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The Christie NHS FT

Translational Research Facilitator

The closing date is 28 January 2026

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Job summary

We are looking for a highly motivated and resourceful individual to join the Experimental Cancer Medicine Team (ECMT) as a Translational Research Facilitator (TRF).

The TRF is responsible for obtaining, tracking and storage of human material samples in accordance with all relevant legislation and governance requirements for early phase and translational cancer research studies. The successful candidate must have exceptional attention to detail, required for intricate sample tracking tasks.

This role will involve supporting the sample management for commercial clinical trials (obtaining samples and sending them to central laboratories for research analysis), and supporting large translational research projects such as TARGET National (including preparation for and attendance at national molecular tumour board meetings).

The post holder will also on occasion asked to support a post-mortem study, including attendance at post-mortems to support sample collection.

Experience of working with samples, within a biobank or in a laboratory setting is beneficial for this role, though full training will be provided.

Main duties of the job

The TRF role is full-time office based at The Christie NHS Foundation Trust. This role will involve working across clinical and translational research studies to:

- Collect human tissue samples (via attendance at biopsies or through requests to external hospitals)

- Track samples accurately using an in-house LIMS system

- Maintain appropriate storage of human tissue samples including supporting senior team members with auditing of samples on site. This may involve spending time in a laboratory-based environment particularly working with frozen samples.

- Arrange for prompt shipment of samples as required for patients on clinical trials

The post holder will also be expected to support with electronic data management, and preparation for national Molecular Tumour Board meetings.

This role is largely administrative/ office-based with the expectation that the post holder will attend biopsies and support sample processing where required.

Informal discussions prior to application are encouraged. If you would like to discuss the role please contact Emma Darlington (e.darlington@nhs.net).

About us

The Christie is one of Europe's leading cancer centres, treating over 60,000 patients a year. We are based in Manchester and serve a population of 3.2 million across Greater Manchester & Cheshire, but as a national specialist around 15% patients are referred to us from other parts of the country. We provide radiotherapy through one of the largest radiotherapy departments in the world; chemotherapy on site and through 14 other hospitals; highly specialist surgery for complex and rare cancer; and a wide range of support and diagnostic services. We are also an international leader in research, with world first breakthroughs for over 100 years. We run one of the largest early clinical trial units in Europe with over 300 trials every year. Cancer research in Manchester, most of which is undertaken on the Christie site, has been officially ranked the best in the UK.

Details

Date posted

14 January 2026

Pay scheme

Agenda for change

Band

Band 4

Salary

£27,485 to £30,162 a year per annum pro rata

Contract

Permanent

Working pattern

Full-time

Reference number

413-102497-RI-MS

Job locations

Phase 1 - Q01312

Manchester

M20 4BX


Job description

Job responsibilities

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Sample Collection and Processing

a) Assist with the collection of tissue and clinical data for clinical and translational research programmes within Clinical Pharmacology and Clinical Experimental Pharmacology.

b) Liaise with the clinical team to identify patients who require sample collection and processing by attending team meetings, MDTs, etc and liaise with other departments and outside hospitals as appropriate.

c) Liaise and communicate effectively with all relevant staff involved in sample collection and handling including, researchers, phlebotomists, surgeons, pathologists, theatre staff, and other health care professionals in a polite and professional manner.

d) Assist with arranging the collection of biological samples as required and undertake sample processing, liaising and involving laboratory staff where necessary.

e) Undertake shipment of samples from the collection site to the analysis/storage site, ensuring the quality of the samples is maintained and in line with all local and national policy.

f) Complete all necessary paperwork relating to the collected patient samples.

g) Perform clerical duties, including database development and computerised data entry, and filing.

Administration and Data Management

a) Maintain LIMS sample tracking system, trial trackers and databases.

b) Co-ordinate and carry out the collection and presentation of patient test results and data for discussion at Molecular Tumour Board meetings as required.

c) Take and disseminate minutes for meetings as required.

d) Deal with all matters arising, referring them on to appropriate members of staff as required.

e) Display and maintain an appropriate level of IT skills, in order to input patient and request data, maintain and amend patient records and interrogate the laboratory and hospital databases.

f) Perform a range of administrative tasks as required. This includes archiving and retrieval of specimens and data, maintenance of archived material and collection of data for audits.

g) Ensure effective management of consent forms, leaflets and sample collection kits.

