Laboratory Technician VIVO biobank

Newcastle University; Newcastle; On-site; ZAR 27 000 - 29 000; Full time

Job summary

A prestigious educational institution is seeking a Laboratory Technician for the VIVO Biobank project. The role involves processing and cryopreserving clinical tissue samples, maintaining accurate records, and supporting lab operations to ensure compliance with safety standards. Ideal candidates will have a technical background in sample handling and excellent communication skills. This fixed-term position offers a salary range of ZAR 27,319 to ZAR 28,031 per annum, with the potential for progressions. Applications are welcome until 31 October 2025.

Qualifications

• Experience handling clinical tissue and processing human samples.
• Demonstrated experience in a technical laboratory role.
• Working knowledge of the Human Tissue Act and health & safety procedures.

Responsibilities

• Log and process samples of bone marrow, peripheral blood, and cerebrospinal fluid.
• Maintain up-to-date records in the Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS).
• Assist with periodic auditing of VIVO samples and data.

Skills

Teamwork

Problem-solving

Organisational skills

Attention to detail

Adaptability

Education

BTEC HNC/HND or equivalent

Degree in relevant subject

Job description

Laboratory Technician – VIVO Biobank, Newcastle University – Newcastle, KwaZulu Natal, South Africa

Salary: 27319 to 28031 per annum, with progression to 29588.

Fixed Term until 30/6/2027.

Closing Date: 31 October 2025.

Role Overview

The VIVO Biobank is a national Children and Young Peoples (CYP) Cancer biobank formed from the merger of the Children’s Cancer & Leukaemia Group (CCLG) Tissue Bank and the Blood Cancer UK leukaemia CellBank in 2022. Your primary responsibilities will include day‑to‑day receipt logging, processing and cryopreservation of bone marrow, peripheral blood and cerebrospinal fluid samples, maintaining accurate storage records in the university‑mandated Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS) and facilitating data transfer to the University of York VIVO central database.

Additional duties will involve periodic auditing of VIVO samples, assembling and dispatching sample collection packs to clinical centres, managing stock, arranging couriers, and supporting the biobank’s ISO accreditation and sustainability (LEAF) initiatives. You will also contribute to monthly biobank operations meetings and assist remote data entry for participating sites.

Key Accountabilities

• Log and process samples of bone marrow, peripheral blood and cerebrospinal fluid, and cryopreserve subsequent products.
• Ensure correct storage and handling of all tissue samples in line with Human Tissue Act (HTA) guidelines and local SOPs.
• Maintain up‑to‑date records in the LIMS and transfer data to the VIVO central database.
• Assist with periodic auditing of samples and data.
• Assemble and dispatch sample collection packs to clinical centres; manage stock and re‑order supplies.
• Arrange couriers for sample collection from hospital sites and manage dispatch to researchers, including related payments and recharges.
• Attend research seminars, central biobank laboratory meetings and biobank operations meetings.
• Provide out‑of‑hours cover as required.
• Perform maintenance activities, liaise with suppliers, and troubleshoot equipment.
• Advises on equipment capabilities and ensures compliance with safety and documentation requirements.
• Supervise laboratory spaces and collaborate across teams to improve efficiency.
• Support service development, process improvement and training programmes.

The Person – Knowledge, Skills & Experience

• Experience handling clinical tissue and processing human samples.
• Demonstrated experience in a technical laboratory role.
• Working knowledge of the Human Tissue Act and health & safety procedures.
• Excellent teamwork, problem‑solving and organisational skills.
• Proactive, detail‑oriented and capable of meeting deadlines.
• Ability to adapt to changing research priorities.
• Experience in sterile techniques, Ficoll separation, and nucleic acid extraction is desirable.

Attributes & Behaviour

• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Strong interpersonal skills to interface with colleagues and external partners.
• Attention to detail, reliability and a collaborative mindset.
• Commitment to university values and principles.

Qualifications

• BTEC HNC/HND or equivalent in a relevant subject; a degree is desirable.
• Professional registration with an accredited body (including HEA) or working towards it.

EEO & Diversity Statement

Newcastle University is a proud equal‑opportunity employer. We actively recruit and retain staff from all sectors of society, irrespective of race, sex, ethnicity, religion, nationality, sexual orientation, age, disability, gender identity, marital status, pregnancy and maternity status. We welcome applications from individuals whose background and perspective will strengthen our diverse team.

Contact & Application

For further information, please contact Dr Ezster Tuboly, Dr Amy Peasland, or Mrs Anne Thomson. The requisition ID for this role is 28630.

Requisition ID: 28630