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

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

Closing date: 25th June 2025

International travel may be required for this role.

Background: We are inviting applications for a 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.

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.

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 and project 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.
• 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.

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 on the correct usage of the equipment. Reporting any breaches or non-compliance with H&S procedures to the relevant manager(s).

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.

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. 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.

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.

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.

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 need to be confident in identifying problems, breaking them down and implementing solutions.

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