Histology Technician

The University of Manchester; Manchester; On-site; GBP 23,000 - 28,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Generous pension

Christmas closure

Purple Place discounts

Job summary

The University of Manchester is seeking a motivated Technician for the Manchester Brain Bank. You will provide specialist technical support for tissue processing, storage and use for diagnostic neuropathology and research, ensuring compliance with HTA licensing and university policies.

Collaborating across histology, molecular testing and governance, you will help deliver high-quality, annotated tissue and data for researchers locally and internationally.

Qualifications

• Degree-level qualification or equivalent experience in biomedical science or related field.
• Practical laboratory experience in histology, IHC, molecular testing or related setting.
• Good knowledge of governance for storage and use of human tissue for research.
• Excellent attention to detail and record keeping for traceability and QA.
• Ability to optimise techniques and troubleshoot issues.

Responsibilities

• Receive, process, catalogue, store and distribute human tissue samples per licensing and procedures.
• Perform specialist histological and IHC staining to support diagnostic and research projects.
• Carry out basic molecular testing and DNA extraction optimisation.
• Maintain accurate records of samples, tests, staining and laboratory activity for traceability and reporting.
• Support day-to-day lab operations, equipment maintenance, procurement, and safe storage of materials.

Skills

Lab skills

Record keeping

Attention to detail

Troubleshooting

Education

Biomedical degree or equivalent

Tools

Histology staining

Immunohistochemistry

Molecular testing

Job description

We are seeking a motivated and collaborative individual to join our team as a Technician Manchester Brain Bank. The role holder will provide specialist technical support for the Manchester Brain Bank, enabling the safe, compliant and effective processing, storage and use of human tissue for diagnostic neuropathology and research. Working across histology, immunohistochemistry, molecular testing, quality assurance and laboratory governance, the post holder will help ensure that high-quality, clinically and pathologically annotated tissue and associated data are available to researchers within The University of Manchester, across the UK and internationally.

You will be responsible for:

• Receiving, processing, cataloguing, storing and distributing human tissue samples in line with Human Tissue Authority licensing requirements, University policies and approved procedures.
• Undertaking specialist histological and immunohistochemical staining to support diagnostic neuropathological assessment and approved research projects.
• Performing and supporting basic molecular testing, including APOE genotyping and method optimisation for DNA extraction from archived tissue.
• Maintaining accurate sample, testing, staining and laboratory activity records to support traceability, quality assurance and reporting.
• Supporting the day-to-day operation of the laboratory, including equipment maintenance, stock control, reagent preparation, ordering, housekeeping and safe storage of materials.

About You

Essential Criteria

• Degree-level qualification, or equivalent experience, in biomedical science, biological sciences, molecular biology, biomedical research or a closely related discipline.
• Practical laboratory experience in histology, immunohistochemistry, molecular testing or a closely related biomedical research setting.
• Sound understanding of the Human Tissue Act 2004, Human Tissue Authority Codes of Practice and governance requirements for the storage and use of human tissue for research.
• Excellent attention to detail and commitment to accurate record keeping, sample traceability, quality assurance and reproducible laboratory practice.
• Ability to optimise laboratory techniques, troubleshoot technical issues and adapt protocols to improve reliability, efficiency and responsible tissue use.

Desirable Criteria

• Experience of molecular techniques such as APOE genotyping and DNA extraction from frozen, fixed or archived tissue.
• Familiarity with digital pathology platforms, image analysis software or their application to neuropathological assessment or research workflows.

Our benefits include:

• Generous employer pension contribution
• Christmas closure across all departments outside of annual leave and bank holidays
• Purple Place employee discount platform

For more information, please see University of Manchester Benefits . You can also find information on our Flexible and Hybrid working here .

We are an open place of enquiry and challenge. We embrace and celebrate difference, diversity and debate, and we pride ourselves on being a place of education, learning and community where we are able, within the law, to question and test received wisdom, express new ideas and explore controversial or unpopular topics and opinions. Find out more from our Freedom of Speech Policy .

Enquiries about the role, shortlisting and interviews

Name: Caroline Grimshaw

Email Address: [e-mail]

General enquiries and administrative support

[e-mail]

Technical and job portal support

https://jobseekersupport.jobtrain.co.uk/support/home

This role is not eligible for Skilled Worker visa sponsorship. Applicants must demonstrate the right to work in the UK.

Applications close at midnight on the closing date.

Further particulars (with person specification) linked below.