The Role
This is an exciting opportunity to join a team running VIVO biobank (). This is a large national Children’s and Young People’s Cancer biobank formed from the merger of the Children’s Cancer & Leukaemia Group (CCLG) Tissue Bank and the Blood Cancer UK leukaemia CellBank in 2022.
Key roles are day-to-day receipt, logging and processing of samples of bone marrow, peripheral blood and cerebrospinal fluid from over 25 UK sites participating in biobanking and maintaining up to date storage records in the university mandated laboratory information management system (LIMS) alongside data transfer to the University of York VIVO central database. In addition, nucleic acid extraction from samples will be performed according to researcher demand.
Other key roles are periodic auditing of VIVO samples and data, assembly and dispatch of sample collection packs to clinical centres including stock-management and supply re-ordering. Other tasks include organising couriers for biological sample collection from hospital sites and sample release and dispatch to researchers. In addition, you will help support upkeep of lab space as we move towards biobank ISO accreditation and sustainability (LEAF).
You will contribute to monthly VIVO biobank Operations meetings and attend central biobank laboratory meetings. Other tasks include general data responsibilities in relation to biobanking including assisting tissue banking sites with remote data entry and checking data accuracy.
You will have a BTEC HNC/HND in a relevant field (e.g. medical sciences or other health-related field). You must be experienced in handling clinical tissue and processing human samples with working knowledge of the Human Tissue Act. You must have thorough working knowledge of Health & Safety Procedures and demonstrable working experience in a relevant technical laboratory role.
You will be enthusiastic and self-motivated. You will have excellent interpersonal and communication skills, both verbal and written, and able to express yourself clearly and succinctly. You will be able to work independently and as part of a team. You will be able to organise and prioritise your workload to meet deadlines. You will be meticulous about following processes and procedures and show attention to detail.
You will be based in the Central Biobank Facility led by Dr Amy Peasland and have day to day interactions with VIVO biobank staff.
The VIVO Biobank is split across several sites and will involve close interaction with colleagues at the University of York, the Wolfson Childhood Cancer Research Centre. Newcastle University and UK Biocentre (Milton Keynes).
VIVO biobank is a national Children and Young People's (CYP) Biobank funded by Cancer Research UK/Blood Cancer UK formed from the merger of two previous biobanks the Cancer Research UK (CR UK) Children’s Cancer & Leukaemia Group (CCLG tissue bank) and the Blood Cancer UK Childhood Leukaemia CellBank in 2022. The Biobank has staff based at Newcastle University, the University of York and UK Biocentre (Milton Keynes).
Full Time
Fixed Term until 30/6/2027
Further information can be obtained by contacting Dr Ezster Tuboly via Eszter Tuboly, Mrs Anne Thomson (via ) or Dr Amy Peasland. via .
Newcastle University is committed to being a fully inclusive Global University which actively recruits, supports and retains staff from all sectors of society. We value diversity as well as celebrate, support and thrive on the contributions of all our employees and the community they represent. We are proud to be an equal opportunities employer and encourage applications from everybody, regardless of race, sex, ethnicity, religion, nationality, sexual orientation, age, disability, gender identity, marital status/civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, as well as being open to flexible working practices.
Please note that if you are successful to this role, you will require a medical clearance, DBS and Honorary Contract before you can commence in the role.
