Technician

Job Purpose

To provide in-depth technical expertise in supporting laboratory studies under the remit of the Glasgow Rheumatology and Musculoskeletal Disease Group Trials (Glasgow RMD GT). This role will primarily focus on managing clinical trial samples including biopsy, blood and urine samples from multiple sites throughout Scotland, processing samples in accordance with study specific Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and logging samples using the group’s laboratory information management system (LIMS). You will also be responsible for ensuring that study sites maintain adequate stock levels to enable participant recruitment activities. Furthermore, you will liaise with study sites to feedback on any sample quality issues and advise on corrective actions.

This post is based within the School of Infection and Immunity, working under the supervision of Professor Carl Goodyear.

Main Duties and Responsibilities

1.          Provide in-depth technical support in respect of processing of biological samples in accordance with study specific SOPs (blood, urine, synovial fluid, synovial tissue, temporal artery biopsy) and tissue culture.

2.          Provide in-depth knowledge, solutions, and technical advice relating to maintenance and cleaning of the research group’s Sony Cell Sorter

3.          To maintain the group’s laboratory equipment and diagnose faults and troubleshoot day to day problems relating to equipment, techniques, procedures and protocols, carrying out appropriate maintenance as required.

4.          In liaison with the Lab Manager/Principal Investigator (PI), monitor technical standards, advise, implement and evaluate improvements to existing protocols relevant as required.

5.          Develop, test and construct new equipment, systems and/or techniques.

6.          Collect, analyse and interpret data using standard procedures and ensure that accurate research records are kept and databases are updated accordingly.

7.          Plan and organise day to day work to ensure that scheduled sample deliveries can be accommodated within existing planned laboratory work.

8.          To support the groups collaborative research activities with external partners by picking and shipping samples to investigators within and external to the UK. Oversight of shipment bookings to ensure that samples are packaged and shipped under optimal conditions for the sample type, and in accordance with International Air Transport Association (IATA) [DM1] regulations. Responsible for reconciling incoming shipments with manifests and to investigate and resolve with sender any discrepancies within the shipment.

9.          In consultation with Lab Manager/PI, ensure the well organised functioning of the laboratory and assist in maintaining stock levels, estimate current stock use and project stock requirements for short term scheduled work plans to optimise ordering and minimise waste. To use knowledge of laboratory reagents and consumables requirements for each protocol and search for best value from vendors to ensure the spend is kept within budget.

10.       In consultation with the Lab Manager/PI, ensure the safe and efficient functioning of the laboratory area and facilities. This includes, but is not limited to, supporting the completion of risk assessments and COSHH assessments, ensuring that all Health and Safety paperwork is completed timeously and recorded accurately, and implementing and adhering to health and safety policies, as determined by the University and the Health and Safety Executive.

11.       Where required, supervise staff and students and delegate and allocate work to junior colleagues, monitoring progress and performance.

12.       Collaborate with colleagues and participate in team meetings/discussions and departmental research group activities.

13.       Keep up to date with advancements in technology and methodology, continually updating technical knowledge.

14.       Be aware of and comply with Equality and Diversity policies of the University of Glasgow.

The above duties are not exhaustive and the postholder will be required to undertake any other relevant duties as required by the Lab Manager / PI which are commensurate with the grade of the post.

Knowledge, Qualifications, Skills and Experience

Knowledge/Qualifications

Essential:

A1. Scottish Credit and Qualification Framework level 7 (Advanced Higher / Scottish vocational Qualification level 3, Higher National Certificate) or equivalent, and experience of personal development in a similar role.

A2. Detailed technical knowledge and experience in clinical trial samples including biopsy, blood and urine samples

A3. Up to date knowledge of relevant laboratory Health and Safety legislation.

Desirable:

B1. Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework level 9 (BSc Degree, SVQ Level 4) or equivalent in relevant scientific discipline.
B2. Working towards Professional Registration with the Institute of Science & Technology to RSciTech level, or above.

B3. Practical laboratory skills including cell separation, cell markers analysis (FACS) and soluble biomarkers analysis (at least by ELISA).

B4. Knowledge of Equality and Diversity policy.

Skills

Essential:

C1. Excellent laboratory skills including handling and processing of biological samples (blood, urine, synovial fluid, synovial tissue, temporal artery tissue) and tissue culture.

C2. Ability to learn new techniques through training and consultation with other colleagues.

C3. IT skills including familiarity with Microsoft Office programmes and proficient user of specialist software packages.

C4. Demonstrable analytical and problem solving abilities.

C5. Proven interpersonal and communication skills.

C6. Numeracy and literacy skills.

C7. A high level of accuracy and attention to detail.

C8. Excellent organisational and time management skills and an ability to plan and prioritise workload to meet competing demands.

C9. Use of initiative and judgement to resolve problems independently.

C10. Ability to work individually and as part of a team.

Desirable:

D1. Supervisory skills

D2. Working knowledge of the broader activities within Biology / Immunology research environment

Experience

Essential:

E1. Significant relevant work experience within a similar environment, including evidence of previous professional development.
E2. Experience of understanding and interpreting the technical requirements of staff and students.

E3: Experience of planning and organising own workload to meet the needs of trials timelines.

Desirable:

F1. Familiarity with using Laboratory Information Management Systems or similar samples inventory systems.

Terms and Conditions

Salary will be Grade 5, £25,138 - £29,605 per annum.

This post is full time (35 hours per week), and has funding available until 31st May 2025. 

As part of Team UofG you will be a member of a world changing, inclusive community, which values ambition, excellence, integrity and curiosity.

As a valued member of our team, you can expect:

1 A warm welcoming and engaging organisational culture, where your talents are developed and nurtured, and success is celebrated and shared.

2 An excellent employment package with generous terms and conditions including 41 days of leave for full time staff, pension - pensions handbook https://www.gla.ac.uk/myglasgow/payandpensions/pensions/, benefits and discount packages.

3 A flexible approach to working.

4 A commitment to support your health and wellbeing, including a free 6-month UofG Sport membership for all new staff joining the University  https://www.gla.ac.uk/myglasgow/staff/healthwellbeing/.

We believe that we can only reach our full potential through the talents of all. Equality, diversity and inclusion are at the heart of our values. Applications are particularly welcome from across our communities and in particular people from the Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) community, and other protected characteristics who are under-represented within the University. Read more on how the University promotes and embeds all aspects of equality and diversity within our community https://www.gla.ac.uk/myglasgow/humanresources/equalitydiversity/.

We endorse the principles of Athena Swan https://www.gla.ac.uk/myglasgow/humanresources/equalitydiversity/athenaswan/ and hold bronze, silver and gold awards across the University.

We are investing in our organisation, and we will invest in you too. Please visit our website https://www.gla.ac.uk/explore/jobs/ for more information.