of new diagnostic, prognostic and predictive markers and drug-target discovery.
Applications are invited from experienced, suitably qualified personnel to join our multidisciplinary team. This post offers an exciting opportunity for an ambitious technician to join a centre at the forefront of translational cancer research.
The post holder will process relevant patient samples from cancer clinical trials, storing and shipping them accordingly, tasks that require knowledge, skill, experience and judgement.
The post holder will organise efficient collection, preparation, storage, shipping and data collection of fresh, fresh-frozen and formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded human tissue samples for research and some clinical trials from the hospital theatres and bio specimen bank in accordance with Standard Operating Procedures.
If experienced, the p! ost holder would be expected to perform a range of histologica! l techniques on cancer tissue i.e. embedding, microtomy and staining.
Experience in sample processing along with excellent interpersonal skills and a positive attitude are required. Good communication and organisational skills are required along with a professional attitude and the ability to work as part of a committed team as well as independently. Previous experience of clinical trials and histology techniques would be advantageous.
Informal enquiries to: igmmhr@igmm.ed.ac.uk
The post holder will process relevant patient samples from cancer clinical trials which have been collected by nursing staff, storing and shipping them accordingly, tasks that require knowledge, skill, experience and judgement.
The post holder will organise efficient collection, preparation, storage, shipping and data collection of fresh, fresh-frozen and formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded human tissue samples for research and some clinical trials from the hospita! l theatres and bio specimen bank in accordance with Standard Operating Procedures.
If experienced, the post holder would be expected to perform a range of histological techniques on cancer tissue i.e. embedding, microtomy and staining.
Main Responsibilities
- The post holder will be expected to independently prioritise and plan internal and external lab requests as they come in, keeping to the timescales and deadlines given in the request. Performing a range of specialised sample processing techniques including plasma, serum, buffy coat layer and PBMC production
- Tissue Handling: Collection from theatre or receipt of tissues sent to the unit (fixed and frozen tissues). Record entry of tissues into a data log and ensure correct storage. The post holder will liaise with the appropriate laboratory staff to ensure that they are aware of material arriving in the unit. Aid with pathologists in the sampling of tissue for distribution within and outs! ide the Unit
- Accurate data collection, record keeping, filing ! and use of databases for sample tracking purposes of confidential patient information and variable complex data in a high throughput manner. The post holder will also be responsible for ensuring that all work carried out has a work plan in place before work begins, ensuring that all work undertaken is done to meet GCP/GCLP regulatory requirements
- Performing a range of histopathology techniques including tissue collection, shipping, preparation of tissues, microtomy, embedding, staining slides in preparation for tissue microarray construction (TMAs)
- To liaise with fellow ECMC staff on a regular basis to ensure projects are running smoothly and to liaise and consult with other personnel involved in tissue collection and those staff who are authorised to use the facility
- Contribute to the development and improvement of results/procedures and suggesting changes to the laboratory standard operating procedures (SOPs) which may optimise or simplify proce! dures
- Assist with maintenance and health and safety of laboratory equipment and apparatus. Maintain stock levels to ensure relevant material and consumables are available so that lab requests can be completed within the timescales/deadlines given
- Training of visitors, students and new personnel recruited to the ECMC service
Work requests may be directed by the lab manager initially and the post holder will be expected to liaise with the relevant party to discuss the requirements/programme of work. The job holder will also prioritise and plan lab requests as they come in, working to timescales and deadlines given, ensuring that tasks and relevant paperwork are completed in a timely manner and to a high standard.
The role will require prioritisation and advance planning with no or minimal direct supervision. The post holder should be able to adjust workload priorities accordingly.
The post holder will respo! nd daily to any queries that arise from personnel aiding the bio specim! en collection and sample processing service and may also be required to carry out some unplanned work in relation to queries/problems.
