Translational Research Facilitator | The Christie NHS Foundation Trust in Manchester

We are looking for a highly motivated and resourceful individual to join the Experimental Cancer Medicine Team (ECMT) as a Translational Research Facilitator (TRF). The TRF is responsible for obtaining, tracking and storage of human material samples in accordance with all relevant legislation and governance requirements for early phase and translational cancer research studies.

The successful candidate must have exceptional attention to detail, required for intricate sample tracking tasks. This role will involve supporting the sample management for commercial clinical trials (obtaining samples and sending them to central laboratories for research analysis), and supporting large translational research projects such as TARGET National (including preparation for and attendance at national molecular tumour board meetings). The post holder will also on occasion be asked to support a post‑mortem study, including attendance at post‑mortems to support sample collection.

Experience of working with samples, within a biobank or in a laboratory setting is beneficial for this role, though full training will be provided. The TRF role is full‑time office based at The Christie NHS Foundation Trust.

This role will involve working across clinical and translational research studies to:

• Collect human tissue samples (via attendance at biopsies or through requests to external hospitals)
• Track samples accurately using an in‑house LIMS system
• Maintain appropriate storage of human tissue samples including supporting senior team members with auditing of samples on site. This may involve spending time in a laboratory‑based environment particularly working with frozen samples.
• Arrange for prompt shipment of samples as required for patients on clinical trials

The post holder will also be expected to support with electronic data management, and preparation for national Molecular Tumour Board meetings. This role is largely administrative/office‑based with the expectation that the post holder will attend biopsies and support sample processing where required.

Informal discussions prior to application are encouraged. If you would like to discuss the role please contact Emma Darlington (e.darlingtonnhs.net).

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Sample Collection and Processing

• Assist with the collection of tissue and clinical data for clinical and translational research programmes within Clinical Pharmacology and Clinical Experimental Pharmacology.
• Liaise with the clinical team to identify patients who require sample collection and processing by attending team meetings, MDTs, etc and liaise with other departments and outside hospitals as appropriate.
• Liaise and communicate effectively with all relevant staff involved in sample collection and handling including, researchers, phlebotomists, surgeons, pathologists, theatre staff, and other health care professionals in a polite and professional manner.
• Assist with arranging the collection of biological samples as required and undertake sample processing, liaising and involving laboratory staff where necessary.
• Undertake shipment of samples from the collection site to the analysis/storage site, ensuring the quality of the samples is maintained and in line with all local and national policy.
• Complete all necessary paperwork relating to the collected patient samples.
• Perform clerical duties, including database development and computerised data entry, and filing.

Administration and Data Management

• Maintain LIMS sample tracking system, trial trackers and databases.
• Co-ordinate and carry out the collection and presentation of patient test results and data for discussion at Molecular Tumour Board meetings as required.
• Take and disseminate minutes for meetings as required.
• Deal with all matters arising, referring them on to appropriate members of staff as required.
• Display and maintain an appropriate level of IT skills, in order to input patient and request data, maintain and amend patient records and interrogate the laboratory and hospital databases.
• Perform a range of administrative tasks as required. This includes archiving and retrieval of specimens and data, maintenance of archived material and collection of data for audits.
• Ensure effective management of consent forms, leaflets and sample collection kits.

Training and Education

• Attend mandatory training sessions required by the Trust and any other study relevant to their area.
• Participate in the Trust’s annual appraisal procedure, maintaining competence levels within the Department and assists in own personal and professional development.
• Provide support and assistance to newly appointed/less experienced staff as appropriate.
• Ensure knowledge of relevant policies, procedures and legislation is kept up-to-date, including the Human Tissue Act (2004).

General Requirements

• Work to ensure that sample collection, shipment and storage is administered in an efficient and professional manner.
• Ensure effective communication/liaison with other research staff including clinicians Biobank Technicians and staff.
• Attend departmental and Trust‑wide staff meetings as appropriate and implement any resultant recommendations/findings in a timely manner.
• Work to ensure that performance targets are met by continually assessing priority of work.
• Maintain the highest standards of personal and professional conduct.
• Report adverse incidents to immediate supervisor.

Demonstrate an awareness of and compliance with health and safety regulations, the Data Protection Act, and Standard Operating Procedures.