Senior Clinical Research Laboratory Technician

Job summary

Our vision is to situate Nottingham University Hospitals Trust at the very forefront of clinical research placing patient needs at the centre of our research activity. Across our hospitals we have over 2000 metre squared of dedicated and purpose-built research facilities, staffed by research staff, committed to delivering cutting-edge research.

Our expertise in experimental medicine is at the forefront of COVID-19 research for effective treatments and vaccines, as well as contributing to the world's understanding of Coronavirus.

The Post Holder will be an experienced and qualified HCPC registered Specialist Biomedical Scientist. They will be a member of the Research and Innovation laboratory team and assist in the delivery of the Cell and Therapy services through processing and quality control testing of cellular material. You will comply with GCP, GMP, GLP and health and safety regulations to ensure the service and laboratory facilities are run in a safe and cost-effective manner. You will assist in the delivery of a quality driven, patient focused service, and to provide that service in a manner commensurate with the profession, working towards JACIE accreditation.

Main duties of the job

As a Senior Research Laboratory Scientist - Cell Therapy, the post holders' main role is to assist in the processing of peripheral blood stem cells for life saving transplantation and participate in any Cell Therapy work as part of our Stem Cell Apheresis service within the Research and Innovation department in collaboration with The Anthony Nolan Charity. This includes conducting Full Blood Counts (FBCs), qualitative and quantitative analysis of stem cells by flow cytometry, organisation of product storage, and shipment.

You will be expected to perform work that require a degree of responsibility and autonomy, including working unsupervised for significant periods. As a Senior Research Laboratory Scientist - Cell Therapy, the post holder will be part of the Research and Innovation department including the NIHR Nottingham Clinical Research Facilities (NCRF), Nottingham Bioresource and NIHR Nottingham Biomedical Research Centre (BRC). The post holder will be expected work across all Research and Innovation laboratories within Nottingham University Hospitals and participate in training and pre-agreed activities as directed by Anthony Nolan, either on-site or externally.

About us

With more than 20,000 colleagues, we are the largest employer in Nottinghamshire and one of the biggest and busiest NHS Trusts in the country, serving more than residents of Nottingham and Nottinghamshire and a further four million people across the East Midlands and beyond.

We provide a range of national and internationally renowned specialist services and we are at the forefront of new surgical procedures and research programmes. We are home to the East Midlands Major Trauma Centre, the Nottingham Children's Hospital and in partnership with the University of Nottingham we host a Biomedical Research Centre carrying out vital research into hearing, digestive diseases, respiratory, musculoskeletal disease, mental health and imaging.

This is an exciting time to join NUH and help support our future ambitions.

Job description

Job responsibilities

Under the direction of the BioResource Operation Manager to:

Clinical/Scientific/Technical

Carry out all laboratory analyses and procedures associated with the post, including reporting results, maintaining appropriate records and documentation for the 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 to identify poor performance and instigate appropriate action. Take delegated responsibility for the quality control, operation, routine maintenance and troubleshooting of equipment. Ensure that 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 any visiting clinical staff. Maintain ongoing Professional Portfolio and update Professional Development Plan. Undertake courses and other activities to satisfy HCPC Continuing Professional Development requirements. 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 that 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 or clinicians regarding work planning and results. Ensure that 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.

General

To participate in the provision of a reliable high quality analytical service that meets nationally accepted standards (JACIE/HTA). Participate in clinical audit and clinical governance. Assist the department with the continuous improvement of the Quality Management System Out of hours working The post holder may be required to work extended days to complete the work, this is essential to ensure cells are safe and viable for transplant. The post holder will be required to participate in emergency call out responses for fridges that contain cells out of hours, this is rotational and all team members participate.

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

oMust be able to demonstrate behaviours consistent with the Trust's behavioural standards

Training & Qualifications

Essential

oHCPC registered Biomedical Scientist oHas completed the IBMS Specialist Portfolio or equivalent (Haematology, Blood transfusion and transplantation or other closely related subject) oKnowledge of specialist discipline to postgraduate diploma level or equivalent. oDemonstrates a commitment to continuing education and training.

Desirable

oIBMS membership oBBTS Specialist Certificate in Stem Cell Transplantation Science. oDemonstrates a knowledge of instrumentation. oShows and awareness of method development and new technologies

Experience

Essential

oDemonstrable knowledge/experience in flow cytometry and Tissue Culture work. oRelevant laboratory experience of at least Minimum 2 years post HCPC Registration experience. oMinimum of 12 months in NHS or UK based laboratory. oConscientious, Meticulous. oAble to demonstrate knowledge and competency in appropriate laboratory techniques oDemonstrates a good knowledge of instrumentation oDemonstrates ability to organise their own work effectively oKeyboard skills and computer literacy.

Desirable

oShows and awareness of method development and new technologies. oHas a genuine interest in the future of Stem Cell and Cell Therapy work. Experience of audit.

Communication and Relationship skills

Essential

oGood interpersonal skills. oAble to communicate concisely, effectively and clearly. oAbility to present complex scientific information to colleagues internally and externally when required and at the appropriate level

Desirable

oDemonstrates a range of IT skills oCan communicate on a number of levels using different media.

Analytical and Judgement skills

Essential

oAble 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

oAble to prioritise workload accordingly. oAble to plan own work activities and those of supervised staff.

Physical skills

Essential

oRequires highly developed physical skills including accurate eye to hand coordination oAbility to manoeuvre trolleys around the campus oAble to maintain prolonged concentration for specific tasks working at laminar flow hood. oAble to walk across campus as required with products and equipment. oAble to manoeuvre heavy equipment.

Other requirements specific to the role

Essential

oAble to participate in out of hours roster and/or other flexible working arrangements.

---