Brains for Dementia Research (BDR) Project Technician

Job description

The role is based within the London Neurodegenerative Diseases Brain Bank and involves assisting in the processing of post-mortem tissue donations that have been collected as part of the Brains for Dementia Research (BDR) project. Duties will include liaison with families, funeral directors, GPs and mortuaries to facilitate post-mortem brain and spinal cord donations in a timely and sensitive manner. Experience in communicating with bereaved families would be an advantage. 

You will also assist in neuropathological diagnosis of BDR tissue donations (this will involve at least 2 days a week spent in the Clinical Neuropathology Department of King’s College Hospital). This will require expertise in fixed tissue processing, microtome sectioning and in immunohistochemistry techniques.  

You will also have an opportunity to be involved in research projects on neurodegeneration using samples and information available through the BDR project. 

This post will be offered on a fixed-term contract for to 31/03/24 

This is a full-time post - 100% full time equivalent

Key responsibilities

•   Assist in the collection, processing, and distribution of BDR human post-mortem tissue donations. 

•   Assist in neuropathological diagnosis of BDR tissue donations (this will involve at least 2 days a week spent in the Clinical Neuropathology Department of King’s College Hospital).

•   Assist in research projects on neurodegeneration using samples and information available through the BDR project.

•   Undertake any other reasonable duties that may be relevant to the role outline

•   Be committed to his/her personal career development

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.     Experience in fixed tissue microtome sectioning  

2.     Expertise in processing of human tissue for research and diagnostic techniques 

3.     Experience in immunohistochemistry techniques  

4.     BSc or equivalent 

5.     Ability to interact with a wide range of persons 

6.     Ability to work independently and in a team  

7.     Knowledge of the Human Tissue Act 

8.     Time management skills  

9.     Microsoft Office expertise 

Desirable criteria

1.     Professional registration  

2.     Experience in neuroscience/neurodegeneration research  

3.     Experience in talking to bereaved families