At a Glance
- Tasks: Coordinate biobanking operations and support tissue sample delivery for research projects.
- Company: Join the Imperial College Healthcare Tissue Bank, a leader in translational research.
- Benefits: Enjoy 41 days of annual leave, flexible working, and a generous pension scheme.
- Other info: Be part of a diverse team at a world-leading institution with excellent career growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in healthcare by supporting vital research with human biospecimens.
- Qualifications: Masters level education in biological sciences and experience in tissue banking required.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 £ per year.
An exciting opportunity has arisen for a Senior Research Technician / Coordinator to join the Imperial College Healthcare Tissue Bank (ICHTB) at Imperial College London. The successful candidate will play a key role in supporting the biobanking laboratory service, contributing both advanced technical expertise and operational coordination.
Main duties of the job:
- Support day‑to‑day technical delivery and assist the ICHTB Operations and Partnerships Manager in the longer‑term development of the laboratory service.
- Coordinate the day‑to‑day operation of the biobanking laboratory service, ensuring delivery of tissue samples to research projects within agreed timelines.
- Support tissue acquisition pathways by working closely with surgical teams, pathology departments and research groups.
- Provide technical expertise in histological processing, including FFPE processing, microtomy, cryotomy, snap freezing and routine staining such as H&E.
- Perform molecular techniques including DNA and RNA extraction from human biospecimens.
- Conduct bespoke donor searches and sample identification using NHS clinical systems.
- Develop and optimise laboratory protocols and risk assessments.
- Maintain laboratory compliance with HTA regulations, GCLP principles and data protection requirements.
- Support the collection, storage and distribution of biospecimens for research studies.
- Train and supervise junior staff and visitors in laboratory techniques and best practices.
- Maintain laboratory equipment, consumables and documentation.
- Contribute to scientific reports, publications and presentations where appropriate.
What we are looking for:
An experienced laboratory professional with a background in histopathology and tissue banking, skilled in processing human biospecimens and molecular techniques. The successful candidate will have a strong understanding of research governance and laboratory quality standards, excellent organisational skills, and the ability to work independently while supporting and training others in a multidisciplinary research environment.
What we can offer you:
- The opportunity to continue your career at a world‑leading institution and be part of our mission to use science for humanity.
- Benefit from a sector‑leading salary and remuneration package (including 41 days' annual leave and generous pension schemes).
- Access to a range of workplace benefits including a flexible working policy from day one, generous family leave packages, on‑site leisure facilities and cycle‑to‑work scheme.
- Interest‑free season ticket loan schemes for travel.
- Be part of a diverse, inclusive and collaborative work culture with various staff networks and resources to support your personal and professional wellbeing.
Person Specification:
Qualifications:
- Educated to Masters level or equivalent experience in a biological discipline and/or biobanking ethics.
- HCPC registration as a Biomedical or Clinical Scientist.
Experience:
- Experience in tissue banking.
- Experience working within a diagnostic histopathology department.
- Proven supervisory/management or training experience in a technical or scientific role.
- Experience in histological processing of human tissue samples and molecular techniques.
- Experience in optimising, troubleshooting and validating molecular or histological protocols.
- Experience in undertaking administrative responsibilities, including data analysis and presentation ability with statistical software and Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint.
Disclosure and Barring Service Check:
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and will require a submission for Disclosure to the Disclosure and Barring Service to check for any previous criminal convictions.
Further information:
This role is full‑time, fixed term for 18 months based at Charing Cross Hospital. Should you have any queries please contact: Dr Idil Ahmed – idil.ahmed@imperial.ac.uk
Senior Research Technician / Co-ordinator employer: Imperial College London
Imperial College Healthcare Tissue Bank offers an exceptional work environment for Senior Research Technicians/Coordinators, providing the opportunity to contribute to groundbreaking research at a world-leading institution. Employees benefit from a sector-leading salary, generous annual leave, and a flexible working policy, all within a diverse and inclusive culture that prioritises personal and professional growth. With access to on-site leisure facilities and various staff networks, this role not only supports scientific advancement but also fosters a collaborative and supportive workplace.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Research Technician / Co-ordinator
✨Get Involved in Local Research Communities
Tap into local biotechnology meetups and research forums. These are great places to mingle with industry professionals, share your passion, and even discover unadvertised job openings. It's all about getting your face known in the field!
✨Leverage University Alumni Networks
If you're a recent grad, don’t underestimate the power of your university’s alumni network! Reach out to alumni working in biotechnology to gather tips about job openings at companies like Imperial College London. You'd be surprised how willing people are to help out a fellow grad!
✨Show Off Your Projects
Curate a portfolio showcasing any research projects or internships you've completed in biotechnology. This tangible evidence of your skills can really impress employers when you chat with them at networking events or interviews. It's about making that killer first impression!
✨Stay Up-to-Date with Industry Trends
Biotech is a fast-paced field, so keeping yourself updated with the latest advancements is crucial. Attend industry conferences, webinars, or workshops to broaden your knowledge and meet potential employers. Plus, it’ll give you fantastic talking points for your interviews at places like Imperial College London!
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Research Technician / Co-ordinator
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Lab Skills:In the biotechnology field, it's super important to highlight your lab experience in your CV. Be sure to mention specific techniques or instruments you've mastered (think PCR, gel electrophoresis, etc.) and any relevant projects you've worked on. This will show Imperial College London that you have the hands-on skills they need.
Tailor Your Technical Skills:Make sure to emphasise your technical skills, especially those relevant to the biotechnology sector. Include any software tools or programming languages you've used, like R or Python for data analysis, which could be key for this role at Imperial College London.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Since this is a full-time role, your cover letter should reflect not only your passion for biotechnology but also your long-term career ambitions. Share why you're excited about the work that Imperial College London does and how you envision contributing to their goals. This shows that you’re not just looking for any job, but you're genuinely invested in this opportunity.
Include Your Papers and Projects:If you've published any papers or contributed to significant projects, mention them! These documents can boost your application and provide tangible evidence of your expertise in the biotechnology field. Don’t forget to link to any relevant publications or project summaries—this can set you apart from other candidates.
How to prepare for a job interview at Imperial College London
✨Brush Up on Lab Techniques
Since you're eyeing a full-time gig in biotechnology, make sure you're well-versed in the lab techniques relevant to the role. Be ready to talk about PCR, CRISPR, or any specific methods mentioned in the job description at Imperial College London. You might even be asked to demonstrate your understanding of these processes.
✨Know Your Bioinformatics Tools
Get comfortable with bioinformatics tools that are commonly used in the industry, like BLAST or Bioconductor. These are key in biotechnology, and having hands-on experience or at least familiarity can set you apart. Prepare to discuss any relevant projects you've worked on, especially if they involved data analysis or genomic research.
✨Show Your Teamwork Skills
Biotech often involves collaboration across multiple disciplines. Be ready to share stories that highlight your teamwork and communication skills, especially in research projects. Think about working with different teams at university or any internships – this is where you can show how well you fit into Imperial College London's culture.
✨Research Recent Biotech Innovations
Stay updated on the latest trends and breakthroughs in biotechnology. Knowing what's happening in the field can help you engage in more meaningful discussions during your interview. Bring up recent articles or advancements that excite you, especially those related to the work being done at Imperial College London. This shows your passion for the industry!
