Research Technician in Leeds

The Clinical Research Laboratory Team is recruiting! The Research and Innovation Department is continuing its exciting expansion. We have a wide range of research specialities and the Research Pathology Team is looking for a Research Technician. This is a full-time, permanent post based at the Clinical Research Facility (CRF), St James's University Hospital.

The post holder will contribute actively to the conduct, coordination and delivery of a busy clinical research laboratory supporting a diverse portfolio of NHS clinical trials. The laboratory specialises in the processing, storage and shipment of research samples.

The main tasks are:

• Processing clinical trial samples to protocol and time-sensitive requirements
• Supervising Band 3 staff and supporting the day-to-day running of the laboratory
• Managing sample storage, tracking and shipment

You will play a key role in maintaining high standards of quality, safety and compliance with Trust policies, study protocols and regulatory requirements (e.g. GCP, HTA), while supporting and guiding junior staff in their day-to-day work.

If you are interested in the post, we would encourage you to contact the recruiting manager for an informal discussion.

Main duties of the job:

We are looking to recruit a proactive and self-motivated individual with a keen interest in clinical research to work within the Research Pathology Team. The post holder will play a key role in supporting the delivery of clinical trials by processing, storing and shipping a wide range of biological samples including blood, urine and tissue, in accordance with study protocols and regulatory requirements. You will be responsible for organising and prioritising workload to meet strict time-sensitive deadlines and ensuring accurate sample tracking and data recording.

You will supervise Band 3 staff and support the day-to-day running of the laboratory, including equipment monitoring, stock control and maintaining a safe working environment. You will also contribute to study set-up activities, including reviewing laboratory manuals and advising on sample handling requirements.

The role requires close working with research nurses, clinicians, laboratory staff and external partners, including commercial sponsors and academic collaborators. You will ensure compliance with Trust policies and relevant legislation such as GCP, GCLP and the Human Tissue Act.

The post holder will be required to work flexibly, including occasional out of hours working, and contribute to continuous service improvement within a busy and evolving research environment.

About us:

Research is at the heart of our Trust. Leeds Teaching Hospitals is involved in research at all levels, developing and trialling new treatments for patients. We believe that being involved in cutting-edge research helps us provide better care to our patients. Over the next 5 years, we aim to be the best Trust to deliver high-quality clinical research and to champion research amongst our staff. We also aim to support and grow our world-class clinical infrastructure and assets for research and innovation.

We have a very proactive Research Academy. It offers an extensive programme of education and training tailored to meet the needs of individuals, teams involved in clinical research delivery in Health and Social Care.

Our five Trust values are part of what make us different. They have been developed by our staff:

• Accountable
• Empowered

Leeds Teaching Hospitals is committed to our process of redeploying 'at risk' members of our existing workforce to new roles. As such, all our job adverts are subject to this policy and we reserve the right to close, delay or remove adverts while this process is completed. If you do experience a delay in the shortlisting stage of the recruitment cycle, please bear with us while this process is completed, and contact the named contact if you have any questions.

Job responsibilities:

This role offers the opportunity to work at the forefront of clinical research within the Leeds Clinical Research Facility laboratories, supporting a wide range of cutting-edge clinical trials and research studies. You will be involved in the full sample pathway, including processing, storage, tracking and shipment of patient samples such as blood, urine and tissue, contributing directly to research that improves patient care.

Working as part of a highly collaborative, multidisciplinary team across Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust and the University of Leeds, you will gain exposure to a variety of research projects, clinical specialties and industry partnerships. The role provides opportunities to contribute to study set-up, review laboratory manuals, and help develop new procedures to support innovative research.

You will develop strong technical laboratory skills, including use of specialised equipment, quality control processes and regulatory compliance (GCP, GCLP and HTA). The department is committed to training and continuous professional development, with opportunities to expand your knowledge, participate in audits, and support the training of new staff.

The post requires a high level of accuracy, attention to detail and organisation, with responsibility for prioritising time-sensitive samples and maintaining precise records. You will work in a dynamic environment that may include cross-site working and occasional out-of-hours activity, with physical activity such as transporting samples, and concentration required for complex processing tasks.

The team promotes a positive, inclusive and quality-driven culture aligned to Trust values, encouraging innovation, teamwork and continuous improvement, making this an ideal role for someone looking to build a career in clinical research laboratories.

Person Specification:

Skills & behaviours:

• Strong practical laboratory skills, including accurate pipetting and sample handling
• Competent IT skills, including use of spreadsheets, databases and laboratory systems
• Good organisational skills with the ability to prioritise workload and meet time-sensitive deadlines
• Understanding of GCP, HTA and data protection requirements

Experience:

• Experience working in a laboratory environment, including handling a range of clinical samples
• Experience supervising a team
• Awareness or experience of quality control systems and laboratory audits

Qualifications:

• NVQ Level 3 (or equivalent) plus a Foundation Degree (or equivalent) in a science-related subject
• Degree in a science-related subject

Disclosure and Barring Service Check:

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.