Senior Research Technician - Department of Cancer and Genomic Sciences - 105496 - Grade 5

University of Birmingham; Birmingham; On-site; GBP 29,000 - 32,000

Job description

Senior Research Technician - Department of Cancer and Genomic Sciences - 105496 - Grade 5

United Kingdom

Job Description

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 £29,647 to £31,460, with potential progression once in post to £35,388

Grade: 5

Part Time (28.8 hours per week)

Fixed Term contract up to August 2026

International travel may be required for this role

Background

We are inviting applications for a 2-year position for the Application of AI-defined Molecular Classifications in Ovarian Cancer (AAIMC-OC) within the Surgical Research Laboratory at the Cancer and Genomic Sciences Department.

AAIMC-OC is an exciting international multidisciplinary collaborative project with the overarching aim to develop ways to apply AI-defined molecular classifications globally. This first pilot of the consortium aims to develop a novel molecular diagnostic test based on H&E images of ovarian cancer and to apply it in selected poor-resource settings. This project aims to achieve several objectives, including the development of a new AI-algorithm and a paired dataset for comparing how different imaging techniques influence the performance of our new AI-algorithms. In addition, the project will establish a privacy-preserving platform for testing the newly generated algorithm on locally collated images in low-and-middle-income countries.

Because of our multiple international collaborators from different time zones and full-time clinical care teams, we look for individuals with the flexibility to accommodate virtual meetings outside the normal working hours if required (up to 2-3 times per month). There is a high possibility that you will be offered the opportunity for brief international visits (e.g. to Amsterdam; up to 1-2 times during the tenure of the appointee) to fulfil the duties for this project.

In order to flexibly use resources, you may be asked to work in different areas of the Surgical Research Laboratory, department or wider university.

Role Summary

We are especially looking for candidates with interest in cancer care, health equity and international multidisciplinary collaborative research. The research work will primarily focus on the successful delivery of the AAIMC-OC project and maximising the impact of AAIMC-OC through related initiatives. Because of the number and diversity of collaborators involved, flexibility is the key to fulfilling the duties of this role. The hired personnel will work closely with Dr Elaine Leung, and pre-application discussion with the project lead is encouraged. The main duties are listed below.

The position comes with an allowance to cover travels essential for project delivery. Additionally, the successful candidate will have the opportunity to participate in public and patient involvement activities and organize international meetings, which are highly desirable for their personal and career development.

You will provide technical expertise, support and guidance in research support. You may supervise a number of technical staff but even where you do not directly supervise staff you will still be expected to act as a role model and coach others as appropriate.

You will need an in-depth understanding of the research questions, techniques and experimental protocols. You will be able to use your in-depth knowledge to advise on procedures, diagnose and resolve problems, and proactively suggest solutions to issues which arise. You will also contribute to the development of new protocols, standard operating procedures (SOPs) and databases for the novel technologies we are developing.

You may need to operate out of normal working hours to accommodate experimental procedures and collaborator meetings.

Main Duties

• You will be responsible for capturing images and/or videos from a large cohort of pathology slides using a variety of different novel and established imaging techniques.
• You will ensure clear records and maintain a repository of these image datasets, including linked archival materials and online virtual anonymised datasets.
• You prepare specimens for molecular testing and, when appropriate, perform molecular testing using relevant technologies based on manufacturers’ instructions.
• You will support the project lead in developing a new database to monitor the process of collecting prospective/new specimens for this project, such as recording the timeline from specimen collection to the generation of sequencing results.
• You may be asked to manually input existing data collected on spreadsheets into relevant databases to complete datasets for downstream analysis.
• You may assist in supporting project management tasks required to deliver this project with an international collaborative team.
• You will engage in forward planning and effective time management to support recurring tasks, in both laboratory (e.g. equipment servicing and repairs, obtaining quotations and ordering) and project management (e.g. supporting the planning and delivery of collaborators’ meetings) management.
• You will be responsible for assisting in managing the experimental and laboratories.
• You will use your in-depth knowledge of methods and procedures to advise on techniques and experimental procedures being used by researchers and/or students. This will involve communicating with colleagues at a range of levels and inexperienced students.
• You will need to be able to diagnose and resolve problems and suggest solutions in regard to techniques and experiments.
• Carry out specialist technical and experimental procedures which will need you to use your judgment to assess the correct technique to use, and to consider how these may be improved, referring to your manager for approval on any proposed changes.
• You will need to maintain accurate records of all techniques and experimental procedures you carry out, and for any other research activities you may be involved in including results.
• Ensure compliance with legislation relevant to the area of research/activity.
• Comply with and promote the operating procedures for the area, including the classification, labelling and packaging of substances and mixtures regulation.
• You may contribute to internal and external audit procedures and to regulatory inspections.

