Biobank Co-Ordinator

London (Greater)
£38,304 per annum, including London Weighting Allowance
12 May 2021
25 May 2021
022605
Life sciences, Biological Sciences
Fixed Term
Full Time

Job description


KHP Cancer Biobank collects a range of biological samples from patients attending Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Trust who have or may have a cancer diagnosis. These samples and accompanying clinical data have been used in many academic and commercial studies ad cited in more than 320 publications.   
 
The post holder will work under the direct supervision of the KHP Cancer Biobank Manager and be responsible for facilitating patient recruitment to the Biobank. Whilst some patients will continue to be approached for a face-to-face discussion, a significant aspect of the role is to implement virtual consent processes that are appropriate for the different clinical pathways. This also includes development, assessment and validation of using e-consent materials.
 
The role will also involve facilitating collection of samples from patients who have given consent, including blood, saliva, urine and stool samples. This may include liaising with the phlebotomy staff and providing collection kits.
 
The post holder will also lead the volunteer biobank consenter programme, where members of the public have been trained to take informed consent. This will include mentoring and organising the volunteers to support clinics (on-site and virtual), expand the volunteer base and support training. These activities will be done in conjunction with Guy’s and St Thomas’ Voluntary Services. 
 
The post would suit an experienced research co-ordinator who has in depth knowledge of the Human Tissue Act. The successful individual must be able to function independently with minimal supervision; engage with members of the Biobank, multidisciplinary clinical and academic teams, external collaborators and voluntary services; foster patient engagement in promoting the Cancer Biobank and research in general. Whilst the post will be primarily based on the Guy’s Campus, the post holder will be required to work on the St Thomas’s site. 
 
This post will be offered on a fixed-term contract for 12 months. 
This is a full-time post - 100% full time equivalent .

Key responsibilities

 

  • Maximise number of patients approached for Biobank informed consent   
  • Implement virtual informed consent procedures reflecting clinical pathways 
  • Ensure appropriate documentation in patient records and Biobank database. 
  • Liaise with and support clinical staff to incorporate informed consent processes as standard practice 
  • Develop and assess use of e-consent processes 
  • Lead the Biobank Volunteer Consentor Programme 
  • Ensure adherence to regulatory requirements and defined protocols. 
  • Lead on problem solving in approaching patients between the clinical team, Biobank and researchers 
  • Liaise with other clinical teams who may also be approaching a patient for clinical trial or study consent. 
  • Take a lead in patient-facing Biobank activities, to publicise the Biobank and further engage patients and visitors in research. 
  • Report findings, both written and verbally, in a timely manner as requested by the Biobank Manager. 
  • Organise Biobank Reference Group Meetings. 

 
The above list of responsibilities may not be exhaustive, and the post holder will be required to undertake such tasks and responsibilities as may reasonably be expected within the scope and grading of the post.  
 
Skills, knowledge, and experience 
 
Essential criteria 

 

  1. Relevant undergraduate degree or equivalent, plus substantial work experience in a relevant scientific/clinical trial/nursing post 
  2. Evidence of CPD 
  3. Experience of working independently as well as part of a team 
  4. Knowledge of HTA, Research Ethics and governance framework 
  5. Ability to be proactive and predict, identify and resolve problems that may impact on ability to approach patients for consent. 
  6. Excellent interpersonal and communication skills 
  7. Respect for confidentiality 
  8. Experience of supervising/ advising colleagues/service users, providing feedback on performance levels, coaching individuals as required. 
  9. Committed to equality, diversity and inclusion, actively addressing areas of potential bias 

 
Desirable criteria 
 

  1. Experience of working in the NHS 
  2. Postgraduate degree or equivalent professional qualification in a relevant subject  
  3. Project management experience 
  4. Previous phlebotomy experience 

This post is subject to Disclosure and Barring Service and Occupational Health clearance.