Biomarker Scientists – (NHS Band 5 equivalent)
Stockport
Salary £24,000-£28,000pa (depending upon experience)
UK Biobank, based in Stockport, Greater Manchester, is a project funded principally by the Wellcome
Trust and the Medical Research Council to determine the causes of complex diseases such as
diabetes, cancer and heart disease. We have recruited 500,000 volunteer participants from the UK
population who have completed extensive baseline assessments and provided samples of blood,
urine and saliva that have been processed at UK Biobank and archived in ultra-low temperature
archives. The next phase of the study is focused upon the analysis of UK Biobank samples.
An exciting opportunity has arisen for experienced Biomedical Scientists to join UK Biobank as
Biomarker Scientists (NHS Band 5 Biomedical Scientist equivalent). Successful candidates will have
experience of working in a multidisciplinary capacity within a clinical/medical laboratory and will
particularly be familiar with the use of clinical chemistry and haematology/coagulation analysers.
They will join a dedicated laboratory team supporting a large-scale biomarker project, involving the
analysis of urine, serum, plasma and red cells from the entire UK Biobank cohort over a period of
approximately 18 months. The position would suit an individual looking for a unique opportunity to
be involved in research and improving the health of future generations. Successful candidates will be
expected to fully participate in the 24/7 shift working pattern.
Experience and skill requirements:
Essential skills:
 experience of using high throughput biochemistry and immunoassay analysers in a
diagnostic or clinical research laboratory
 Experience of performing routine and specialised clinical biochemistry tests
 Experience of analyser maintenance and troubleshooting
 Familiarity with laboratory internal and external quality assurance procedures
 Experience of using departmental SOPs
 knowledge of COSHH regulations and risk assessments
 Familiarity with laboratory accreditation systems
 Experience of using LIMS
 Experience of shift/on-call/out of hours working and willingness to participate in shift
working as required
 Awareness of Health and Safety regulations and procedures
 Good communication and team-working skills
 Attention to detail
Desirable skills:
 Experience of multidisciplinary working in a diagnostic/research laboratory
 Familiarity with haematological laboratory tests and with haematology/coagulation
analysers
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Experience of authorising or validating clinical biochemistry and haematology results
Experience of using liquid handling robots (e.g. TECAN liquid handling systems)
Experience of validating new methods/techniques and/or new equipment
Familiarity with ISO standards (ISO 9001, ISO 15189, ISO27001, ISO 17025)
Education and knowledge requirements:
 BSc Honours degree recognised by the Institute for Biomedical Science (IBMS)
 BMS or MLSO grade qualifications
 HCPC registration
 knowledge of routine and specialised clinical biochemistry biomarkers
 working knowledge of haematology/coagulation biomarkers
UK Biobank offers a competitive salary (depending on experience), 26 days holiday and membership
of the USS pension scheme. To apply for this position please click on the link below and send a
covering letter and curriculum vitae by 12 noon on Friday 24 January 2014.