Research Technician (Clinical Trials)

University of Oxford; Oxford; Hybrid; GBP 32,000 - 37,000; Full time

Job summary

University of Oxford is seeking a Tissue Handling Technician within the Oxford Centre for Histopathology Research (OCHRe). The role supports processing of histopathology requests for clinical trials, including consent checks, tissue retrieval, embedding, and slide preparation, with strict sample tracking and regulatory compliance.

You will work closely with DRC, Lab Team Lead, and OUH pathologists, based at John Radcliffe Hospital, with potential travel to Churchill and Old Road Campus sites.

Qualifications

• Experience applying histological techniques in a laboratory setting.
• Strong microtomy skills and tissue handling experience.
• Follows SOPs and risk assessments in the lab.
• Awareness of legislation governing human tissue handling and storage.
• Proficient in data entry and using relational databases.

Responsibilities

• Process clinical trial requests including consent checking.
• Retrieve tissue, embed, process and cut samples.
• Maintain strict sample tracking and regulatory compliance.
• Enter and manipulate data and prepare histology slides for scanning.
• Collaborate with OUH pathologists and lab leads; may travel to Churchill/Old Road Campus sites.

Skills

Tissue handling

Microtomy

Histological techniques

Attention to detail

Communication skills

Data entry skills

Education

A-levels Maths English Science

Tools

Access

FileMaker Pro

Job description

Contract type: Fixed term until 31 March 2028

Hours: Full-time (Willing to consider Part-time at 0.8FTE minimum)

About the role

In this role you will be working within the team in the Oxford Centre for Histopathology Research (OCHRe), part of the NDS Bioresource, and will be responsible for providing a high quality, comprehensive and professional service to support the processing of histopathology research requests, with particular focus on clinical trials.

The post-holder will be responsible for processing clinical trial requests, with duties including consent checking, tissue retrieval, embedding, processing and cutting, adhering to strict sample tracking processes and ensuring compliance with relevant legislation and regulations. For this, you will be required to develop strong working relationships with many different colleagues across the Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust and the University and may need to work in various locations within the hospital sites. You will also be required to enter and manipulate data and prepare histology slides for scanning. Attention to detail is crucial in performing these tasks. You are expected to have strong microtomy skills and experience of working in a laboratory environment.

You will work closely with the Data Research Coordinator, Lab Team Lead and OUH pathologists to drive forward clinical trial projects. 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.

About you

You will be an experienced tissue handling technician with advanced microtomy skills and proven experience of applying histological techniques in a laboratory setting, ideally working with human tissue. You will be highly organised, with the ability to manage your own workload, adapt to changing priorities and work effectively as part of a team. Excellent communication, IT and data entry skills are essential, alongside strong attention to detail and the confidence to engage with a wide range of colleagues and external stakeholders.

You will have experience of following standard operating procedures, undertaking risk assessments and identifying opportunities to troubleshoot and improve laboratory processes. You will also have an awareness of relevant legislation governing the acquisition, storage and processing of human tissue, together with knowledge and analytical skills equivalent to A-level qualifications in Maths, English and Science. Experience of working with relational databases, such as Access or FileMaker Pro, would be advantageous but is not essential.

This full-time post is available immediately and is fixed term until 31 March 2028 in the first instance. We would be willing to consider part-time applications at a minimum of 80% FTE.

Committed to equality and valuing diversity

£32,108 to £37,338 per annum (pro rata for part-time): Grade 05S