Processing Team Lead (Laboratory)

Precision for Medicine are hiring a Processing Team Lead to join our well-established scientific team in Royston, UK who have been supporting biopharmaceutical research for over 25 years.

Position Summary:

The Processing Team Lead is responsible for receiving, inventory, shipment, and processing of biological samples into various components. Performing data reconciliation and assisting on an ongoing basis with organizing, planning, and prioritizing activities in the laboratory. Performance of competency assessments and line management of laboratory technicians. Ordering of lab supplies and the maintenance and validation of equipment.

Essential functions of the job include but are not limited to:

Sample Receipt and Processing:

• Organization and planning of sample processing activities and assist with prioritization of workload
• Ensure all incoming fresh biological samples are accessioned into BSI in an accurate and timely manner
• Perform cell isolations and/or separate whole blood and body fluids into various components following specific operating procedures
• Perform cryopreservation of isolated cells, and cell thawing and counting following specific operating procedures
• Coordinate ordering of lab supplies and maintain appropriate inventory levels
• PBMC process owner - responsible for sample processing documentation, equipment maintenance and validation, and staff training
• Effectively communicate all problems, concerns or incidents to Manager / Project Manager
• Proactively work to resolve sample discrepancies

Data Reconciliation and QC:

• Perform data entry QC checks in BSI
• Investigate and resolve data discrepancies in electronic databases.
• Prepare and analyze reports from BSI to identify possible errors or check sample inventory

Record keeping:

• Generate, protect, and maintain raw data, analyzed, reported data and associated metadata, including sample, reagent and methodology details
• Maintain accurate, up to date records (lab and timesheet)
• Maintain accurate, up to date metrics for the UK lab PBMC processing performance

Training and Competency Assessment:

• Train and perform competency assessments of new PBMC processing team members
• Assist and train other team members in areas of own expertise

Regulatory:

• Comply with all quality management, regulatory compliance, and project management processes (GxP, HTA, H&S).
• Work to the current Good Clinical Practice for Laboratories (GCLP) standards and maintain appropriate training and qualifications.

Other:

• Respond to freezer alarms in accordance with standard operating procedure
• Carry out other duties/projects as assigned
• Ability to participate in On Call rota for out of hours work
• Actively participate in performance review and personal development processes required

Qualifications and Experience:

Minimum Required:

• Level 5 qualification, HND in Biological sciences (or related discipline) or equivalent, with a minimum of 3 years’ relevant laboratory experience
• Experience in the successful isolation of viable PBMCs from whole blood

Preferred:

• BSc in Biological sciences (or a related discipline) or equivalent with a minimum of 2 years’ relevant laboratory experience
• Well-developed laboratory skills and be trained in aseptic technique
• Experience working in a regulated environment (GLP, GCLP)
• Strong communication skills both verbal and written
• Effective time management skills
• IT skills, particularly Microsoft tools. Experience working with sample management databases would be an advantage.
• Requires handling of fresh human biofluids and human primary cells
• May be exposed to a cold freezer environment (Freezer temperatures range between -20ºC -196ºC)
• HepB vaccination, proof of immunization or waiver is acceptable

Personal Attributes:

• Team player but able to work on own initiative
• Organized, methodical and accurate
• Exceptional attention to detail
• Analytical, interpretation and problem solving skills
• Able to cope with pressure, and the ever changing needs of the business
• Honest and with obvious integrity
• Self starter – enthusiastic and energetic