Senior Research Technician - Fertility Preservation

The School of Life Course & Population Sciences is one of five Schools that make up the Faculty of Life Sciences & Medicine at King's College London. The School unites over 400 experts in women's and children's health, nutritional sciences, population health and the molecular genetics of human disease. Our research links the causes of common health problems to life's landmark stages, treating life, disease, and healthcare as a continuum. We are interdisciplinary by nature and this innovative approach works: 91 per cent of our research submitted to the Subjects Allied to Medicine (Pharmacy, Nutritional Sciences and Women's Health cluster) for REF was rated as world-leading or internationally excellent. We use this expertise to teach the next generation of health professionals and research scientists.

About the role: The post of Senior Technician supports cutting-edge research and clinical activities within the Stem Cell Research Unit and the Ovarian Tissue Cryopreservation Service, based in the Assisted Conception Unit (ACU) at Guy's Hospital. The primary focus of the post is to contribute to research aimed at improving outcomes in fertility preservation and fertility treatment. The post holder works closely with research and clinical staff to support laboratory-based activities, including work conducted under Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) conditions.

The post holder is required to:

• Work in accordance with the Codes of Practice and regulatory requirements of the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority (HFEA) and the Human Tissue Authority (HTA).
• Be responsible for the day-to-day management and accurate record-keeping of human embryos donated for research, in accordance with consent and regulatory requirements.
• Monitor consent expiry dates and ensure that embryos are used within valid consent periods, notifying the supervisor at least one month in advance of any upcoming consent expiry.
• Participate in the maintenance and operation of the GMP laboratory in line with local Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and quality systems.
• Contribute to the delivery of the Ovarian Tissue Cryopreservation Service and associated research activities.
• Support compliance with project licences relating to genetic modification work, ensuring that appropriate licences are obtained and adhered to, and liaising with local and College Biological Safety Officers as required.

Experience in maintaining laboratory equipment and facilities is desirable, although full training will be provided to the successful candidate. This is a full-time position (35 hours per week) and you will be offered an indefinite contract. Flexibility to work outside of standard working hours (evenings and occasionally weekends) when required is an essential part of the role. As the post directly supports clinical activity, it does require staying beyond standard hours when clinical procedures run late.

About You: To be successful in this role, we are looking for candidates to have the following skills and experience:

Essential criteria:

• Minimum level 4 qualification, e.g., higher apprenticeship, HNC or other Level 4 award, plus work experience in relevant technical/scientific posts OR considerable knowledge and skills gained through work experience in relevant technical or scientific posts.
• Evidence of an active commitment to career development including professional registration, such as RSci, or working towards CSci and clear progression in increasingly demanding jobs.
• Extensive technical experience and knowledge of a range of scientific procedures and the underpinning scientific theory applicable to the work area and the environment impact, particularly aseptic techniques in a research or regulated laboratory environment.
• Good working knowledge of regulations and best practice governing area of work, including Health & Safety and environmental sustainability, with specific knowledge on the ethical, regulatory and quality requirements relating to working with the patients and/or the handling of human embryos as well as human tissues.
• Knowledge of environmental impacts of laboratory work and an interest in reducing the negative impacts, in addition to knowledge of the Codes of Practice and regulatory framework of the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority (HFEA) and Human Tissue Authority (HTA), or the ability to acquire this knowledge rapidly.
• Experience in handling and micromanipulation of fresh and/or frozen human embryos, gametes and/or tissues.
• Experience of mammalian cell culture, including stem cell culture as well as tissue cryopreservation techniques or fertility preservation-related laboratory work.

Desirable criteria:

• Experience of supervising/advising junior team members, giving feedback on performance levels and training/coaching where necessary.
• BSc (or equivalent qualification or experience) in a natural sciences discipline, such as biology, biochemistry, chemistry, biomedical sciences, or a related subject.
• Able and willing to provide support beyond core hours, as required.
• Experience of working in a GMP or similarly regulated laboratory environment.
• Experience supporting research, clinical or service-based laboratory activities in a regulated setting.

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. This post is subject to Disclosure and Barring Service and Occupational Health clearances.