Biobank Assistant/researcher

An exciting opportunity has become available at the RNOH for an individual interested in supporting clinical research within the NHS.

The Histopathology Department is looking for a full-time Band 3 Biobank Assistant to join our research team. The role will involve identifying and approaching patients face-to-face to obtain consent to use their samples for research purposes. The applicant will also ensure that biobanked samples (including blood, plasma, slides, wax blocks, frozen tissues, and DNA/RNA) are logged for ongoing research projects. In particular, they will be responsible for selecting, preparing and scanning slides and linking them to clinical data as part of a cutting-edge digital pathology and machine learning (artificial intelligence) project.

**The role will allow you to**:
acquire valuable NHS experience

gain confidence in speaking to patients

consent eligible patients for the Biobank

use databases and spreadsheets to log, track and anonymise patient samples and data

support Biobank research across a range of clinical projects

learn about cancer, sarcoma and other diseases

collect blood samples by phlebotomy and process them to extract plasma

The Histopathology Department at the RNOH is the most research-active sarcoma unit in the UK. This has been achieved through the RNOH Biobank; one of the largest repositories of human bone and soft tissue tumour. Access to these samples and clinical information for research is crucial to develop new ways of diagnosing disease, which will result in better treatment for patients. We recently participated in the national 100,000 Genomes Project; the success of which has led to whole genome sequencing being offered to all patients that are newly diagnosed with sarcoma in the UK.

This vacancy would particularly suit a recent university graduate (or equivalent) aiming to pursue a medical/nursing degree, genetic counselling or a career in biomedical/clinical science or clinical research.

Selecting, preparing and scanning slides for digital pathology projects.

Using databases and spreadsheets to collect and organise clinical data and to log and track research samples.

Preparing samples to be sent by courier, or receiving them from collaborators.

Pseudonymising and storing patient and clinical trial samples appropriately.

Identifying, using hospital databases, patients eligible to be approached for donating their tissue for research.

Seeking consent from patients in person or otherwise.

Collecting patient samples from operating theatres for research purposes

Processing blood by centrifugation and aliquoting the component parts of the sample.

Preparing blood packs and consent forms for colleagues.

**Taking blood samples from patients (phlebotomy) for research**: training to be provided.

Working flexibly between Stanmore and Bolsover St sites as required to contact patients.

Attending Biobank team meetings.

**Administrative duties**: scanning patient consent forms, pulling and archiving wax blocks and slides.

Any other duties required to maintain the operation of the Biobank.