Position Details

Department of Cancer and Genomic Sciences, School of Medical Sciences, College of Medicine and Health

Location: University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham UK

Full time starting salary is normally in the range £25,866 to £27,518, with potential progression once in post to £30,820

Grade: 4

Part Time (18 hours, 3 days per week)

Fixed Term contract up to July 2026

Closing date: 13th October 2024

‘Open House’ Drop In Session: We will be holding an ‘open house’ drop in session at the University’s Exchange building, in Centenary Square, Birmingham, between 10am and 5pm on Monday 30th September 2024. If you’re interested in working at the University of Birmingham and perhaps have a few questions, this is an opportunity to meet colleagues in the Recruitment team. It will be a relaxed and informal event – you can drop in at any time.

Background

This role is within the Jason Yap research group at the Department of Cancer and Genomic Sciences. You will join a dynamic gynaecological cancer research team with the aim to supporting the delivery of translational research activities. You are expected to handle tissue biopsies and serum (blood) collected from healthy women and women undergoing treatment for gynaecological cancer. You are also expected to support undertaking experiments on primary cultures and cell lines and extract DNA/RNA/proteins for analysis.

The Department of Cancer and Genomic Sciences integrates the major academic strengths of fundamental biomedical research with clinical trials of new therapies and surgical protocols. The school is based in the College of Medicine and Health, which houses state of the art technologies such as the £28M Institute of Biomedical Research, Class III facilities for viral, microbial research, access to human stem cells and core technologies including multiple ‘omics’ platforms, advanced imaging and animal models. Through laboratory and translational research, we are dedicated to exploring the genomic abnormalities that underlie cancer development and advancing our understanding of the molecular pathways that can be targeted by novel therapies.

Role Summary

You will provide technical support for research activities as required, utilising your technical skills and a wide range of techniques. You will also be expected to ensure your working area is safe and support others in following health and safety instructions. You may need to operate out of normal working hours to accommodate research activity. In order to flexibly use resource you may be given the opportunity to work in different areas of the department or wider University.

Main Duties

Research duties

• You are expected to handle and process human tissues biopsies and serum (bloods) obtained from patients who underwent surgery or treatment for gynaecological cancer.
• You may need to travel to City Hospital, Queen Elizabeth Hospital or Birmingham Women’s Hospital to collect tissues samples from patients.
• Essential laboratory techniques are:
  • Handling and processing of human tissues and serum
  • Tissue culture
  • Processing of tissues/serum into DNA/RNA for sequencing and genetic analysis
  • Preservation and storage of tissues/serum
  • Use of Microsoft Excel spread sheet for record keeping
  • Keep detail record and catalogue serum and tissues biopsies obtained from patients
• Desirable laboratory techniques are:
  • Sectioning of FFPE blocks
  • Maintaining primary tissues culture and cell lines
  • Flow cytometry and cell sorting
  • Immunohistochemistry staining
  • Organoid culture
  • Use of Flow cytometric analysis software e.g. Kaluza
• You are expected to work independently with minimal supervision.
• Carry out techniques and experimental procedures as required by research staff, students and Principal Investigators, designed to contribute to a specific research project or projects.
• You will be expected to resolve problems in your area of expertise but also to recognise when problems need to be referred to more senior staff.
• You will need to maintain accurate records of all techniques and experimental procedures carried out, and of any other research activities you may be involved in, including results.
• Comply with any legislation relevant to the area of research/activity.
• Comply with the Standard Operating Procedures for the activity.
• Demonstrate techniques to other staff and/or students on the area of expertise as required.
• You will contribute to internal and external audit procedures and to regulatory inspections.

Health and Safety 

• You will be expected to uphold compliance with all University and local Health & Safety policies, including risk assessments and manual handling, reporting any breaches or non-compliance to the relevant manager.
• You will be expected to manage the safe handling and disposal of all materials used in research laboratories, including hazardous materials.
• If required, assist or prepare risk assessments and keep these up to date.
• You will need to maintain all records as appropriate.
• Carry out regular maintenance processes as appropriate.

Administrative duties 

• You may be required to assist with PAT testing and calibration of equipment, and with updating equipment inventories.
• Maintain stocks of consumables and, if necessary, creating purchase order requisitions.
• Receipt and correct storage of consumables and chemical reagents.
• Ensure that the facilities are maintained in a clean, functional and safe condition, reporting any problems.
• Reporting any problems with equipment or services which cannot be resolved to the line manager as appropriate.
• Adopt a proactive attitude to assisting with and implementing carbon reduction and energy saving measures where practicable.
• Supports equality and values diversity, moderates own behaviour to avoid unfair discriminatory impact or bias on others.
• Any other duties commensurate with the grade and skill base of the post holder.

Required Knowledge, Skills, Qualifications, Experience

• NVQ, BTEC/ONC at level three or equivalent level three qualification and specific relevant experience in an appropriate subject.
• GCSE level 2 (A*- C) or equivalent level 2 qualification in mathematics and English.
• University degree (Bsc/Msc/PhD) in biology/biomedical sciences or relevant subject is desirable.
• Practical experience of processing clinical samples, undertaking basic cell culture, sequencing and immunological assays, and a working knowledge of Good Laboratory Practice.
• Experience of working in a laboratory based teaching or research environment; or be able to demonstrate the capability to participate in research projects.
• Ability to organise and manage own workload after consultation with manager.
• Familiarity with the use of a wide range of general laboratory equipment e.g. balances, pH meters, autoclaves, glass washing machines, microscopes.
• Proactive approach to Health and Safety matters, together with the communication skills to interact with a range of people, including students.
• Ability to be flexible to meet deadlines.
• The post holder will be fully familiar with the safe handling and storage of laboratory materials.
• Good IT skills, having a familiarity with both Windows and/or Apple Macintosh OS will be advantageous.
• Understands the importance of equality and diversity in the workplace.
• Ability to identify and respond to equality and diversity issues in line with relevant policies and procedures.

Dimensions

You will have no direct line management responsibility (other than occasional instructions to other staff) and no budget to manage.

Planning and Organising

You will be able to schedule and organise your own work within the priorities and requirements for the area.

Problem Solving and decision making

You will deliver a level of service as agreed, carrying out daily research support as required. You will be expected to assist in analysis and interpretation of research results.

Internal and External relationships

This role is primarily concerned with advising and supporting research staff.

Further particulars can be found here

Informal enquiries to Dr Jason Yap, email: j.yap@bham.ac.uk

We believe there is no such thing as a ‘typical’ member of University of Birmingham staff and that diversity in its many forms is a strength that underpins the exchange of ideas, innovation and debate at the heart of University life. We are committed to proactively addressing the barriers experienced by some groups in our community and are proud to hold Athena SWAN, Race Equality Charter and Disability Confident accreditations. We have an Equality Diversity and Inclusion Centre that focuses on continuously improving the University as a fair and inclusive place to work where everyone has the opportunity to succeed. We are also committed to sustainability, which is a key part of our strategy. You can find out more about our work to create a fairer university for everyone on our website.