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University of Glasgow; Brighton; On-site; GBP 24,000 - 32,000; Full time

Job summary

University of Glasgow’s Glasgow Tissue Research Facility is seeking a technician to support archival and sample management for its bespoke tissue service, based in the Laboratory Medicine Building at the QEUH.

The post holder will maintain the electronic sample management system, coordinate archival material retrieval, and ensure that GCLP-aligned processes meet NHS procedures while supporting day-to-day operations and team coordination.

Responsibilities

• Ensure archival material and service requests are coordinated for smooth facility operation.
• Maintain and manage tissue archives for accurate storage and retrieval.
• Coordinate retrieval of archival tissue from NHS storage and Pathology archives at the QEUH.
• Log FFPE blocks and slides in the electronic sample management system with full traceability.
• Document all archiving steps to support traceability and material management.
• Support GCLP alignment and NHS competencies training as required.

Job description

The Glasgow Tissue Research Facility (GTRF) is seeking a technician to support its translational tissue service, based in the Laboratory Medicine Building at the QEUH. The GTRF provides a bespoke tissue microarray (TMA) service, using archival and clinical research FFPE tissue samples to produce TMAs for approved translational research projects.

This is a key operational role at the heart of the GTRF. The postholder will provide essential archival, sample management and laboratory support services, enabling the GTRF to deliver its bespoke TMA and associated histology services effectively.

The postholder will play a key role in retrieving and returning archived material, maintaining the electronic sample management system and ensuring that service requests are managed accurately and efficiently. Working as an integral member of the GTRF team, the postholder will be essential to supporting the smooth, efficient and GCLP compliant delivery of GTRF services.

The role will require travel to storage facilities off-campus and occasional use of step stools or ladders for storage access.

Main duties and responsibilities

• Play a key role in the day-to-day operation of the GTRF, ensuring that archival material, sample records and service requests are effectively managed and that activities are coordinated to support the smooth running of the facility.
• Maintain and manage the GTRF tissue archives, ensuring that FFPE material is accurately stored, organised and readily retrievable.
• Coordinate the retrieval and provision of archival tissue material for approved GTRF projects, including the retrieval of material from the NHS storage facility at Dava Street and the Pathology archives at the QEUH.
• Maintain the GTRF electronic sample management system, ensuring that FFPE blocks and slides are accurately logged, labelled and fully traceable.
• Ensure that all stages of the archiving process are accurately documented, maintaining complete records to support traceability, retrieval and the effective management of archival material.
• Complete the necessary training and competency requirements associated with the role, including obtaining an honorary contract and completing relevant NHS competencies, to support compliant human tissue archival work in line with GTRF and NHS procedures.
• Act as a central point of contact for GTRF service requests, managing the service email account, responding to and logging enquiries, ensuring that requests are dealt with in a timely manner, and directing specialist service requests to the appropriate member of staff.
• Prepare and provide quotations for GTRF services, including microtomy and scanning.
• Contribute to the daily coordination of GTRF activities through the team huddle, providing updates on service requests, highlighting any issues requiring attention and supporting effective communication across the team.
• Contribute to the safe, efficient and well-organised functioning of the GTRF, supporting the effective delivery of day-to-day activities.
• Support the maintenance of GCLP alignment within the facility, undertaking quality assurance activities as directed by the School of Cancer Sciences Quality Lead and/or the GTRF Manager.
• Collaborate with colleagues and participate in team meetings and discussions, contributing to the wider College and School activities as required.