Research Technician

Nuffield Department of Surgical Sciences

Location: Level 4, John Radcliffe Hospital and Old Road Campus, Headington, Oxford

Contract type: Fixed term until 31 March 2028

Hours: Full-time

We are looking for a Research Technician to join the NDS Bioresource histopathology team, supporting the tissue handling needs of exciting research projects being conducted in collaboration with Oxford Cancer. You will be part of a team of research technicians supporting a complete range of end-to-end histopathology services. This role offers an exciting opportunity to use your advanced microtomy expertise to contribute to an exciting new international and industry-linked project.

The Nuffield Department of Surgical Sciences (NDS) is home to a number of Tissue Research Banks (RTBs or ‘biobanks’), biorepositories of human tissue samples intended for use in research. The success of these biobanks and the increasing complexity and collaborative nature of the work means that the time is right to bring these expert teams together under one service, which we have named the NDS Bioresource (NDSB), and which will provide a single pathway to applicants for access to fresh or archived samples.

As part of this highly dynamic and varied role, you will be responsible for using your microtomy and laboratory skills to carry out a variety of histological techniques on non-diagnostic samples, including tissue processing, embedding, slide scanning and sectioning of paraffin embedded tissue. Attention to detail will be a crucial skill, required when updating sample tracking records, project databases and using electronic patient records systems.

You will work closely with the Lab Team Lead and project lead pathologist to drive forward the goals of the project. You will be based at the Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust sites; specifically, the John Radcliffe Hospital, with a potential requirement to travel to the Churchill Hospital and Old Road Campus site. While there will be some opportunity for remote working, it is expected that you would be on site a minimum of 4 days per week.

Your responsibilities will include:

• Carrying out a variety of histological techniques, including cassetting, tissue embedding, microtomy and cryotomy, and TMA building.
• Act as point of contact with the project lead pathologist and US-based teams to coordinate sample reporting, preparation and shipping.
• Run the digital slide scanner and associated software. Undertake the digitisation of slides using a slide scanner.
• Keep accurate and up to date records of work performed at all stages in the pathway, provide progress updates and ensure deadlines are met.

An experienced tissue handling technician, you are expected to have advanced microtomy skills and proven experience using those skills in a laboratory setting. You will have the ability to plan and manage own work schedule and accommodate unexpected changes and the ability to follow protocols and to apply technical knowledge and experience to the development of new procedures and working practices.

Excellent IT skills, including experience of working at an advanced level with Microsoft Excel and Word as well as accurate date entry skills are essential for this role. The successful candidate will have an awareness of relevant legislation related to human sample acquisition, storage and processing (e.g. Good Clinical Practice, the Human Tissue Act 2004, the Data Protection Act 2018).

Experience of working with relational databases (Access, File Maker Pro) is advantageous but not essential.

This full-time post is available immediately and is fixed term until 31 March 2028 in the first instance. For a full list of responsibilities and selection criteria please refer to the attached Job Description.