Job Purpose

To provide technical support to the Translational Pharmacology & Immunology (TPI) Laboratory, a CRUK Biomarker Hub operating according to GCLP standards, to coordinate the processing, storage and shipment of clinical samples derived from cancer patients enrolled in trials supported by CRUK and Experimental Cancer Medicine Centre (ECMC).

Responsibilities include collection & logging of samples, patient sample processing, management of sample storage and data logs, sample analysis and other related activities as required, within the TPI Laboratory and according to GCLP standards, under the supervision of Professor Maria Libera Ascierto, Head of the TPI Laboratory.

The post is based at the Wolfson Wohl Cancer Research Centre, on the UoG Garscube Campus.

Main Duties and Responsibilities

1.     Participate in GCLP and GCP training, with an understanding of University of Glasgow regulations and procedures.

2.     Arranging transport of biological specimens from the Clinical Research Unit (CRU), Beatson West of Scotland Cancer Centre (BWoSCC).  Patient sample processing and handling, according to Good Clinical Practice (GCP) and Good Clinical Laboratory Practice (GCLP) standards.

3.     Processing and logging of biological specimens according to GCLP standards.  Analysis of biological samples, as required according to GCLP standards.

4.     Organisation of sample shipment to/from the TPI and Clinical Research Unit, BWoSCC and other hospital or University sites within Glasgow/UK, ensuring maintenance of sample tracking logs to preserve sample integrity, as required by GCLP standards for all samples.  Use of initiative and judgement within GCLP guidelines and technical remit to ensure effective and efficient service delivery.

5.     Assist with development, maintenance and updating of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) in the TPI Laboratory, to cover all aspects of sample handling, sample recording, shipment and processing according to GCLP standard.

6.     Responsibility for planning and organizing day to day work to ensure that the experimental goals are delivered within the agreed timetable.

7.     Contribute to the safe and well organised functioning of the laboratory and assist the Head of the TPI Laboratory with purchasing of consumables and supplies needed for sample processing and for other research activities ongoing within TPI.

8.     Develop, create and test new equipment, systems, procedures, protocols, models and/or techniques related to sample storage and analysis. Diagnose faults and troubleshoot day-to-day problems carrying out appropriate maintenance as required.

9.     Work with Clinician Units to provide advice, analysing data or information and diagnosing related to sample processing. Contributing as necessary to preparation of study reports.

10.  In liaison with relevant senior staff, monitor technical standards, advise, implement and evaluate improvements to existing protocols as required.

11.  Collect, analyse and interpret data using standard procedures and ensure that accurate records are kept, and databases are updated accordingly. Present findings accurately. This may include research and/or teaching related data.

12.  Where relevant, maintain appropriate stock levels, including appropriate preparation of specialised media/reagents and samples as required, and purchase consumables and supplies within defined budget.

13.  Where relevant, and in consultation with relevant senior staff, ensure the safe and efficient functioning of the technical workspace and facilities, implementing health and safety policies as determined by the University and the Health and Safety Executive. Support the completion of risk assessments.

14.  Where relevant supervise staff including allocating work and monitoring progress and outputs.

15.  Collaborate with colleagues and participate in team meetings/discussions and contribute to the wider College/Institute/School activities as required, including the Technician Commitment key themes, https://www.gla.ac.uk/myglasgow/staff/technicians/

Knowledge, Qualifications, Skills and Experience

Knowledge/Qualifications
Essential

A1        Scottish Credit and Qualification Framework level 7 [Advanced Higher / Scottish vocational Qualification level 3, Higher National Certificate] or equivalent, and experience of personal development in a similar role.

A2        Knowledge and understanding of GCLP principles and up to date Health & Safety legislation.

A3        In-depth technical knowledge and skills related to clinical sample processing, samples records, sample storage, and sample QC according to GCLP standards (e.g Q-Pulse and Mosaic).

A4        In-depth technical knowledge and skills related to biochemical & molecular biology methods. Details of the discipline/project are as described in the post-specific information and advert.

Desirable 

B1        First degree in relevant cancer sciences discipline

B2        Knowledge of translational cancer research themes, and application of analytical methodologies relating to the analysis of human/clinical samples

Skills

Essential 

C1       Significant IT skills, including proficient usage of database & spreadsheet management software packages

C2       Significant skills in handling clinical samples according to GCLP standards, including proficient usage of database & spreadsheet management software packages

C3       Well-developed analytical and problem-solving capability, including a high degree of accuracy and attention to detail

C4       Excellent teamworking skills and communication skills

C5       Proven skills in planning, organising and prioritising work and technical support requirements, to meet competing demands

C6       Knowledge and experience of relevant scientific and technical skills, as applied to analytical translational cancer research methodologies

C7       Ability to work to specific guidelines and deadlines

Experience

Essential

E1        Significant relevant work experience within a similar environment, including evidence of previous professional development

E2        Experience of planning and organising own workload to meet the needs of service users.

E3        Experience of working 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.

As a valued member of our team, you can expect:

1 A warm welcoming and engaging organisational culture, where your talents are developed and nurtured, and success is celebrated and shared.

2 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.

3 A flexible approach to working.

4 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/.

We believe that we can only reach our full potential through the talents of all. 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.

UPDATED Closing date: 23:45 on Wednesday 23rd September 2026