Problem Solving
The job holder will be expected to deal independently with routine issues, by reference to standard operating procedures, only referring more complex or unusual issues to the line manager. The job holder will be expected to deal with minor problems in the lab, but any complex problems that may compromise quantity, quality or accuracy of results should be reported to the lab manager or other relevant personnel for resolution.
Decision Making
The job holder will be responsible for prioritising their own duties within an overall research remit determined by the lab manager and will be expected to independently make decisions concerning the most appropriate course of action. Non-routine issues and decisions on changes to overall lab processes are referred to the lab manager.
Key Contac! ts/Relationships
The job holder will establish good working relationships with fellow colleagues. Regular contact with other ECMC lab staff, IT developers, clerical staff and the QA Manager are essential. The post holder will be responsible for networking and liaising with researchers and clinical staff from the NHS Lothian Universities Hospital Division, such as surgeons and theatre staff, in particular pathologists and other pathology staff.
Knowledge, Skills and Experience Needed for the Job
- School education to Higher grade or equivalent plus at least 5 years work experience in a biological laboratory
- Good knowledge of health and safety procedures and laboratory hygiene
- High level knowledge/experience of sample processing procedures including but not limited to safe use of flow cabinets, pipettes and centrifuges. The ability to advise and assist other staff in these same techniques
- Evidence of working in GCP,! GCLP or GLP environment
- Ability to work independently and uns! upervised, using own initiative, as well as part of a team, in a methodical and organised manner to maintain standards of accuracy
- Awareness of Human Tissue (Scotland) Act (2006) and other appropriate legislation
- Good communication with internal and external contacts, organisation, and computer skills
The post holder will undertake a variety of laboratory techniques and will provide support for collection and processing of bio specimens for the ECMC, working as part of a multidisciplinary team in a multipurpose service facility. The post holder can provide standard guidance, advice and support to junior colleagues, students and visitors with tissue-related and laboratory issues and provide on-the-job training and supervision of any techniques carried out ensuring that SOPs and health and safety procedures are undertaken correctly.
Job Context and any other relevant information
The Experimental Cancer Medicin! e Centre has been set up to facilitate the delivery of current translational research in Edinburgh and enhancing future endeavours. Staff within the centre handle patient details and biological materials; thus, the post holder will be required to abide by the Data Protection Act, GCP, GCLP and other research governance frameworks. Awareness of health hazards and an in depth understanding of correct tissue handling procedures is essential. Hep B vaccination is strongly recommended.
Informal enquiries to: igmmhr@igmm.ed.ac.uk
Edinburgh Cancer Research Centre
The Edinburgh Cancer Research Centre is based at the Western General Hospital. As a unit of Hospital Based Clinical Subjects, the previous Division of Oncology was rated 5* in the 2001 RAE. It now comprises 10 Professors and 11 other principal investigators.
Cancer research at the Western General Hospital is a large, well-resourced and active discipline with a commitment to excellence! in research and teaching. The Cancer Research Building Centre and its ! associated laboratories are equipped to the highest international standard for cellular, biochemical and molecular research.
Salary
The role is grade UE04 and attracts an annual salary of £18,005 to £20,172 for 35 hours each week. Salary is paid monthly by direct transfer to your Bank or Building Society account, normally on the 28th of the month. Salaries for part-time staff are calculated on the full-time scales, pro-rata to the Standard Working Week.
Pension Scheme
For employees on University Grades 1-5 or equivalent there are two pension schemes available: University of Edinburgh Staff Benefits Scheme (SBS) or the National Employment Savings Trust (NEST).
This role is grade UE04 and therefore the post holder will automatically become a member of the NEST scheme if their monthly earnings are deemed to be ‘qualifying earnings’ (equivalent to the HMRC monthly threshold above which their earnings are taxable). If the post holder! ’s earnings are not deemed as “qualifying earnings†and therefore will not automatically become a member they can opt in to the NEST scheme.
The post holder can choose to join SBS and by doing so they will not become a member of the NEST scheme.
