Job Purpose
The purpose of this post is to provide technical support to the Glasgow Experimental Cancer Medicine Centre (ECMC) and, specifically, to the Translational Pharmacology Laboratory (TPL).
Responsibilities
- Arranging transport of biological specimens from Clinical Research Unit (CRU), Beatson West of Scotland Cancer Centre (BWoSCC). Patient sample processing and handling to Good Clinical Practice (GCP) and Good Clinical Laboratory Practice (GCLP) standards set by Health & Safety. Assist in the development and updating of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) to cover all aspects of sample handling.
- Processing and logging of biological specimens. Sample analysis, as required, of biological specimens.
- Organisation of sample shipment to / from the TPL and Clinical Research Unit, BWoSCC, and other hospital or University sites within Glasgow and in the UK, with maintenance of sample tracking logs to ensure sample integrity is maintained as required for all samples. Exercising initiative and judgement within GCLP guidelines and technical remit to ensure effective service delivery. Develop and maintain SOPs relevant to this activity.
- Setting up new, as well as developing and maintain existing sample logging procedures, and storage records at TPL. Develop and maintain SOPs relevant to this activity.
- Responsibility for planning and organising day-to-day work to ensure that the experimental goals are delivered within the previously agreed timetable.
- To contribute to the safe and well organised functioning of the laboratory and assist the PI with purchasing consumables and supplies, within budget, and in consultation with other members of the group.
- Participate in GCLP and GCP training and have an understanding of University of Glasgow regulations and procedures.
- Maintenance of sample stores (equipment, reagents, infrastructure and documentation) according to agreed SOPs. Ensure safe implementation and ongoing storage of potentially hazardous materials.
- To diagnose and rectify faults / problems with equipment and protocols.
- Work with study managers in proposing solution, providing advice, analysing data or information and diagnosing and solving technical issues. Additionally, contributing as necessary to preparation of study reports with study managers.
- Monitoring technical standards, setting up new as well as developing and maintaining various sample / tissue banks.
- Advise other staff and students in the preparation and application of equipment, and the setting up of experiments and deployment of particular techniques
- Provide technical support in the design, development, application and validation of specific assays with study managers.
- Instruct, train and provide guidance to other research staff and students in the techniques and operation of particular equipment/apparatus/techniques as directed by the supervisor or the Principal Investigator (ECMC Lead or TPL Head).
Knowledge and Qualifications
- Essential:
- A1Scottish Credit and Qualification Framework level 7 (Advanced Higher / Scottish vocational Qualification level 3, Higher National Certificate) or equivalent in Biology, and experience of personal development in a similar role.
- A2. Knowledge and experience in biochemical and / or molecular biology techniques.
- A3. Knowledge of analytical methodologies
- Desirable:
- B1. A good first degree in a relevant cancer sciences discipline.
- B2. Understanding of the issues involved in testing clinical samples.
- B3. Knowledge of translational cancer research themes, principles of GCLP and up to date Health & Safety legislation.
Skills
- Essential:
- C1. Good IT skills including database management and spreadsheets
- C2. Good time management.
- C3. Ability to prepare and follow written instructions and protocols.
- C4. Ability to work as part of a team.
- C5. Proven interpersonal and communication skills (written and oral).
- C6. Analytical and problem solving capability.
- C7. Proven skills in planning, organising and prioritising work and technical support requirements.
- C8. Proven initiative and judgement to resolve simple problems independently and knowledge of when to refer to line managers.
- C9. Knowledge and experience of relevant scientific and technical skills as applied to analytical methodologies applicable to cancer research.
- C10. Able to work to specific guidelines and deadlines.
- Desirable:
- D1. Knowledge of GCLP principles and practices.
- D2. Ability to prioritise workload.
- D3. Familiarity with Q-Pulse
Experience
- Essential:
- E1. Relevant workexperience, some of which must be in a relevant laboratory environment with the above qualifications OR more substantial work experience in a relevant laboratory environment without above qualifications
- Desirable:
- F1. Work experience to GCP and GCLP standards.
Background
The School of Cancer Sciences (SCS) is part of the College of Medical, Veterinary, & Life Sciences at the University of Glasgow and carries out world-leading research on the molecular basis of cancer and how this can be exploited therapeutically.
The Glasgow Adult ECMC (£2.23 million; 2023-2028) is a partnership between the University of Glasgow and NHS Greater Glasgow & Clyde and is the pathway to clinical development and delivery of novel discoveries emerging from our basic science and pre‑clinical research programmes within the broader Glasgow cancer research environment, including the CR‑UK Scotland Centre and the Glasgow CR‑UK RadNet Centre. Together, the Centre and the ECMC develop, lead, and deliver non‑commercial clinical studies through exploiting the exceptional discovery science within Glasgow.
The ECMC coordinates an early phase clinical trials programme in collaboration with industry or academic organisations. The commercial trials portfolio recruits patients unrestricted by tumour (organ) type, or limited to one or more tumour types and may be selected, or enriched, based on a specific predictive marker.
All of the ECMC’s clinical studies are enriched with predictive and pharmacodynamic studies to evaluate target and pathway engagement, and, for our investigator‑led studies, are performed in the ECMC‑funded Translational Pharmacology Laboratory and in partner laboratories within the Glasgow research environment.
This post is funded by the ECMC programme grant and will be located within the Translational Pharmacology Laboratory (TPL). The TPL also receives funding as one of Cancer Research UK’s Biomarkers Hubs.
Terms and Conditions
Salary will be Grade 5, £28,031–£31,236 per annum.
This post is full time, and open ended with funding available up until 31st March 2028.
Benefits
- A warm welcoming and engaging organisational culture, where your talents are developed and nurtured, and success is celebrated and shared.
- An excellent employment package with generous terms and conditions including 41 days of leave for full time staff, pension – pensions handbook https://www.gla.ac.uk/myglasgow/payandpensions/pensions/, benefits and discount packages.
- A flexible approach to working.
- A commitment to support your health and wellbeing, including a free 6-month UofG Sport membership for all new staff joining the University https://www.gla.ac.uk/myglasgow/staff/healthwellbeing/.
Equality, diversity and inclusion are at the heart of our values. Applications are particularly welcome from across our communities and in particular people from the Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) community, and other protected characteristics who are under-represented within the University. Read more on how the University promotes and embeds all aspects of equality and diversity within our community https://www.gla.ac.uk/myglasgow/humanresources/equalitydiversity/.
We endorse the principles of Athena Swan https://www.gla.ac.uk/myglasgow/humanresources/equalitydiversity/athenaswan/ and hold bronze, silver and gold awards across the University.
We are investing in our organisation, and we will invest in you too. Please visit our website https://www.gla.ac.uk/explore/jobs/ for more information.
Closing date
23:45 on Monday 6th July 2026
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