At a Glance
- Tasks: Oversee collection and processing of thoracic samples for cancer research.
- Company: Join the King's Health Partners Cancer Biobank, a leader in cancer research.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, professional development, and a supportive team environment.
- Other info: Full-time role with opportunities for career growth and training.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in cancer research while developing your skills.
- Qualifications: Relevant degree or extensive experience in technical/scientific roles required.
The predicted salary is between 45031 - 45031 £ per year.
We are seeking to appoint a Biobank Advanced Practitioner or Practitioner, depending on experience, to the King’s Health Partners Cancer Biobank. A Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Trust facility that is embedded in King’s College London School of Cancer and Pharmaceutical Sciences. The Cancer Biobank has been supporting translational cancer research at a national level since the 1970s by providing high quality, carefully curated samples and data. These samples have all been acquired under documented procedures and are linked to verified clinical data.
The Biobank has a team of more than 20 full time staff, with a diverse range of expertise, from specialist technical to quality and outreach.
The Biobank Advanced Practitioner or Practitioner will have specific responsibility for the thoracic biobank, overseeing the collection, processing, cataloguing, storage and distribution of samples. The role includes undertaking partial dissection and sampling of diagnostic thoracic specimens collected directly from operating theatres. Training will be provided and there is ongoing competency assessment. The post holder will work closely with the other Biobank Practitioners and Guy's & St Thomas' NHS Trust consultant histopathologists. The successful applicant will liaise with research staff and students to help define their sample requirements and subsequently identify, collect and distribute samples for specific projects. Hence, good organisational, recordkeeping and communication skills are essential for the role, alongside a meticulous approach.
As a Practitioner, you will be expected to train and supervise staff, students and visitors in sample-based techniques. The Cancer Biobank has applied for UKAS accreditation for ISO20387. The Practitioner must lead by example and actively participate and support the application. Role-specific training will be provided and the post holder will need to participate in continuing professional development to further expand their knowledge. This includes actively supporting professional registration (RSciTech).
Candidates without specimen dissection experience but with comprehensive histology experience may be offered the Practitioner post (Grade 5). This is a full time (35 Hours per week), and you will be offered a fixed term contract until 31.08.28. There may be a requirement to work on Saturday. This should not exceed one Saturday per month and will be considered a standard working day.
To be successful in this role, we are looking for candidates to have the following skills and experience:
- Essential criteria
- Level 6 qualification, e.g., relevant undergraduate degree or equivalent, plus substantial work experience in relevant technical/scientific service posts OR Extensive work experience in relevant technical/scientific posts with management experience and/or qualification.
- Evidence of an active commitment to skills and knowledge development through vocational training and on-the-job experience.
- Evidence of an active commitment to professional development, such as working towards CSci and clear progression in increasingly demanding jobs.
- Comprehensive technical experience and knowledge of a range of scientific procedures and the underpinning scientific theory applicable to the work area and their environmental impact.
- Excellent spoken and written communication skills, with advanced computer use and strong interpersonal and influencing/behavioural skills to build a strong network to support the delivery of the service.
- Solutions-focused self-starter, with excellent planning and analytical skills, able to manage staff and facilities, setting performance standards, and establishing protocols to deliver these.
- Comprehensive knowledge of regulations and best practice governing area of work, including Health & Safety and environmental sustainability.
- Knowledge of environmental impacts of laboratory work and an interest in reducing the negative impacts.
- Desirable criteria
- Formal Health & Safety qualification e.g., NEBOSH/IOSH.
- Experience of supervising/advising junior team members, giving feedback on performance levels and training/coaching where necessary.
- Able and willing to provide support beyond core hours, as required.
We pride ourselves on being inclusive and welcoming. We embrace diversity and want everyone to feel that they belong and are connected to others in our community. We are committed to working with our staff and unions on these and other issues, to continue to support our people and to develop a diverse and inclusive culture at King's.
We ask all candidates to submit a copy of their CV, and a supporting statement, detailing how they meet the essential criteria listed in the advert. If we receive a strong field of candidates, we may use the desirable criteria to choose our final shortlist, so please include your evidence against these where possible.
We are not able to offer sponsorship for candidates who do not currently possess the right to work in the UK.
Grade and Salary: Advanced Practitioner - £45,031 per annum inclusive of London Weighting Allowance. Practitioner: £41,761 per annum inclusive of London Weighting Allowance.
Biobank Advanced Practitioner or Practitioner in London employer: King’s College London
King's College London is an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant work culture that prioritises diversity and inclusion. Employees benefit from professional growth opportunities, competitive remuneration, and the chance to contribute to impactful research projects in the heart of Greater London, making it a rewarding environment for those passionate about advancing knowledge and innovation.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Biobank Advanced Practitioner or Practitioner in London
✨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 King’s 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 King’s College London!
We think you need these skills to ace Biobank Advanced Practitioner or Practitioner in London
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 King’s 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 King’s 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 King’s 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 King’s 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 King’s 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 King’s 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 King’s College London. This shows your passion for the industry!
