Job summary
The RNOH Biobank is licensed to store human tissues and represents the largest collection of sarcomas (cancers from bone and soft tissues) in the UK. The Biobank is based within the RNOH Histopathology department which provides NHS clinical diagnostics for patients. Sarcoma is a rare cancer and patient survival has not significantly improved over the last 20 years. Access to these samples and clinical data is essential for translational research which is improving our understanding of sarcoma. Studies conducted by the RNOH Biobank, in partnership with our collaborators, aim to continue to develop new clinical treatments which will improve patient care at an international level. Our goal is to develop a stratified medicine approach so that patients receive more personalised treatment depending on their diagnosis.

Main duties of the job
The successful applicant will work within the Biobank research team run by Professor Adrienne Flanagan who is a leader in sarcoma research in the UK. They will join a busy team of 3-4 research technicians and will play a vital part in preparing samples for valuable research for the benefit of patients. The candidate will contribute to the daily activities of the Biobank team by selecting, tracking and processing samples (such as slides, wax blocks, frozen tissues and DNA/RNA) for research projects as well as performing other operational/administrative tasks to ensure the smooth running of the Biobank. In particular, they will be responsible for co-ordinating the receipt, storage and processing of samples for tissue culture and whole genome sequencing as part of a major project on Osteosarcoma.

Following the appropriate training, the successful candidate will also identify and contact patients (in person and by post) who can be recruited to research projects and to process and store blood and tissue samples for the Biobank and for clinical trials as required.

The candidate will need to work flexibly and adapt to various tasks as required. They must act responsibly when dealing with patients and confidential information. All work will be conducted in compliance with legislative requirements including the Human Tissue Authority (HTA) and Research Ethics Committee (REC) and UK Accreditation Service (UKAS).

About us
At the Royal National Orthopaedic Hospital (RNOH), we are committed to achieving the best staff experience in the NHS. In the 2023 NHS Staff Survey, we proudly:

• Scored above the national average for the People Promises: "We are recognised and rewarded," "We are always learning," "We work flexibly," "We are a team," and for staff engagement.
• Ranked #1 among all Trusts in North and Central London for all People Promises and themes.
• Ranked #1 among all Acute Specialist Trusts for "We work flexibly."

At RNOH, we're committed to being actively anti-discriminatory and actively inclusive. We recognise our brilliant people do brilliant work, and we offer rewarding careers, no matter what their background. We continue to strive to break down barriers to be the Trust where people come together because what they do matters, makes a difference and where they can thrive.

Joining our organisation means enjoying a wide range of staff benefits, including:

• 24/7 access to wellbeing support through our Employee Assistance Programme.
• A Rewards & Recognition platform, offering opportunities to thank colleagues, send gifts, and access exclusive discounts.
• A dedicated Staff Wellbeing Hub, providing a space to relax and recharge away from the work environment.
• Salary sacrifice schemes for transport (season ticket loans, car and bike), electrical goods, and childcare

At RNOH, we are more than a workplace--we are committed to patients, to excellence and the wellbeing of our staff.

Job responsibilities

• Using hospital databases to identify patients eligible to donate tissue for research.
• To approach patients, in person or otherwise, and seek consent to use their samples.
• Logging, tracking and auditing samples and clinical data in dedicated databases/spreadsheets.
• Identifying and pseudo-anonymising samples for research projects.
• Performing cryotomy/microtomy of tissue to produce high quality sections for microscopic analysis.
• Performing DNA/ RNA extraction from tissue and blood samples.
• Performing other laboratory techniques (as required for research projects), including: scanning slides, immunohistochemistry and PCR-based assays.
• Co-ordinating and centrifuging blood samples to extract plasma and store components correctly.
• Preparing blood packs and consent forms.
• Maintaining the well-organised operation of the Biobank and research projects.
• Maintaining clear, accurate and up-to-date written and electronic documentation.
• Undertaking safe disposal of laboratory waste, including human tissue and body fluids.
• Take responsibility for general laboratory duties including writing SOPs, making reagents, purchasing consumables, standard equipment maintenance and waste disposal.
• Take responsibility for monitoring reagents and consumables through accurate record keeping and ordering items up to £500.
• To work efficiently within the assigned time, to the required standards and in accordance with established protocols.
• Assist in training new staff once competent to do so.
• Assisting other laboratory members with relevant research projects as directed by the group leader or supervisor.
• Contribute to technical/scientific discussions on biobank operations/research project development with colleagues and senior staff at lab meetings.
• To be aware of, and work to the appropriate Regulatory (MHRA, HTA) standards within the framework of GCLP and other legal governance and organisational policies relevant to the handling of human samples.
• Perform and be accountable for all duties under supervision of post-doctoral scientists/senior BMS, as directed by senior staff.
• Work in a safe manner in accordance with health and safety policies
• To follow the quality control measures as set out in the departmental SOPs and participate in internal quality control.
• Assist in monitoring quality standards and perform audit as required
• Assist in maintaining high scientific and technical standards
• Demonstrate a positive flexible attitude to the work of the department, members of the service team and service users
• Working flexibly where demands are unpredictable. Most tasks will be within core hours but occasional out-of-hours work may be required, which can be compensated by flexible start times
• Coordinate holidays with other laboratory members to ensure laboratory presence for everyday maintenance
• Occasional travel to other sites (mainly Bolsover & UCL) when needed for work
• Any other duties commensurate with the grade.

Person Specification
Knowledge
Essential

• A BSc degree or equivalent in biological/biomedical sciences or a related subject
• Experience of carrying out routine laboratory tasks by following SOPs
• Aware of the Human Tissue Authority (HTA).
• An interest in pursuing a career in science/healthcare/research related work.

Desirable

• An MSc degree in a related subject

communication skills
Essential

• Enthusiastic and pro-active attitude

Desirable

• Communicates complex or sensitive information clearly and concisely.

organisational skills
Essential

• Prioritises tasks and organises daily workload to deliver work to deadlines.
• Works flexibly and adapts to change.

IT skills
Essential

• Experience of using databases to search for information.
• Confident using basic Microsoft Excel functions to record and filter data.

Desirable

• Experience of using Microsoft Excel formulae/functions to analyse data.

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.

Certificate of Sponsorship
Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).

From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).

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.
Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).
From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).