At a Glance
- Tasks: Join our lab team as a Research Technician, handling biological samples and ensuring quality processing.
- Company: Be part of the NIHR / Wellcome Trust Birmingham Clinical Research Facility, a leader in clinical research.
- Benefits: Enjoy professional development opportunities and a chance to contribute to impactful research.
- Why this job: Gain hands-on lab experience while working in a supportive environment focused on ethical research practices.
- Qualifications: GCSEs in English and Math required; lab experience with basic equipment is a plus.
- Other info: Flexible hours during busy periods; strong communication skills are essential.
The predicted salary is between 28800 - 43200 £ per year.
An opportunity has arisen for an enthusiastic and motivated individual to join our expanding laboratory team at the NIHR / Wellcome Trust Birmingham Clinical Research Facility (CRF) as a Research Technician. The CRF provides a high-quality clinical environment in which patients and healthy subjects can participate in research programmes safely according to robust, ethically approved trial protocols., Working as part of the CRF Laboratory Team the post holder will have knowledge of a range of pre-analytical procedures and will be responsible for receiving biological samples from clinical trials and studies, and carry out any pre-analytical processing, storage or shipping in accordance with the study specific laboratory manual.
Good communication skills are required when talking to clinical delivery teams or external stakeholders such as Central Laboratories and couriers. The role also requires Researching Governance issues such as patient confidentiality, informed consent, data protection and Good Clinical Practice guidelines. Attention to detail is essential to ensure samples are labelled correctly and their custodianship recorded accurately, and auditing is carried out correctly.
General duties will include participating in daily, monthly and weekly laboratory maintenance and equipment checks. Assist in creating the weekly laboratory work schedule by accurately recording patient visits and ordering transport couriers and dry ice when required.
In return, we can offer you continued professional development in a varied and interesting setting, and the opportunity to make a valuable contribution to the smooth delivery of research studies.
The post holder should have good interpersonal skills to collect samples from a clinical environment and be able to communicate effectively with clinical or scientific staff about subsequent processing, storage and shipping. The sample pathway through the laboratory needs to be accurately catalogued, so an attention to detail is required.
The role often requires the spinning then aliquoting of samples, with less frequent cell isolation (eg PBMCs). Lab experience using basic equipment such as centrifuges and pipettes is desirable.
Current working pattern is 08-00 to 16-00 or 10-00 to 18-00 Mon-Fri, but during busy times some flexibility might be required.
Applicants should be educated to GCSE standard or equivalent in English Language and Mathematics and possess excellent numeracy and written/verbal communication skills. Demonstrable experience of Microsoft packages is required.
For further details please contact Michael.Bubb@uhb.nhs.uk or emma.gaughan@uhb.nhs.uk, Queen Elizabeth Hospital
Mindelsohn Way
Birmingham
West Midlands
B15 2TH, https://www.uhb.nhs.uk/jobs.htm (Opens in a new tab), Helen Smith
Helen.Smith4@uhb.nhs.uk
01213713286
Band 3 Research Technician employer: University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust
Contact Detail:
University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust Recruiting Team
+441213713286
Helen.Smith4@uhb.nhs.uk
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Band 3 Research Technician
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarize yourself with the specific pre-analytical procedures and protocols used in clinical research. Understanding these processes will not only help you during the interview but also demonstrate your genuine interest in the role.
✨Tip Number 2
Brush up on your communication skills, especially in a clinical context. Being able to effectively communicate with clinical delivery teams and external stakeholders is crucial for this position.
✨Tip Number 3
Highlight any relevant lab experience you have, particularly with equipment like centrifuges and pipettes. If you can, prepare examples of how you've successfully managed sample processing or data management in previous roles.
✨Tip Number 4
Showcase your attention to detail by discussing past experiences where accuracy was essential. This could include examples from previous jobs or academic projects where meticulousness made a difference.
We think you need these skills to ace Band 3 Research Technician
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Read the job description carefully to understand the responsibilities and requirements of the Research Technician position. Highlight key skills such as attention to detail, communication skills, and lab experience that are essential for the role.
Tailor Your CV: Customize your CV to reflect relevant experiences and skills that align with the job description. Emphasize any laboratory experience, particularly with pre-analytical procedures, and your proficiency in Microsoft packages.
Craft a Strong Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your enthusiasm for the role and the organization. Mention specific examples of your past experiences that demonstrate your ability to handle biological samples and communicate effectively with clinical teams.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting your application, thoroughly proofread your CV and cover letter for any grammatical or spelling errors. Ensure that all information is clear and concise, reflecting your excellent written communication skills.
How to prepare for a job interview at University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust
✨Show Your Enthusiasm
Make sure to express your enthusiasm for the role and the research facility. Highlight your motivation to contribute to clinical research and how it aligns with your career goals.
✨Demonstrate Attention to Detail
Prepare examples from your past experiences that showcase your attention to detail, especially in lab settings. Discuss how you ensure accuracy in sample labeling and data recording.
✨Communicate Effectively
Practice clear and concise communication. Be ready to discuss how you would interact with clinical teams and external stakeholders, emphasizing your interpersonal skills.
✨Familiarize Yourself with Good Clinical Practice
Research Good Clinical Practice guidelines and be prepared to discuss their importance in your role. Showing knowledge of patient confidentiality and data protection will demonstrate your commitment to ethical standards.