Health and Safety Duties

• Proactive support for health and safety within the laboratory. This may include being required to look after a communal area as part of your duties. Comply with all current rules and ensure all required assessments are in place, approved and up to date.
• Fully understand the safety aspects of equipment operation and be able to demonstrate/train staff (at all levels) on the correct usage of the equipment.
• Ensuring that regular maintenance processes are carried out and that appropriate records are maintained.
• Reporting any breaches or non-compliance with H&S procedures to the relevant manager(s).
• Upholding the correct waste disposal stream as governed by College and local policy for the laboratory.
• Post holders may be asked to undergo training as a First Aider.

General Administration and Organisation

• Ensuring all records are accurate and kept up to date.
• Proactively maintain stocks of consumables, and when required generate purchase order requisitions using University systems.
• Receipt and correct storage of consumables/equipment and chemical reagents.
• Ensuring that the facilities are maintained in a clean, functional and safe condition, reporting any problems through the appropriate channels.
• Ensuring that PAT testing, calibration of equipment and locally and centrally held equipment inventories are up to date and maintained.
• Adopt a proactive attitude to assisting with and implementing carbon reduction and energy saving measures.
• Maintain a technical support based teaching laboratory website (how to guides for the preparation of materials, practical setup guides), and keeping these up to date as and when session requirements or protocols change or maintaining relevant research lab databases/records.

Other Duties

• In collaboration with the relevant manager the post holder will take an active role in the training and mentoring process for junior or newly appointed staff.
• Supports equality and values diversity, moderates own behaviour to avoid unfair discriminatory impact or bias on others.
• Any other duties as may reasonably be required.

Required Knowledge, Skills, Qualifications, Experience

• Willingness to participate in virtual meetings outside of normal working hours, as the project includes international stakeholders across various time zones and full-time clinical care teams.
• Availability for occasional international travel (up to two trips during the project’s tenure) to assist with project delivery.
• Extensive relevant workplace experience, equivalent professional qualification or degree in an appropriate subject.
• GCSE level 2 (A*- C/4-9) or equivalent level 2 qualification in mathematics and English.
• In-depth practical knowledge of relevant technical and scientific methods. Previous experience of histopathology processing techniques, microscopy and/or molecular testing skills are desirable.
• Extensive experience of similar laboratory based work, together with familiarity with a wide range of laboratory equipment.
• Positive service attitude and shows courtesy in dealing with others.
• Ability to organise and manage own work load and demonstrate flexibility in terms of work practices/requirements.
• Ability to work under minimal supervision but function as part of a team.
• Ability to self-direct your own professional development, e.g. pre-reading of provided materials or self-organise relevant training for new skills.
• Knowledge of current legislation relevant to the role.
• Knowledge of current H&S policies and ability to uphold same.
• Proficiency in commonly used software packages.
• 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 provide specialist expertise in your area and provide advice and support to a range of stakeholders. You may supervise staff and students; even where you do not have supervisory responsibilities you will be expected to act as a role model for other staff and students. You may be involved in budget monitoring.

Planning and Organising

You will be required to work independently on daily, weekly and monthly tasks but also on projects with medium-longer-term horizons without daily supervision. You will ensure that you have the resources required, which will require planning ahead and procurement of goods.

Problem Solving and Decision Making

You will be able to research, modify and adapt protocols after consulting relevant manager, and prepare for research experiments. You will be able to uphold Health and Safety procedures. You will need to be confident in identifying problems, breaking them down and implementing solutions. Although you will work under the direction of more senior staff you will be able to carry out your work with a large amount of autonomy.

Internal and External Relationships

This role will be advising and supporting research staff and/or students, and with external contacts such as company representatives.

Job Info

• Job Identification 6686
• Job Category Specialist/Professional
• Posting Date 03/19/2025, 12:01 AM
• Apply Before 04/02/2025, 10:59 PM
• Job Schedule Part time
• Locations Accounts Payable, Finance Dept., BIRMINGHAM, West Midlands, B15 2TT, GB IBR Wolfson Drive Medical School, Birmingham, West Midlands, B15 2TT, GB