Mcrc Biobank Laboratory Practitioner

The main purpose of this role is to assist with the collection and processing of tissue and bodily fluids for research purposes within the MCRC Biobank Team. The post holder will provide support to the Biobanks Technicians to ensure that samples are collected, transported and processed in accordance with Biobank SOPs and that all relevant legislation and governance requirements are met. In addition, the appointee will assist in data collection, inputs into the Laboratory Information Management system as well as provide administrative support to the Biobank Team.

We are looking for a keen and skilled individual who will act as a Biobank Laboratory Practitioner for the Manchester Cancer Research Centre Biobank. The successful applicant will work closely with Biobank, clinical and research staff at The Christie collecting and processing biological samples removed from consenting patients being treated for cancer and other conditions. You will be responsible for ensuring that tissue and other samples of human material are transported and processed for long term storage and active research projects in accordance with all relevant legislation and governance requirements. You will also gather important clinical data about the Biobank patients, adding value to the collected samples and support the Biobank with other administrative and laboratory tasks as required.

If you feel you have the qualities we need for this exciting opportunity to be involved with patient based cancer research across Manchester and meet the following essential criteria, then please apply:

- A qualification in a science related discipline (degree desirable)
- Experience of working with biological samples and patient data
- Excellent hand-eye coordination
- Comfortable working in an unpredictable environment
- Ability to work flexible hours

**Please note**: External applicants to the NHS are expected to commence on the minimum of the pay scale.

The Christie is one of Europe’s leading cancer centres, treating over 60,000 patients a year. We are based in Manchester and serve a population of 3.2 million across Greater Manchester & Cheshire, but as a national specialist around 15% patients are referred to us from other parts of the country.

We provide radiotherapy through one of the largest radiotherapy departments in the world; chemotherapy on site and through 14 other hospitals; highly specialist surgery for complex and rare cancer; and a wide range of support and diagnostic services. We are also an international leader in research, with world first breakthroughs for over 100 years.

We run one of the largest early clinical trial units in Europe with over 300 trials every year. Cancer research in Manchester, most of which is undertaken on the Christie site, has been officially ranked the best in the UK.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Sample collection, processing, and related duties

**The post holders’ main duties will be to**:
Understand the various sample collection requirements and specifics for projects facilitated through the MCRC Biobank, interacting with the relevant information as required for inform working practice.

Assist with arranging the collection of biological samples, liaising with, involving, and discussing with Biobank staff, clinical and research staff where necessary.

Develop and maintain good laboratory skills and following Biobank SOPs to ensure tissue, blood and other human biological samples are processed to maintain their quality for downstream research use.

Using your own judgement to determine about how samples should be processed and which SOPs to follow in line with a variety of factors e.g., sample format, timing of sample collections, patient specific criteria (e.g. blood results) and overall workload/competing priorities

Making decisions with respect to sample dilutions based on sample cell counts using your own calculations to ensure sample quality is maintained both during the processing and aliquoting steps of the process

Ensure a high level of hand-eye coordination and maintain concentration to ensure samples are processed accurately and efficiently

Ensure samples are appropriately labelled, barcoded and stored to comply with the legislation relating to the traceability of human tissue.

Facilitate the delivery of samples via courier, to ensure samples are collected and delivered to and from the correct location at an appropriate time for the recipient.

Answer telephone queries that come through to the Biobank office in relation to sample collection from service users, which may include patient queries.

Maintain the laboratory equipment, stock and waste and use own judgment to escalate any issues to more senior staff as required.

Complete all necessary paperwork relating to the collection and processing of patient samples ensuring accurate information is collated in relation to patient level data, clinical data and sample specific information.

Retrieval of MCRC Biobank samples for biobank