Junior Biomedical Scientist

We are looking for an enthusiastic, self-motivated Junior Biomedical Scientist (no Biomedical scientist State Registration needed) to be part of our new Integrated Pathology Unit team. The successful applicant will have a practical knowledge of histology lab procedures, including immunohistochemistry and an understanding of tissue preparation for molecular analyses. Excellent interpersonal and communication skills are essential for the role and advanced computer skills would be an advantage but not essential.

For further information please contact
Emma Perkins (Research Pathology Manager emma.perkins@rmh.nhs.uk)

Histopathology is the basis of cancer diagnosis and a critical part of cancer research. We are recruiting a highly motivated junior biomedical scientist to support all aspects of histopathology related to a range of research projects as part of a multi-disciplinary team in the Integrated Pathology Unit. The role will work alongside a team of fellow Histopathology based junior biomedical scientists.

The Integrated Pathology Unit is mainly based in the Centre for Molecular Pathology on the Sutton site of The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust. However, The post holder may be required to perform duties at the Chelsea site, but most of the activities are expected to be carried out in the Centre for Molecular Pathology (CMP) in Sutton.

The holder of the post is expected to perform a variety of tasks that may include, but are not restricted to:

• Sectioning blocks of formalin fixed paraffin embedded (FFPE) material
• Haematoxylin-Eosin (H&E) staining
• Sectioning for nucleic acid extraction (i.e. DNA/RNA)
• Immunohistochemistry
• In situ hybridisation assays
• Tissue micro-array preparation
• Tissue embedding

The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust is a world-leading cancer centre. Our role is to offer our patients the best cancer care available anywhere in the world, and to continue to make a global contribution to finding better ways of diagnosing and treating cancer. We employ over 4,500 staff in a diverse range of careers including nursing, medical, science, radiography, pharmacy, occupational therapy, finance and administrative services. We have two hospitals – one in Chelsea, London, and one in Sutton, Surrey – as well as a Medical Daycare Unit in Kingston Hospital

At The Royal Marsden, we deal with cancer every day, so we understand how valuable life is. When people entrust their lives to us, they have the right to demand the very best. That's why the pursuit of excellence lies at the heart of everything we do.

At the heart of the hospital is our dedicated team. We offer a stimulating and dynamic working environment, a wide range of staff benefits and learning and development opportunities. We are looking for employees who aspire to excellence, share our values and can play a crucial role in our on-going achievements.

For more information, please refer to the job description and person specification.

Previous experience in sectioning and basic staining techniques is highly desirable and an understanding of molecular pathology methods, including DNA/RNA sequencing, immunohistochemistry and pathology imaging is also desirable.

Post-holder Specific Duties:
The post will be based in the Centre for Molecular Pathology (CMP) in Sutton.

The work will include:

• Sectioning of FFPE blocks and preparation for molecular analyses
• Tissue Micro-array generation
• Sectioning for Spatial Genomics
• H&E staining
• Digitisation of pathology slides
• Conventional and multiplex immunohistochemistry
• Other appropriate duties in line with research strategy

General Laboratory Duties:

• To maintain instrumentation and equipment in good working order.
• To ensure laboratory housekeeping tasks are carried out routinely including stock checking
• To write and review Standard Operating Procedures, and to ensure that work is carried out in line with these.
• Perform all necessary quality checks to ensure all work meets standards
• To ensure that work conforms to the local requirements and regulations including Good Clinical Practice and the Human Tissue Act

General Duties:

• To work in a flexible, but organised manner.
• To meet objectives within predetermined timescales.
• To communicate effectively with other members of the Centre of Molecular Pathology, the Clinical Research Team staff, and all other Trust staff and ICR collaborators.
• To take an interest in the relevant literature and assess and implement developments molecular methods and immunohistochemical procedures as appropriate.