Research Technician at Newcastle University

Key Accountabilities

• Responsible for the day-to-day management of the immunohistochemistry facility providing specialist technical support to all users.
• To assist with the collection, fixation, embedding, sectioning and mounting of patient or animal material. Performing various immunological and biochemical staining techniques to visualize the distribution and localization of specific cellular components within cells and tissue samples for use in disease diagnosis, drug development and biological research
• Operation and operational maintenance in accordance with manufacturer's instructions of complex and sophisticated research apparatus equipment and instruments for research and analysis purposes primarily in the immunohistochemistry facility
• Responsible for carrying out laboratory inductions to all staff, undergraduate and post graduate students using the immunohistochemistry facility and providing supervision of equipment use and instruction on related safety policies
• To undertake all laboratory procedures to Good Laboratory Practice (GLP) using Standard Operating Procedures and to review and develop these where appropriate
• Act as the institute’s point of contact with the RVI Pathology Node to provide researchers with access to additional IHC services appropriate to projects in the Centre for Cancer
• Ensuring correct storage and handling of biochemical, biological materials and organisms. Responsible for the safe disposal and storage of hazardous waste in the facility in accordance with local rules and legal requirements. The performance of risk assessments and maintaining safety laboratory records (e.g. COSHH, BIOCOSHH, and other regulations e.g. Human Tissue Act) in consultation with academic staff or where appropriate senior technical staff
• Maintain broad and up to date health and safety knowledge providing support/advice to others
• Complete a range of maintenance activities and repairs
• Liaise with suppliers and manufacturers to resolve problems and investigate replacement options
• Advise on equipment capabilities demonstrating how results can be achieved
• By developing local procedures, establish and maintain a safe/compliant working environment
• Assist with the completion and updating of a wide range of safety paperwork
• Oversee compliance tasks ensuring timely completion and maintenance of appropriate records
• Schedule, prioritize and monitor work and performance in line with demands and deadlines
• Hold delegated responsibility from the academic/technical lead for the planning, operation, and supervision of a variety of laboratory spaces.
• Work collaboratively with the other areas to ensure efficiency and elimination of duplicated effort
• Be a key contributor to service development, delivery and planning
• Contribute and support change
• Oversee local record keeping, inventory and asset management
• Monitor resource usage and stores operations
• Create, update and implement procedures to deliver an aligned, efficient and effective service
• Provide a broad range of skilled research/teaching support
• Prepare and manufacture a range of specimens/samples with limited direction
• Design, develop and deliver inductions, demonstrations and training covering a broad range of activities (not limited to techniques and equipment)
• Assist managers with the identification of training and development needs
• Develop a broad knowledge and skills base, sharing with others
• Mentor junior staff
• Carry out any additional grade appropriate duties within the scope of the role as required

The Person

Knowledge, Skills and Experience

• Demonstartable knowledge and experience of running a immunohistochemistry laboratory and a broad experience of various  immunological and biochemical staining techniques
• Experience of fixation, embedding, sectioning and mounting of materials
• Demonstratable knowledge of Good Laboratory Practice (GLP)
• Working knowledge of HTA rules and regulations
• Thorough working knowledge of Health and Safety procedures, and experience of safe waste management within a workshop/laboratory environment
• Demonstrable work experience in a relevant technical laboratory role
• Excellent team working skills
• Demonstrates technical and problem solving capability
• Demonstrates good organising ability to meet deadlines with a positive and proactive approach to duties and attention to detail
• Contribute to design and specification of teaching/research activities (Desirable)
• Ability to adapt to changes in teaching/research priorities

Attributes and Behaviour

• Excellent oral and written communication skills
• Good interpersonal skills to interface with staff
• Attention to detail to ensure accuracy and precision
• Work in a collaborative and flexible way
• To exhibit University and Faculty values and principles

Qualifications

• BTEC HNC/HND or equivalent in relevant subject or equivalent experience
• Professional registration with an accredited professional body (including HEA) or working towards this on appointment (Desirable)