Job Profile

Core job information

Job Title Research TechnicianDept./School/Inst. Barts Cancer Institute Section/

Centre/UnitDirector’s Office – Core ServicesCareer Family Technical Grade 3

Working hours per week

35 hours/week Appointment period

6 Months

Reports to (job title)

Principal Investigator Current location Barts Cancer Institute

Job purpose To undertake research investigations under the supervision of the Principal Investigator (PI) and

other team members in order to realise the objectives and development of the research project To contribute to the overall scientific endeavour of the Centre. To provide technical and administrative assistance to the PI or other team members pertaining to

the research project.

Knowledge, Skills & Experience

Requirements Essential/Desirable

Qualifications 1. BSc or equivalent in relevant biological sciences.2. Masters degree or equivalent in a biological related

subject (as above).

1. Essential2. Desirable

Experience 3. Experience of working in a research, hospital or medical school laboratory.

4. Experience with mammalian tissue culture.5. Experience of cell biology, western blotting and

basic molecular biology techniques 6. Experience in tissue handling and preparation for

pathological study.7. Experience in immunohistochemistry.

3. Essential

4. Essential

5. Desirable

6. Desirable7. Desirable

Knowledge, skills & abilities

8. Laboratory bench skills.9. Knowledge of laboratory procedures, materials,

equipment and supplies, infectious agents and diseases.

10. Knowledge/ability to work safely with potentially hazardous material.

11. Ability to follow written and oral instructions.12. Ability to maintain good laboratory records.13. Evidence of good team working, in particular ability

to interact positively with project co-workers.14. Good communication skills.15. Good organisational skills.16. Computer literacy, including word processing, Excel

and PowerPoint.

8. Essential9. Essential

10. Essential

11. Essential12. Essential13. Essential

14. Essential15. Essential16. Essential

Attitude & disposition 17. Willingness to learn new techniques.

18. Ability to interpret the scientific literature and incorporate into research projects.

19. Self Motivated

17. Essential

18. Essential19. Essential

Other circumstances

20. Willingness to work flexibly as the project demands. 20. Essential

Main Duties and Responsibilities of the RoleResearch:The prognosis for pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) patients remains dismal with 5-year survival rates of around 3%. We have identified potential new drug targets specifically in the pancreatic cancer stroma - normal cells associated with the tumour - rather than in the malignant epithelial cancer cells. Modulation of how normal cells interact with cancer cells can block their ability to support epithelial cancer cell invasion in cell culture based pancreatic cancer models. We aim to explore the mechanism of action and therapeutic potential of our new stromal targets in vitro and in vivo. By targeting the pancreatic cancer stroma, we hope to sidestep the universal problem of drug resistance to other targeted therapies. This project has the potential to define new treatment strategies in an area of significant unmet need.Techniques will encompass molecular biology, cell culture, invasion assays, confocal microscopy and tumour pathology. Specific Duties To conduct research experiments under the supervision of the PI and research group members To coordinate and assist in the preparation and staining of animal tissues, tumours and cell

culture models for pathology examination. To assist in the general administration of the research project; placing orders, monitoring budget,

maintaining databases, organising paperwork.General Duties Contribute freely to the team research environment in a manner conducive to the success of the

research project as a whole. To collect and analyse data To maintain appropriate databases, keeping accurate written and computerised records and to

ensure that these records are stored in a secure place and to maintain confidentiality of all electronically stored personal data in line with the provisions of the Data Protection Act.

Other The postholder must at all times carry out their responsibilities with due regard to the College's

Equal Opportunities policy. To demonstrate a commitment to continuing professional development and will participate in the

College Appraisal Scheme. The duties of the post outlined in this document are not exhaustive, and the postholder will be

expected to be co-operative and flexible, undertaking such administrative and other duties as may from time to time be reasonably expected of a research technician.

This job description sets out the duties of the post at the time it was drawn up. Such duties may vary from time to time without changing the general character of the duties or level of responsibility entailed. Such variations are a common occurrence and cannot of themselves justify a reconsideration of the grading of the post.

Working Environment

To ensure full awareness of and compliance with the College’s/Trust’s policies and procedures in relation to confidentiality, health and safety at work, COSHH regulations, infection control, safe handling of drugs, and all local safety rules regarding fire, chemical, radioisotope and gene manipulation hazards.

To show a professional attitude to matters of laboratory hygiene, organisation and safety and to observe and to take an active role in fulfilling all statutory health and safety regulations.

To ensure observance of Good Laboratory Practice (GLP). Monitor and maintain a safe working environment in accordance with Health and Safety

procedures

Freedom to Act & Decision Making (depth of control, supervision received, use of judgement & initiative, analytical ability)

To prioritise workload under reasonable direction/supervision of academic staff. Make research contributions to the research programme wherever possible, and to contribute

freely to the team research environment in a manner conducive to the success of the research project as a whole.

To maintain appropriate databases, keeping accurate written and computerised records and to ensure that these records are stored in a secure place, and to maintain confidentiality of all electronically stored personal data in line with the provisions of the Data Protection Act.

To coordinate where appropriate, the provision of consumable items for the facility (auditing stock, liaising with suppliers, preparing regular orders of commonly used items).

Assist in the supervision of student projects, as necessary. To adopt flexible working practices where required. Encourage interaction between team members.

Communication & Networking To work as part of a multidisciplinary team of clinicians, scientists and support staff, developing

good working relationships within the team, and making use of discussions with the project supervisor, and other team members as appropriate, to establish and maintain excellent communication links.

Providing, receiving and presenting information to staff/students/peers within Barts Cancer Institute.

To review study progress with the project supervisor every week.

Finance/Resource Management

To be responsible for contacting the suppliers & overseeing the ordering consumables.

People Management

To train and provide technical supervision for students in own area of expertise There is no direct line management responsibility associated with this post.

This job description sets out the duties of the post at the time it was drawn up. Such duties may vary from time to time without changing the general character of the duties or level of responsibility entailed. Such variations are a common occurrence and cannot of themselves justify a reconsideration of the grading of the post.

Organisation Chart