Technical Coordinator

**Job Purpose**

To provide senior technical leadership and be responsible for the process management of identification, storage, shipping, and tracking ofCovid-19 samples to collaborators and partner organisations for research and sequencing purposes. Provide specialist technical expertise to ensure safe and effective operational processes. Using in-depth knowledge and understanding, identify process improvement opportunities to ensure that the requirements of the Lighthouse Lab in Glasgow (LLiG) and collaborators are met, and to enhance relevant processes and service delivery.

Be the key professional interface between University of Glasgow and partner organisations for the strategic sample identification and processing, logistics of sample delivery, data queries and communications.

Main

**Responsibilities**:
1. Be responsible for the identification and management of storage, shipping, and tracking of Covid-19 samples and sample plates to collaborators in an efficient and secure manner.

2. Be responsible for the efficient efficient and secure removal of selected samples for inclusion or exclusion.

3. Provide specific technical expertise as to the aspects of the laboratory including training to service users, management of resources and responsibility for health and safety.

4. Using recognised technical expertise regularly review current operating procedures, identifying areas of service improvements making recommendations including proposals for action/mitigation and future action to senior management for implementation.

5. Optimise service delivery and logistics of sample delivery ensuring best practice is adhered to at all times ensuring compliance with legislative requirements and University /LLiG policies.

6. Be the main point of contact for the LLiG with collaborators e.g. communications with regard to research requirements, developing and implementing processes for clear dissemination of information.

7. Responsibility for the process of shipping samples e.g. ensuring seal integrity, flagging of samples ahead of shipment, daily delivery schedules and complete and accurate box manifests.

8. Utilise specialist knowledge to contribute to overall strategy within the Lighthouse laboratory in Glasgow.

9. Troubleshoot complex technical and /or shipping operational problems, including issues with the design and operation of technical resources.

10. Be responsible for the day to day management of and compliance with relevant Health and Safety and/or other specialist legal requirements. Maintain all necessary records in accordance with LLiG and collaborator requirements, keep up to date with developments or legal changes relevant to the work area, reporting any potential issues to Head of Lighthouse laboratory timeously.

**Qualifications**:

- Scottish Credit and Qualification Framework level9 [Ordinary Degree, Scottish Vocational Qualification level 4] or equivalent, [including professional accreditation with relevant formal training], and experience of personal development in a similar role.
- Significant breath or depth of specialist technical knowledge and recognised as an expert in the relevant discipline.
- Demonstrable knowledge of relevant legislative requirements applicable to the role, including by not limited to Health and Safety.
- PhD or Higher Degree in relevant discipline desirable. Working towards Professional Registration with relevant body.

Knowledge, Skills and Experience
- Experience working under category 2* conditions using aseptic technique in a biological safety cabinet, handling and deactivating samples, and safely disposing of hazardous waste.
- Demonstrable specialist technical skills aligned to the specified discipline or research project, molecular biology, working with biological/clinical samples, nucleic acids, preferably RNA, PCR experience, preferably qPCR, automated RNA extraction
- Significant IT skills, including proficient user of relevant specialist or bespoke software packages.
- Significant analytical and problem-solving capability, including high degree of accuracy and attention to detail when dealing with complex and/or high volume datasets
- Proven interpersonal and communication skills, including the ability to understand, conceptualise and interpret complex technical requirements of a research group and adapt own style to meet the needs of others.
- Excellent teamworking and people management skills
- Ability to plan and prioritise a technical service to meet long term strategic objectives, whilst delivering a day to day service
- Significant relevant work experience within a similar research environment, including evidence of previous outputs and professional development.
- Experience of contributing to the development of a research strategy, planning resource allocation and achieving high-quality research outputs
- Experience of managing high value budgets, including approving spends, negotiating purchases and monitoring outgoings on behalf of others.