Translational Research Facilitator

at  The Christie NHS Foundation Trust

The Christie NHS Foundation Trust is one of the largest cancer treatment centres in Europe and an international leader in cancer research and development.
An exciting opportunity has arisen within the Research and Innovation Division at The Christie. We are looking to appoint a Translational Research Facilitator to join the Experimental Cancer Medicine Team, to provide support on a large number of commercial and Investigator-led Phase 1 trials.
We are seeking enthusiastic and highly motivated individual, who can demonstrate work experience in data management involving clinical trials and/or experience of working in a laboratory, as well as a good understanding of clinical research, GCP, clinical trial governance and the Human Tissue Act 2004.
We are looking for an individual with excellent organisation and communication skills, who can work well both in a team and using their own initiative. The individual must demonstrate good leadership skills that will promote an environment of quality and learning.
Applicants should meet all the essential criteria described in the job description as a minimum, including holding a scientific or business-based degree, or have relevant experience in scientific or medical research.
The main purpose of this role is to support the co-ordination, planning, collection and initial processing of tissue and bodily fluids for research programmes within the Experimental Cancer Medicine Team (ECMT). The post holder will provide support to the Senior Translational Research Facilitator to ensure that samples are collected, transported and processed in accordance with the needs of the research programmes and that all relevant legislation and governance requirements are met. In addition, the appointee will collect patient data as required and manage the relevant databases. The appointee will be required to work with the investigator led studies team to oversee the preparation of Molecular Tumour Board meetings as well as being a point of contact for investigative sites, to provide support and advice regarding sample collection, storage and shipping.
The Lung Cancer Research Team vision is to build upon our reputation as a local and national leader in clinical trial delivery. Pursuing exemplary care and prioritising the safety and experience of our clinical research participants, carried out by a highly trained and passionate clinical research team.
By becoming a member of the Lung Cancer Research Team, you will be joining a dynamic and supportive team who are constantly striving to improve ourselves by working collaboratively across the nursing, medical and administrative teams.
We are a team that strives to develop our staff to the best of their potential and are keen for all members of our team to continue to learn and share knowledge.
I would strongly encourage interested applicants to contact the team to further discuss the roles and how you can become a key member of this exemplary team.

Sample Collection and Processing
a) Assist with the collection of tissue and clinical data for clinical and translational research programmes within Clinical Pharmacology and Clinical Experimental Pharmacology.
b) Liaise with the clinical team to identify patients who require sample collection and processing by attending team meetings, MDTs, etc and liaise with other departments and outside hospitals as appropriate.
c) Liaise and communicate effectively with all relevant staff involved in sample collection and handling including, researchers, phlebotomists, surgeons, pathologists, theatre staff, and other health care professionals in a polite and professional manner.
d) Assist with arranging the collection of biological samples as required and undertake sample processing, liaising and involving laboratory staff where necessary.
e) Undertake shipment of samples from the collection site to the analysis/storage site, ensuring the quality of the samples is maintained and in line with all local and national policy.
f) Complete all necessary paperwork relating to the collected patient samples.
g) Perform clerical duties, including database development and computerised data entry, and filing.
Administration and Data Management
a) Maintain LIMS sample tracking system, trial trackers and databases.
b) Co-ordinate and carry out the collection and presentation of patient test results and data for discussion at Molecular Tumour Board meetings as required.
c) Take and disseminate minutes for meetings as required.
d) Deal with all matters arising, referring them on to appropriate members of staff as required.
e) Display and maintain an appropriate level of IT skills, in order to input patient and request data, maintain and amend patient records and interrogate the laboratory and hospital databases.
f) Perform a range of administrative tasks as required. This includes archiving and retrieval of specimens and data, maintenance of archived material and collection of data for audits.
g) Ensure effective management of consent forms, leaflets and sample collection kits.
Training and Education
a) Attend mandatory training sessions required by the Trust and any other study relevant to their area.
b) Participate in the Trust’s annual appraisal procedure, maintaining competence levels within the Department and assists in own personal and professional development
c) Provide support and assistance to newly appointed/less experienced staff as appropriate.
d) Ensure knowledge of relevant policies, procedures and legislation is kept up-to-date, including the Human Tissue Act (2004).
General Requirements
a) Work to ensure that sample collection, shipment and storage is administered in an efficient and professional manner.
b) Ensure effective communication/liaison with other research staff including clinicians Biobank Technicians and staff.
c) Attend departmental and Trust-wide staff meetings as appropriate and implement any resultant recommendations/findings in a timely manner.
d) Work to ensure that performance targets are met by continually assessing priority of work.
e) Maintain the highest standards of personal and professional conduct.
f) Report adverse incidents to immediate supervisor. Demonstrate an awareness of and compliance with health and safety regulations, the Data Protection Act, and Standard Operating Procedures