Brain Bank Team Leader
Cambridge University Hospital NHS Foundation Trust – Brain Bank Team Leader
Closing date: 28 May 2026
Main duties of the job
To practice as an advanced biomedical scientist with special responsibility for leading the Cambridge Brain Bank (CBB) in the collection and provision of CNS material for research. The role will involve the receipt, handling, sampling and histological preparation of CNS tissues from whole brain donations. The preparation, storage, distribution and respectful disposal of tissues must comply with Human Tissue Authority legislation and guidance stipulated by the CUH Human Tissues Management Committee, Trust and Pathology governance and research ethics committees.
The CBB team leader manages the technical staff and workload to ensure:
* a high quality and timely histology-based technical service is maintained
* the correct documentation for research requests is in place
* accurate records are maintained to demonstrate traceability of the storage, preparation and release of post mortem material for research
* clear and effective communication and collaboration with stakeholders and researchers (based locally, nationally and globally)
Qualifications
* HCPC registration as a Biomedical Scientist
* Hold or working towards a post graduate qualification e.g. MSC, FIBMS or equivalent, with an emphasis on cellular pathology
* Evidence of CPD
* Hold or working towards a qualification that supports management responsibilities such as a certificate in Leadership, Quality Management or Training
* GCP training or certification
Experience
* Substantial post HCPC registration experience of histopathology techniques including cryotomy, immunohistochemistry and tissue dissection
* Previous relevant experience of working in a healthcare sector
* Experience of supervising and training staff of different grades
* Experience of working with information management systems / databases and quality management systems
* Previous NHS laboratory experience
* Previous team leader experience
* Previous research experience
* Previous experience of performing non-conformity / incident investigations, risk assessments and audit
* Epic or Q-Pulse experience
Knowledge
* Theoretical knowledge of specialised histopathology techniques
* Demonstrable knowledge of the Human Tissue Act and Human Tissue Authority standards with respect to research
* Knowledge of ISO 20387:2018 Biobanking
* Knowledge of ethical approval for research
Skills
* Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal
* Excellent organisational skills and ability to work without direct supervision
* Interpretation and analytical skills
* Demonstrable interpersonal skills – can work as part of a team or independently
* Able to prioritise own workload and that of others to meet needs of the service
* Ability to concentrate for prolonged periods of time
* High degree of manual dexterity to perform complex laboratory techniques
* Keyboard and IT skills
Additional Requirements
* The ability to understand and behave at all times, towards patients, visitors and colleagues according to the Trust values of safe, kind, excellent
* Motivated, dependable and enthusiastic
* Friendly and approachable
* Ability to cope under pressure
* High level of accuracy and attention to detail
* Ability to be flexible and respond to the needs of the service
Disclosure and Barring Service Check
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and will require a Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service to check for any previous criminal convictions.
We value our differences and fully advocate and support an inclusive working environment where every individual can fulfil their potential.
Salary: £49,387 to £56,515 a year per annum pro rata
Contract: Permanent
Location: 1000 Discovery Drive, Level 4, Dame Mary Archer Way, Cambridge Biomedical Campus
Reference number: 180-RD-264123
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