SUPP111751

The post holder will join the Bristol Bioresource Laboratories (BBL) as part of a team providing a high quality biobanking, sample management and genotyping service to population health studies. They will specifically be involved in the set-up, optimisation and delivery of laboratory activities for the PLACENTA study. This study is looking into the health of the placenta and whether it can predict particular health outcomes of the child and mother in later life. Placentas for the project were collected over 30 years ago from the Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children (ALSPAC). The children from these pregnancies and their families have had extensive follow up, generating a wealth of data.What will you be doing? As the technical specialist lead for the PLACENTA study you will

• Work with key stakeholders (e.g. Principal Investigator, researchers) to ensure the efficient running of the project.
• Set-up and undertake lab activities on stored placentas including dissecting, processing, sectioning, histology staining and digital slide scanning (but not limited to these activities). This will include method development, establishing SOPs, risk assessments and CoSHH.
• Maintain accurate records for sample traceability and project progression.
• Manage the BBL sample store at Langford and contribute to sample management at the main BBL facilities. This will involve travelling to and working at more than one site.
• Act as Person Designate for the Human Tissue Authority licence, carrying out internal audits and maintaining sample records.
• Support the day to day running of the lab including: ordering supplies; equipment maintenance and arranging servicing; staff training; supervision of students.
• On a rotational basis provide out of hours cover for the 24 hr freezer and cryostore alarm system which will include some weekends and bank holidays. Possible occasional weekend/evening work to cover lab activities.
Please note that this post will be working extensively with formalin fixed biological samples.


• You are highly motivated and want to play a part in generating a resource for population health research.
• You have experience of working with biological samples, including quality control and protocol development.
• You have project management experience and dealing with a wide range of stakeholders.
• You have an understanding of the quality management and governance procedures required for biological sample handling and storage.