Senior Biosample Assistant

Job summary We are currently seeking a Senior Biosample Assistant to join our biosample team in the Cambridge Cancer Trials Centre (CCTC).
The CCTC is an exciting collaborative centre conducting research at all phases of clinical drug development and co-ordinates major multi-centre studies.
Our goals are to improve outcomes for patients with cancer or at risk of developing cancer.The CCTC accommodates around 100 research staff involved in the set-up, coordination and conduct of clinical and translational cancer research.
The biosample team are a small team central to the work of CCTC who look after local aspects of sample management.
This includes managing the processing, storage and shipment of biological samples for clinical trials, and working alongside trials nurses, practitioners, data managers and numerous teams around the hospital to ensure the delivery of a robust service.
Main duties of the job This role will involve coordinating the sample related aspects of clinical trials, such as processing, storage and shipment of blood and other biological samples for research studies, ensuring that protocol requirements are followed.There will be responsibility for all aspects of managing the oncology sample handling room and the laboratory equipment within it.Other duties include liaising with couriers, external agencies, and clinical staff alongside research teams regarding all aspects of sample collection, storage and shipment for trials.Management of sample kits and sample storage facilities and maintenance of logs, accurate completion of trial documentation.
About us Our TrustCambridge University Hospitals (CUH) NHS Foundation Trust comprises Addenbrooke's Hospital and the Rosie Hospital in Cambridge.
With over 13,000 staff and over 1100 beds the priorities of the Trust focus on a quality service which is all about people - patients, staff and partners.
Recognised as providing 'outstanding' care to our patients and rated 'Good' overall by the Care Quality Commissioner, is testament to the skill and dedication of the people who work here.
CUH's values - Together - Safe, Kind, Excellent - are at the heart of patient care, defining the way all staff work and behave.
The Trust provides accessible high-quality healthcare for the local people of Cambridge, together with specialist services, dealing with rare or complex conditions for a regional, national and international population.CUH is committed to promoting a diverse and inclusive community - a place where we can all be ourselves.
We value our differences and fully advocate and support an inclusive working environment where every individual can fulfil their potential.
We want to ensure our people are truly representative of all the communities that we serve.
We welcome applications for all positions in the organisation irrespective of people's age, disability, ethnicity, race, nationality, gender identity, sex, sexual orientation, religion or belief, marriage and civil partnership status, or pregnancy and maternity status or social economic background.
Job description Job responsibilities Please see the attached Applicant Information Pack (combined Job Description and Person Specification) for key duties and responsibilities.
Please note:- Internal applicants on permanent contracts can only apply for this post as a secondment and must have the approval of your current line manager before applying.
Due to Home Office immigration rules, a full time permanent vacancy cannot be filled by individuals on a Student visa.
Therefore, please be advised that if you are a Student visa holder, we will not be able to offer you a full time permanent contract unless you have:- applied for a Graduate visa- or you will have successfully completed your course and have applied for a Graduate visa before the anticipated start date of your employment- or the Trust has agreed that they will Sponsor you as a Skilled Worker and you will complete your studies within 3 months of the anticipated start date of employment This vacancy will close at midnight on 2nd February 2025 Interviews are due to be held on 25th February 2025 Benefits to you At Cambridge University Hospitals, we want to do all we can to support good working days.
We offer development opportunities and a wide range of benefits, including on-site leisure facilities, shopping concourse and day nurseries.
Our good work programme currently includes providing reduced cost Stagecoach bus travel to and from Cambridge University Hospital site.
Park and Ride bus journeys between Babraham Road and Trumpington sites are free, as is the route to and from Cambridge train station and our hospitals.
We also subsidise the cost of parking on site for eligible staff.
On CUH campus, hot food is available 24/7 and at a reduced cost for colleagues.
Recently we launched the first of our staff pod break spaces.
Located in the Deakin Centre, we have a purpose-created colleague-only caf, with free tea and coffee, a break space and private outside area for colleagues to rest, refuel and recharge.
Just one of the ways we are working hard to support good working days at CUH.
CUH is committed to assisting employees in achieving a good work-life balance irrespective of role or personal circumstances.
Flexible arrangements may include, but are not limited to, part-time working, job-share, term-time working and flexible start and finish times.
Please note if you would like to discuss the required hours of this role further, you should approach the contact given.
In some cases, alternative working hours will be considered.
We welcome applications from the Armed Forces.
Person Specification Qualifications Essential Educated to degree level or NVQ level 4 with additional relevant experience in a biological, physical, social or related scientific discipline.
Desirable Evidence of continuing professional development in research Experience Essential Experience of working in the NHS or other similar biological or scientific discipline Previous experience handling biological samples in a laboratory environment or clinical trials environment Experience of liaison with staff across all levels with the NHS/universities/industry/external agencies Experience of working autonomously within guidelines and deadlines Experience of prioritising, planning and organising own tasks Data entry and documentation experience Experience of using IT packages including Microsoft Office Desirable Experience of working in cancer related field Experience of working with multidisciplinary teams Previous experience of working in clinical trials Experience of using EPIC, EDGE, and sample management systems Knowledge Essential Knowledge of safe use and maintenance of laboratory equipment centrifuges, cold units, automated pipettes Comprehensive knowledge of laboratory processes Ability to contribute to assessing and suggesting changes to laboratory operating procedures.
Understanding of ethical and quality standards applicable to clinical trials, including Good Clinical Practice and EU directive Understanding of confidentiality and data protection Good working knowledge of Microsoft Office packages Desirable Awareness of Human Tissue Act GCP certificate Knowledge of medical terminology Skills Essential Well-developed organisational and communication skills Ability to adapt to change Ability to work autonomously and as part of a team Ability to work under pressure Ability to demonstrate a flexible approach to respond to the needs of the service Well-developed physical laboratory skills, ie adept manipulation of biological samples and use of laboratory equipment.
Ability to multitask, organise, and manage own time, whilst keeping to schedule and deadlines.
Willing to undertake training to extend skill set Ability to show attention to detail with a high standard of accuracy and work to good documentation principles.
Desirable Phlebotomy skills Able to train less experienced colleagues.
Prior knowledge of EPIC Additional Requirements Essential The ability to understand and behave at all times, towards patients, visitors and colleagues according to the Trust values of Together - safe, kind, excellent.
Has an awareness of the cancer treatment journey of a patient and has a patient centred approach to the handling of biological samples.