Key Accountabilities
1. To be responsible for day-to-day receipt, logging and processing of samples of bone marrow, peripheral blood and cerebrospinal fluid and cryopreservation of the subsequent products
2. Ensure correct storage and handling of all tissue samples in accordance with HTA guidelines and local standard operating procedures (SOPs)
3. Maintain accurate, up-to-date storage records in the University mandated laboratory information management system (LIMS) alongside data transfer to the University of York VIVO central database
4. Assist with periodic auditing of VIVO samples and data
5. To be responsible for the assembly and dispatch of sample collection packs to clinical centres, including stock management and re-ordering of supplies
6. Organize couriers for biological sample collection from hospital sites and dispatch of samples to researchers. Process related payments and recharges
7. Attend research seminars, Central Biobank Laboratory meetings and other departmental meetings as required. Contribute to the presentation of results to the group and attend monthly VIVO biobank Operations Meetings
8. Take part in out of hours cover as required
9. Complete a range of maintenance activities and repairs, liaise with suppliers and manufacturers to resolve problems and investigate replacement options
10. Advise on equipment capabilities demonstrating how results can be achieved
11. Oversee compliance tasks ensuring timely completion and maintenance of appropriate records
12. Maintain broad and up to date health and safety knowledge providing support/advice to others. Assist with the completion and updating of a wide range of safety paperwork
13. Schedule, prioritize and monitor work and performance in line with demands and deadlines
14. Hold delegated responsibility from the academic/technical lead for the planning, operation, and supervision of a variety of laboratory spaces
15. Work collaboratively with the other areas to ensure efficiency and elimination of duplicated effort
16. Facilitate general running of the laboratory, including routine laboratory maintenance, equipment upkeep, preparation of stock solutions, care and cleanliness of specified areas
17. Be a key contributor to service development, delivery and planning
18. Contribute and support change
19. Create, update and implement procedures to deliver an aligned, efficient and effective service
20. Provide a broad range of skilled research/teaching support
21. Prepare and manufacture a range of specimens/samples with limited direction
22. Contribute to small- and large-scale building works
23. Design, develop and deliver inductions, demonstrations and training covering a broad range of activities (not limited to techniques and equipment)
24. Assist managers with the identification of training and development needs and mentor junior staff
25. Any other duties within the scope and general nature of the grade which may be required
The Person
Knowledge, Skills and Experience
26. Experience in handling clinical tissue and processing human samples
27. Demonstrable work experience in a relevant technical laboratory role
28. Working knowledge of Human Tissue Act
29. Thorough working knowledge of Health and Safety procedures, and experience of safe waste management within a workshop/laboratory environment.
30. Demonstrable work experience in a relevant technical laboratory role
31. Excellent team working skills
32. Demonstrates technical and problem solving capability
33. Demonstrates good organising ability to meet deadlines with a positive and proactive approach to duties and attention to detail
34. Ability to adapt to changes in teaching/research priorities
Desirable
35. Previous experience working within a biobank
36. Practical experience in sterile techniques, Ficoll separation of blood and/or bone marrow samples and DNA extraction from human cancer cell
Attributes and Behaviour
37. Excellent oral and written communication skills
38. Good interpersonal skills to interface with staff
39. Attention to detail to ensure accuracy and precision
40. Work in a collaborative and flexible way
41. To exhibit University and Faculty values and principles
Qualifications
42. BTEC HNC/HND or equivalent in relevant subject or equivalent experience
Desirable
43. A degree in a relevant field
44. Professional registration with an accredited professional body (including HEA) or working towards this on appointment
Newcastle University is a global University where everyone is treated with dignity and respect. As a University of Sanctuary, we aim to provide a welcoming place of safety for all, offering opportunities to people fleeing violence and persecution.
We are committed to being a fully inclusive university which actively recruits, supports and retains colleagues from all sectors of society. We value diversity as well as celebrate, support and thrive on the contributions of all of our employees and the communities they represent. We are proud to be an equal opportunities employer and encourage applications from individuals who can complement our existing teams, we believe that success is built on having teams whose backgrounds and experiences reflect the diversity of our university and student population.
At Newcastle University we hold a silver award in recognition of our good employment practices for the advancement of gender equality. We also hold a Bronze award in recognition of our work towards tackling race inequality in higher education REC. We are a employer and will offer an interview to disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria for the role as part of the offer and interview scheme.
In addition, we are a member of the Euraxess initiative supporting researchers in Europe.
Requisition ID: 28630