Further information on the different employer/employee contribution levels required for each scheme and different levels of benefits that the post holder may receive may be found at on our Pensions website
Eligibility to Work
In accordance with the Immigration, Asylum and Nationality Act 2006 the University of Edinburgh, as an employer, has a legal responsibility to prevent illegal working and therefore must check that all employees are entitled to work in the United Kingdom (UK).
To do so, the University of Edinburgh requires to see original documents evidencing right to work in the UK before commencement of employment and this is normally carried out at interview. Details will be provided i! n any letter of invitation to interview.
For further information on! eligibility to work please click here
In the circumstances where the vacancy does not meet the UKBA advertising, salary and/or qualification level criteria for sponsorship the successful applicant must have the existing right to work in the UK.
For applicants interested in sponsorship information is available on our Working in the UK website
Application Procedure
All applicants should apply online at > www.ed.ac.uk/jobs . The application process is quick and easy to follow, and you will receive email confirmation of safe receipt of your application. The online system allows you to submit a CV and other attachments.
Closing date: 3rd May 2013 at 5pm.
You will be notified by email whether you have been shortlisted for interview or not.
The University reserves the right to vary the candidate information or make no appointment at all. Neither in part, nor in whole does this information form part of any contract bet! ween the University and any individual.
The University of Edinburgh is a charitable body, registered in Scotland, with registration number SC005336.
School of Molecular, Genetic and Population Health Sciences
Molecular, Genetic and Population Health Sciences is one of four Schools in the College of Medicine & Veterinary Medicine and is headed by Professor Sarah Cunningham-Burley. The School comprises the Institute of Genetics and Molecular Medicine, the Centre for Population Health Sciences, the Division of Pathology and the Edinburgh Clinical Trials Unit. The School currently attracts annual research grants of around £40M, including a number of full programme grants, and has around 630 employees including 39 Professors, over 260 other academic members of staff and 330 members of support staff.
The Institute of Genetics and Molecular Medicine (IGMM), ()
The IGMM (Director, Professor Nick Hastie, CBE, FRS) was formed in 2007, as a con! sequence of a strategic alliance between the MRC, the University of Edi! nburgh and Cancer Research UK (http://www.igmm.ed.ac.uk/). It constitutes one of the largest aggregate of human molecular genetics research capacity in the UK and brings together almost 400 scientists and support staff in a single scientific endeavour, with a mission:
“To identify molecular and cellular mechanism underlying normal human development, maintenance and disease, including malformations, later onset anomalies and cancer, and translate these findings for clinical benefit".
The Edinburgh Clinical Trials Unit (ECTU) is a Collaborative Clinical Trials Unit established with funding from the NHS and the University of Edinburgh. It has full registration with UKCRC, is part of the Scottish Collaboration of Trialists and has been awarded MRC clinical trials methodology hub status.
The WGH site is also home to one of only five Wellcome Trust Clinical Research Facilities (WTCRF) in the United Kingdom. The WTCRF provides state-of-the-art facilities fo! r investigators undertaking multi-disciplinary Clinical Research and include clinical, laboratory and specialised support. There is a common application and administrative process for applications and investigators can apply to use any, or all, of the resources available. The WTCRF hosts the £15M Clinical Research Imaging Centre at Little France, which comprises a cyclotron, PET chemistry, a PET/64-slice CT scanner, 3T MRI, the first 320-slice CT in the UK and space for development of human optical imaging.
