Translational Research Technician

About the role

The Leicester Experimental Cancer Medicine Centre (ECMC) is part of a UK-wide network dedicated to advancing early-phase and translational cancer research. Working across the University of Leicester and University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust, the ECMC provides the infrastructure and expertise to deliver first-in-human trials and biomarker-driven studies. As a Translational Research Technician, you will play a vital role in supporting tissue collection activities for a range of clinical research studies and early-phase trials. This includes obtaining consent to research studies from patients and volunteers, collecting samples from operating theatres and clinics across Leicester hospital sites and processing of samples in accordance with Good Clinical Laboratory Practice (GCLP) standards and Standard operating procedures.

You will also contribute to maintaining laboratory facilities, monitoring equipment, and supporting training for staff and students in tissue handling and storage.

This position requires close collaboration with clinical teams and research colleagues to ensure timely collection of clinical specimens in compliance with regulatory requirements. You will be part of a dynamic environment where flexibility is key, as sample collections may occasionally be delayed or rescheduled.

Your work will directly support the ECMC’s mission to accelerate the development of new cancer treatments & diagnostics, making a real difference to patient care.

About you

You will hold a minimum of NVQ Level 3 (such as BTEC or ONC) in a relevant subject and have experience in a technical or clinical role involving human tissue samples. A sound understanding of regulatory requirements, including Good Clinical Practice, The Human Tissue Act and health and laboratory safety standards, is essential, along with excellent attention to detail and strong organisational skills.

You will be confident working in both clinical and laboratory settings, including operating theatres, and be able to work effectively both independently and as part of a team. You will demonstrate flexibility in responding to changing clinical demands and be willing to travel between hospital sites as required.

You will also possess excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to build effective working relationships and communicate confidently with a wide range of stakeholders, including patients, clinical teams, researchers, & laboratory staff.

Above all, you will share our values of inclusivity, collaboration and impact, and be motivated to contribute to research that improves outcomes for cancer patients.

Experience in an NHS or clinical research environment and experience in adhering to GCLP standards would be advantageous

Additional information

Informal enquiries are welcome and can be made to Prof Karen Brown on kb20@le.ac.uk

As part of the University’s ongoing commitment to professional development, this role will also be considered on a seconded basis for existing staff members. Please ensure this is discussed with your line manager prior to applying. More information regarding secondments can be found here

The University of Leicester has been changing the world, and changing people’s lives, for 100 years. When you join us, you’ll become part of a community of Citizens of Change, which includes not only our staff and our current students but also thousands of Leicester graduates around the world.

As a diverse and forward-thinking employer, we embed the principles of equity, diversity & inclusion into everything we do. That includes not just our core missions of teaching and research, but also our support for staff, students and our local community through our values of Inspiring, Impactful &  Inclusive.

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