AddressJob id: 086486. Salary: £37,332 - £42,099 per annum, including London Weighting Allowance.
Posted: 18 March 2024. Closing date: 01 April 2024.
Business unit: Faculty of Life Sciences & Medicine. Department: St John's Institute of Dermatology.
Contact details: David Baudry. David.Baudry@kcl.ac.uk
Location: Guy's Campus. Category: Professional & Support Services.
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Job description
An exciting opportunity has arisen for a Senior Laboratory Technician to support the delivery of translational research activities at St John’s Institute of Dermatology. The post holder will join a large interdisciplinary team of clinicians, scientists and study management personnel to deliver our internationally leading skin research programmes in three, interrelated areas with high unmet needs - immune-mediated diseases, cancer and rare disease. This is an opportunity to work with the largest skin bioresource in the UK, in an academic laboratory setting.
The post holder will lead on maintaining a supply of biological materials for use in translational research. Working closely with Laboratory Technician(s) and the Bioresource Manager, and supported by clinical, research and technical staff, you will lead on ensuring a steady supply of skin and cells and contribute to sample processing (e.g. PBMCs isolation). You will also lead on the operational running of the research laboratory (e.g. ordering and stock management, internal audits, equipment maintenance, sample shipment, representing the lab at meetings). The job may require occasional early starts/late finishes/weekend work, in addition to going to other sites across London where samples may be collected. Candidates should have experience in the processing of large sample collections, attention to detail and the ability to work independently.
This post is entirely lab based and the successful candidate will be working on site, there is no scope for hybrid working and/or working from home.
Due to the nature of this project, there may be times when the post holder will be needed to work outside of the core hours.
This post will be offered on a fixed-term contract until 31st January 2026.
This is a full time post - 100% full time equivalent.
Key responsibilities
Process and store samples as they are collected at St John’s Institute of Dermatology clinics and external sites, including PBMCs isolations and skin embedment
Document accurately and in a timely manner all sample processes/storage/use in relevant databases
Lead to ensure a constant supply of skin/cells (e.g. keratinocytes) for use by different groups within the department
Supervise and manage Laboratory Technicians
Contribute to the day to day of the laboratory activities (e.g. ordering and stock management, internal audits, equipment maintenance, sample shipment, representing the lab at meetings)
Be responsive to changing priorities and an evolving environment/context, maximising the efficiency of the technical support being provided
Use well-developed analytical skills to identify trends and patterns, using appropriate techniques and procedures to inform decisions
Engage in Continuing Professional Development and training initiatives, in line with the Technician Commitment and Research Concordat for a minimum of 10 days pro rata per year
Actively engage in the King’s Technical Network, building a network across the Faculty to provide peer support and opportunities to share best practice
Forge relationships with colleagues in the School, Faculty, university and externally, to build relationships, and disseminate and get information
Implement changes to help improve current working methods and procedures
Demonstrate leadership and innovation in the implementation of environmentally sustainable practices
Be responsible for compliance with local regulations to ensure a safe workplace and report accidents/incidents to line manager(s) or supervisor(s)
Facilitate an inclusive culture and ethos working with academic, research and other professional services staff and colleagues external to King’s
Participate in cross-School/Faculty/University projects and initiatives for up to 10% FTE
Adhere to local laboratory SOPs and national health and safety policies and assist with relevant paperwork and administration to meet Good Clinical Laboratory Practice (GCLP), Good Clinical Practice (GCP) and Trust guidelines
The above list of responsibilities may not be exhaustive, and the post holder will be required to undertake such tasks and responsibilities as may reasonably be expected within the scope and grading of the post.
Skills, knowledge, and experience
Essential criteria
- BSc degree in a biological or medical subject, plus work experience in relevant technical/scientific posts OR considerable knowledge and skills gained through work experience in relevant technical or scientific posts
- Commitment to personal and professional development
- Extensive technical experience and knowledge of a range of scientific procedures
- Clear spoken and written communication skills, with proficient computer use (Microsoft office including Outlook, Word, Excel) and databases, and strong interpersonal and influencing/behavioural skills
- Proactive and responsive to contacts in immediate area, across a wider organisation and externally to build relationships and networks
- Solutions-focused self-starter, with excellent planning and analytical skills, able to manage competing priorities and work with minimal supervision
- Good working knowledge of regulations and best practice governing area of work, including Health & Safety and environmental sustainability
- Experience in supervising/advising less experienced colleagues, monitoring and providing feedback on performance and training where necessary
- Experience of working in an academic research laboratory
- Laboratory experience in sample processing (PBMCs isolation) and in generating and maintaining cell cultures
- Ability to maintain accurate laboratory records
- Knowledge or experience of storage facilities for biological materials
Desirable criteria
- MSc degree in a biological or medical subject, or equivalent
Further information
This post is entirely lab based and the successful candidate will be working on site, there is no scope for hybrid working and/or working from home.
This post is subject to Occupational Health clearance.
