Head and Neck Biobank Biomedical Scientist

We have a fantastic opportunity for an experienced Biomedical Scientist to join the expanding KHP Cancer Biobank with a direct involvement in diagnostics, clinical trials and research. The main duty of the postholder is day-to-day responsibility for the Head and Neck Cancer Biobank and to support its continuing development in response to clinical change and researcher requirements.

Working alongside clinical and diagnostic colleagues in Head and Neck Pathology, the post holder will co-ordinate and participate in collection of samples for incorporation into the Cancer Biobank. Samples must be processed and stored in such a way that they are suitable for a full range of experimental techniques including genomics, transcriptomic and proteomic studies.

The BMS will be responsible for timely supply of samples and associated clinical data to projects approved by the Biobank Access Committee. This includes maintaining accurate records and the ability to prioritise activities to meet agreed timelines.

The Biobank BMS is primarily responsible for Head and Neck, but may also be required to participate in other Cancer Biobank activities, including dissection oof other large specimens for banking purposes. The post will involve supervision and training of Biobank technical staff, students and visitors., The post holder will be responsible for the day-to-day running of the Head and Neck Cancer Biobank. This is a varied role and includes technical, management and teamwork skills. Some key elements of the role include liaising with other Trust personnel for the timely collection of samples, undertaking H&N tissue sampling and preparing samples for research studies, maintaining accurate records for all samples received and distributed and be able to prioritise work to maximise sample integrity and to meet defined timelines.

The post holder is expected to use skills and judgement to evaluate processes and recommend change to reflect new knowledge or developments in the field.

Teamwork and clear communication are an essential part of this role. The post holder will be joining a team of more than 17 dedicated biobank staff and will have line management responsibilities for H&N technicians.

King's Health Partners Cancer Biobank has supported translational cancer research at a national level since the 1970's. During that time, the Biobank has accrued samples from more than 44,000 patients and supplied significant numbers of samples to researchers worldwide. Samples have all have been acquired under documented procedures and linked to prospectively collected and verified clinical data. The KHP Cancer Biobank collects surplus fresh, frozen and/or fixed paraffin material from almost all solid tumours resected at Guy's & St Thomas NHS Trust. In addition to these surplus tissues, the Biobank also collects and processes tissue biopsies, blood, urine, saliva and stool samples.

The Biobank supports a significant number of programmes and projects led by King's College London (KCL) School of Cancer and Pharmaceutical Sciences. This includes an extensive cancer organoid generation programme and working with academic and commercial partners. The Biobank specialist skills and facilities are increasingly utilised for translational cancer research and clinical trial purposes. This is now also expanding into advanced therapies.