The College of Medicine and Veterinary Medicine
The College of Medicine and Veterinary Medicine ( http://www.mvm.ed.ac.uk ) traces its origins back nearly 500 years (Darwin, Simpson and Conan-Doyle were students here) and is internationally renowned for its research and teaching. Headed by Professor Sir John Savill, the only conjoint Medical and Veterinary Medical School in the UK employs over 2300 academic and support staff within the College and the ! four Schools; Biomedical Sciences ; Molecular, Genetic and Population H! ealth Sciences; Clinical Sciences and Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies.
http://www.ed.ac.uk/schools-departments/medicine-vet-medicine/about/medical-schools/biomedical
http://www.ed.ac.uk/schools-departments/medicine-vet-medicine/about/medical-schools/molecular-clinical-med
http://www.ed.ac.uk/schools-departments/medicine-vet-medicine/about/medical-schools/clinical-sciences
http://www.ed.ac.uk/schools-departments/medicine-vet-medicine/about/medical-schools/vet-school
The undergraduate medicine teaching programme in the College enjoys a very high reputation nationally and internationally, with over 1,300 students enrolled on the MBChB and Intercalated courses and nearly 1000 on the Veterinary Sciences BVS and related programmes. In addition, approximately 2000 students are currently enrolled in the College’s taught and research post-graduate courses, including an extensive range of online distance learning diplomas and d! egrees. They are trained by over 1000 outstanding academic staff. Details of PhDs, research programmes and studentships are available through our major interdisciplinary research institutes and centres (http://www.ed.ac.uk/schools-departments/medicine-vet-medicine/research/institutes/centres).
The academic disciplines within Medicine are largely concentrated in the two teaching hospital campuses in Edinburgh, the New Royal Infirmary at Little France and the Western General Hospital. Both have extensive new infrastructure with major new research institutes and state of the art research facilities on clinical sites. Edinburgh hosts a number of prestigious MRC and BHF Research Centres. The approach is interdisciplinary, with basic and clinical researchers working together at the laboratory bench and in our clinical research facilities to address major themes in basic, clinical and translational medicine.
The Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Science on the ne! w Easter Bush campus houses outstanding teaching and clinical facilitie! s as well as the splendid Roslin Institute, one of the world’s leading veterinary research centres. The College is the UK’s only conjoint medical and veterinary school which affords outstanding opportunities to address ‘One Health’ and Global Health problems of the highest international priority.
Research Assessment Exercise (RAE) 2008
In RAE 2008, the College was placed first of 28 submissions in the UK, in Hospital-Based Clinical Subjects. Of all those submitted at the international level 80% of the submission were judged world-leading (4-star, 40%) or internationally excellent (3-star, 40%) levels.
The College was placed fourth in Agriculture, Veterinary and Food Science, but was the first-placed veterinary school (by 4*) and delivered the largest volume of 4* research in the whole UK. The College was also sixth in the UK in Psychiatry, Neuroscience and Clinical Psychology, an area further reinforced by the advent of Edinburgh Neuroscience t! o coalesce the University’s neuroscience activities.
The University of Edinburgh
For more than four centuries, our people and their achievements have rewritten history time and again. They’ve explored space, revolutionised surgery, published era-defining books, paved the way for life-saving medical breakthroughs and introduced to the world many inventions, discoveries and ideas from penicillin to Dolly the sheep. We have believed that anything is possible.
We still do. The latest Research Assessment Exercise highlighted our place at the forefront of international research. This adds to our international reputation for the quality of our teaching and our student experience excellence.
As a member of staff you will be part of one of the world's leading universities, with 22 Schools spread over 3 Colleges that offer more than 500 undergraduate and 160 postgraduate courses to over 30,000 students each year. Professional services are criti! cal to this success as well as our world-class teaching, research and s! tudent facilities. In fact, we are one of the top employers in Edinburgh, with over 11,700 people spread across a wide range of academic and supporting roles.
As a world-changing, world-leading university we are an exciting, positive, creative, challenging and rewarding place to work. We give you support, nurture your talent, develop and reward success and integrate academic, professional and personal career goals, as well as give your career the benefit of a great and distinguished reputation.
The University of Edinburgh is a charitable body, registered in Scotland, with registration number SC005336.
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If you were eligible to this position, please email us your resume, with salary requirements and a resume to University of Edinburgh.
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This position starts available on: Fri, 12 Apr 2013 14:26:09 GMT