Job Purpose

We are seeking to appoint a Research Technician to join the team at the Glasgow Tissue Research Facility (GTRF) at the Queen Elizabeth University Hospital Glasgow. GTRF supports researchers in a range of Histology services to aid the delivery of tissue-based research. You will be working according to Standard Operating Procedures performing an extended range of technical support duties within the laboratory.

Main Duties and Responsibilities

1.  Provide in-depth technical knowledge, solutions, and advice to all GTRF service users to contribute to the delivery of research objectives.

2.  Design, plan, and organise technical activities to meet the needs of service users within agreed timescales.

3.  To maintain and set up Histology laboratory equipment and machinery in preparation for routine tasks, by reading, understanding, and following applicable Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), including safety and quality procedures.

4.  In liaison with relevant senior staff, monitor technical standards, advise, implement, and evaluate improvements to existing protocols, to ensure compliance with Good Clinical Laboratory Practice (GCLP).

5.  To use microtome in a skilled manner to produce tissue sections, highlighting the desired features identified during block selection.

6.  Use of automated stainer for Haematoxylin and Eosin (H&E) staining, mounting, and the evaluation of slides for quality assurance.

7.  Execute slide scanning to generate high quality images for both brightfield and fluorescently stained slides, supporting biomarker research and analysis.

8.  Upload scanned slides to the image viewing platform NZ connect and generate a digital archive for GTRF service users.

9.  Construction of Tissue Microarrays (TMAs).

10.  Perform immunohistochemistry staining.

11.  Report any technical/QC problems to senior staff in an appropriate and timely manner, supporting the resolution of issues and problem solving.

12.  Keep up to date with advances in the relevant discipline and seek to apply this knowledge to technical activities to further enhance the learning experience.

13.  Collaborate with colleagues, participate in team meetings/discussions, and contribute to the wider College/Institute/School activities as required.

Knowledge, Qualifications, Skills and Experience

Knowledge / Qualifications

Essential

A1  Scottish Credit and Qualification Framework Level 7 (Advanced Higher/Scottish Vocational Qualification Level 3, HNC) or equivalent in relevant subject/s such as biological sciences.

A2  Strong knowledge of GCP, GLP, and Human Tissue Act (HTA) regulations.

Desirable

B1  Understanding of digital pathology systems and slide scanning.

Skills

Essential

C1  Excellent organisational, problem-solving, and communication skills with the ability to manage multiple tasks and meet deadlines.

C2  Well-developed analytical and problem-solving capability, including a high degree of accuracy and attention to detail.

C3  Ability to plan and prioritise workload to meet competing demands.

C4  To maintain good work relationships with all members of staff, and to promote effective teamwork.

C5  Skilled in performing routine histology (microtomy and H&E staining).

Desirable

D1  Experience in research histopathology work in constructing tissue microarrays (TMA).

D2  Skilled in performing immunohistochemistry and novel antibody optimisation.

Experience

Essential

E1  Previous laboratory experience.

E2  Demonstrable relevant work experience involving work with paraffin embedded and formalin fixed tissues.

Desirable

F1  Research experience in Histopathology.

F2  Previous experience working in a quality-managed environment (e.g. good clinical laboratory practice, GCLP).

Terms and Conditions

Salary will be Grade 5, £26,038 - £30,505 per annum.

This post is full time (35 hours per week) and fixed term for up to 12 months in the first instance.

Please Note: If you are a current employee of the University of Glasgow, please be advised that the University would consider an internal secondment opportunity for this post. University of Glasgow applicants should seek clearance for release for internal secondment from their line manager before making a formal application.

Closing Date:  17 February 2025 at 23:45