Senior Clinical Research Laboratory Technician

Job Summary

Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trusts is seeking a highly skilled and experienced Biomedical Scientist to join our Research and Innovation laboratory team. As a Senior Clinical Research Laboratory Technician, you will play a key role in the delivery of our Cell and Therapy services, processing and quality control testing of cellular material, and ensuring compliance with GCP, GMP, GLP, and health and safety regulations.

Main Duties

• Carry out laboratory analyses and procedures associated with the post, including reporting results, maintaining records, and documentation for Stem Cell Processing and Cell Therapy work.
• Undertake flow cytometry and interpretation of results.
• Undertake storage, delivery, and shipping duties of cells.
• Undertake quality control procedures, examine quality control results, and instigate appropriate action.
• Take delegated responsibility for the quality control, operation, routine maintenance, and troubleshooting of equipment.
• Ensure personal work activity is managed to make effective use of time and maintain an adequate supply of laboratory consumables, reagents, and equipment.
• Ensure the competent and efficient use of computerised data management systems.
• Take delegated responsibility for the supervision and training of visiting clinical staff.
• Maintain ongoing Professional Portfolio and update Professional Development Plan.
• Assist with and, where appropriate, take responsibility for the development of new methods and the implementation of new technology.
• Maintain standards of laboratory policies and procedures to ensure the department meets National External Quality Assurance and Accreditation standards.
• Assist with the production, maintenance, and implementation of Standard Operating Procedures.
• Give appropriate advice to colleagues and clinicians regarding work planning and results.
• Ensure safe working practices are followed in accordance with departmental Safety Policy.
• Be aware of and adhere to Trusts policies, including those relating to discipline, grievance, wellbeing, absence, and health and safety.
• Ensure compliance with all statutory and legislative requirements, including patient confidentiality and the Data Protection Act/GDPR.
• Participate in the departments rosters as required. Work flexibly and undertake other duties commensurate with the grade as required.
• Participate in own Personal Development Review.

Research and Innovation

• Keep up-to-date with current developments and new technologies pertaining to research performed within the Research and Innovation laboratories.
• In the absence of the R&I Laboratory Manager, be accountable for the routine workflow of the laboratory; motivating colleagues to be efficient and effective, alerting senior staff and management to difficulties.
• Exercises sound decision making to ensure any issues are escalated to the appropriate person in the absence of the departmental Managers.
• Assume line management of some junior laboratory staff and when required, take delegated responsibility for the supervision, training, and coaching of laboratory and clinical staff processing research samples within R&I laboratories.
• When required directly contribute to the processing of complex and routine clinical research samples within R&I laboratories.
• Assists in the review and development of clinical research laboratory protocols, provide specialist advice for new trials, and issue guidelines.
• Support the R&I Laboratory Manager in assessing workload feasibility and the laboratory provision required for new research studies to be conducted within R&I laboratories.
• To work with samples from evolving therapies including but not limited to:- genetically modified organisms (GMOs), Advanced Therapy medicinal Products (ATMPs), Car-T and other cell therapies.
• Attend study specific training and staff training on protocols, GCP guidelines, possible side effects, and participant safety.
• To communicate clearly, effectively, and appropriately within the R&I multidisciplinary team and healthcare professionals outside of the department (and external to NUH) with regards to sample processing schedules, laboratory capacity, and updates or changes to the service.
• To communicate clearly, effectively, and appropriately with internal and external NCRF Laboratory users. This includes in conjunction with the R&I Laboratory Manager taking relevant action with non-compliant users or when bad practice is observed.
• Reports adverse incidents, completing documentation when required. In conjunction with the R&I Laboratory manager, take corrective action in the event of a research service delivery failure and ensure that the R&I Management team is made aware of these circumstances.
• Participate in the departments rosters as required.
• Support the on-call processes and arrangements and assist where possible for any out of hours excursions
• Work flexibly and undertake other duties commensurate with the grade as required.

Person Specification

• Commitment to Trust Values and Behaviours
• Essential
  • Must be able to demonstrate behaviours consistent with the Trust's behavioural standards
• Training & Qualifications
• Essential
  • HCPC registered Biomedical Scientist
  • Has completed the IBMS Specialist Portfolio or equivalent (Haematology, Blood transfusion and transplantation or other closely related subject)
  • Knowledge of specialist discipline to postgraduate diploma level or equivalent.
  • Demonstrates a commitment to continuing education and training.
• Desirable
  • IBMS membership
  • BBTS Specialist Certificate in Stem Cell Transplantation Science.
  • Demonstrates a knowledge of instrumentation.
  • Shows and awareness of method development and new technologies
• Experience
• Essential
  • Demonstrable knowledge/experience in flow cytometry and Tissue Culture work.
  • Relevant laboratory experience of at least Minimum 2 years post HCPC Registration experience.
  • Minimum of 12 months in NHS or UK based laboratory.
  • Conscientious, Meticulous.
  • Able to demonstrate knowledge and competency in appropriate laboratory techniques
  • Demonstrates a good knowledge of instrumentation
  • Demonstrates ability to organise their own work effectively
  • Keyboard skills and computer literacy.
• Desirable
  • Shows and awareness of method development and new technologies.
  • Has a genuine interest in the future of Stem Cell and Cell Therapy work. Experience of audit.
• Communication and Relationship skills
• Essential
  • Good interpersonal skills.
  • Able to communicate concisely, effectively, and clearly.
  • Ability to present complex scientific information to colleagues internally and externally when required and at the appropriate level
• Desirable
  • Demonstrates a range of IT skills
  • Can communicate on a number of levels using different media.
• Analytical and Judgement skills
• Essential
  • Able to make judgements regarding complex facts or situations that require analysis, interpretation, and comparison of a range of options judgements regarding anomalous results, QA assessments, and technical failures
• Planning and organisation skills
• Essential
  • Able to prioritise workload accordingly.
  • Able to plan own work activities and those of supervised staff.
• Physical skills
• Essential
  • Requires highly developed physical skills including accurate eye to hand coordination
  • Ability to manoeuvre trolleys around the campus
  • Able to maintain prolonged concentration for specific tasks working at laminar flow hood.
  • Able to walk across campus as required with products and equipment.
  • Able to manoeuvre heavy equipment.
• Other requirements specific to the role
• Essential
  • Able to participate in out of hours roster and/or other flexible working arrangements.