Cambridge University Hospital NHS Foundation Trust
We are currently seeking a Senior Biosample Assistant to join our biosample team in the Cambridge Cancer Trials Centre (CCTC). The CCTC is an exciting collaborative centre conducting research at all phases of clinical drug development and co-ordinates major multi-centre studies. Our goals are to improve outcomes for patients with cancer or at risk of developing cancer.
The CCTC accommodates around 100 research staff involved in the set-up, coordination and conduct of clinical and translational cancer research. The biosample team are a small team central to the work of CCTC who look after local aspects of sample management. This includes managing the processing, storage and shipment of biological samples for clinical trials, and working alongside trials nurses, practitioners, data managers and numerous teams around the hospital to ensure the delivery of a robust service.
Main duties of the job
This role will involve coordinating the sample related aspects of clinical trials, such as processing, storage and shipment of blood and other biological samples for research studies, ensuring that protocol requirements are followed. There will be responsibility for all aspects of managing the oncology sample handling room and the laboratory equipment within it. Other duties include liaising with couriers, external agencies, and clinical staff alongside research teams regarding all aspects of sample collection, storage and shipment for trials. Management of sample kits and sample storage facilities and maintenance of logs, accurate completion of trial documentation.
About us
Our Trust
Cambridge University Hospitals (CUH) NHS Foundation Trust comprises Addenbrooke's Hospital and the Rosie Hospital in Cambridge. With over 13,000 staff and over 1100 beds, the priorities of the Trust focus on a quality service which is all about people - patients, staff and partners. Recognised as providing 'outstanding' care to our patients and rated 'Good' overall by the Care Quality Commissioner, is testament to the skill and dedication of the people who work here. CUH's values - Together - Safe, Kind, Excellent - are at the heart of patient care, defining the way all staff work and behave. The Trust provides accessible high-quality healthcare for the local people of Cambridge, together with specialist services, dealing with rare or complex conditions for a regional, national and international population.
CUH is committed to promoting a diverse and inclusive community - a place where we can all be ourselves. We value our differences and fully advocate and support an inclusive working environment where every individual can fulfil their potential. We want to ensure our people are truly representative of all the communities that we serve. We welcome applications for all positions in the organisation irrespective of people's age, disability, ethnicity, race, nationality, gender identity, sex, sexual orientation, religion or belief, marriage and civil partnership status, or pregnancy and maternity status or social economic background.
Job responsibilities
Please see the attached Applicant Information Pack (combined Job Description and Person Specification) for key duties and responsibilities.
Please note: Internal applicants on permanent contracts can only apply for this post as a secondment and must have the approval of your current line manager before applying.
Person Specification
Qualifications
* Educated to degree level or NVQ level 4 with additional relevant experience in a biological, physical, social or related scientific discipline.
* Evidence of continuing professional development in research.
Experience
* Experience of working in the NHS or other similar biological or scientific discipline.
* Previous experience handling biological samples in a laboratory environment or clinical trials environment.
* Experience of liaison with staff across all levels with the NHS/universities/industry/external agencies.
* Experience of working autonomously within guidelines and deadlines.
* Experience of prioritising, planning and organising own tasks.
* Data entry and documentation experience.
* Experience of using IT packages including Microsoft Office.
* Experience of working in cancer related field.
* Experience of working with multidisciplinary teams.
* Previous experience of working in clinical trials.
* Experience of using EPIC, EDGE, and sample management systems.
Knowledge
* Knowledge of safe use and maintenance of laboratory equipment e.g. centrifuges, cold units, automated pipettes.
* Comprehensive knowledge of laboratory processes.
* Ability to contribute to assessing and suggesting changes to laboratory operating procedures.
* Understanding of ethical and quality standards applicable to clinical trials, including Good Clinical Practice and EU directive.
* Understanding of confidentiality and data protection.
* Good working knowledge of Microsoft Office packages.
* Awareness of Human Tissue Act.
* GCP certificate.
* Knowledge of medical terminology.
Skills
* Well-developed organisational and communication skills.
* Ability to adapt to change.
* Ability to work autonomously and as part of a team.
* Ability to work under pressure.
* Ability to demonstrate a flexible approach to respond to the needs of the service.
* Well-developed physical laboratory skills, ie adept manipulation of biological samples and use of laboratory equipment.
* Ability to multitask, organise, and manage own time, whilst keeping to schedule and deadlines.
* Willing to undertake training to extend skill set.
* Ability to show attention to detail with a high standard of accuracy and work to good documentation principles.
* Able to train less experienced colleagues.
* Prior knowledge of EPIC.
Additional Requirements
* The ability to understand and behave at all times, towards patients, visitors and colleagues according to the Trust values of Together - safe, kind, excellent.
* Has an awareness of the cancer treatment journey of a patient and has a patient centred approach to the handling of biological samples.
Disclosure and Barring Service Check
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.
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