Training and Education

a) Attend mandatory training sessions required by the Trust and any other study relevant to their area.

b) Participate in the Trusts annual appraisal procedure, maintaining competence levels within the Department and assists in own personal and professional development

c) Provide support and assistance to newly appointed/less experienced staff as appropriate.

d) Ensure knowledge of relevant policies, procedures and legislation is kept up-to-date, including the Human Tissue Act (2004).

General Requirements

a) Work to ensure that sample collection, shipment and storage is administered in an efficient and professional manner.

b) Ensure effective communication/liaison with other research staff including clinicians Biobank Technicians and staff.

c) Attend departmental and Trust-wide staff meetings as appropriate and implement any resultant recommendations/findings in a timely manner.

d) Work to ensure that performance targets are met by continually assessing priority of work.

e) Maintain the highest standards of personal and professional conduct.

f) Report adverse incidents to immediate supervisor. Demonstrate an awareness of and compliance with health and safety regulations, the Data Protection Act, and Standard Operating Procedures.

Job description

Job responsibilities

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Sample Collection and Processing

a) Assist with the collection of tissue and clinical data for clinical and translational research programmes within Clinical Pharmacology and Clinical Experimental Pharmacology.

b) Liaise with the clinical team to identify patients who require sample collection and processing by attending team meetings, MDTs, etc and liaise with other departments and outside hospitals as appropriate.

c) Liaise and communicate effectively with all relevant staff involved in sample collection and handling including, researchers, phlebotomists, surgeons, pathologists, theatre staff, and other health care professionals in a polite and professional manner.

d) Assist with arranging the collection of biological samples as required and undertake sample processing, liaising and involving laboratory staff where necessary.

e) Undertake shipment of samples from the collection site to the analysis/storage site, ensuring the quality of the samples is maintained and in line with all local and national policy.

f) Complete all necessary paperwork relating to the collected patient samples.

g) Perform clerical duties, including database development and computerised data entry, and filing.

Administration and Data Management

a) Maintain LIMS sample tracking system, trial trackers and databases.

b) Co-ordinate and carry out the collection and presentation of patient test results and data for discussion at Molecular Tumour Board meetings as required.

c) Take and disseminate minutes for meetings as required.

d) Deal with all matters arising, referring them on to appropriate members of staff as required.

e) Display and maintain an appropriate level of IT skills, in order to input patient and request data, maintain and amend patient records and interrogate the laboratory and hospital databases.

f) Perform a range of administrative tasks as required. This includes archiving and retrieval of specimens and data, maintenance of archived material and collection of data for audits.

g) Ensure effective management of consent forms, leaflets and sample collection kits.

Training and Education

a) Attend mandatory training sessions required by the Trust and any other study relevant to their area.

b) Participate in the Trusts annual appraisal procedure, maintaining competence levels within the Department and assists in own personal and professional development

c) Provide support and assistance to newly appointed/less experienced staff as appropriate.

d) Ensure knowledge of relevant policies, procedures and legislation is kept up-to-date, including the Human Tissue Act (2004).

General Requirements

a) Work to ensure that sample collection, shipment and storage is administered in an efficient and professional manner.

b) Ensure effective communication/liaison with other research staff including clinicians Biobank Technicians and staff.

c) Attend departmental and Trust-wide staff meetings as appropriate and implement any resultant recommendations/findings in a timely manner.

d) Work to ensure that performance targets are met by continually assessing priority of work.

e) Maintain the highest standards of personal and professional conduct.

f) Report adverse incidents to immediate supervisor. Demonstrate an awareness of and compliance with health and safety regulations, the Data Protection Act, and Standard Operating Procedures.

Person Specification

Qualifications

Essential

  • Diploma or relevant experience.

Desirable

  • Degree in science or health related discipline

Experience

Essential

  • Experience of working in a laboratory environment
  • Experience of administrative work including data management

Desirable

  • Biobanking experience
  • Experience of working within a health care system
  • Research experience
  • Experience in multi-tasking role

Skills

Essential

  • Excellent oral and written communication skills
  • Good organisational skills
  • Good interpersonal skills both written and verbal.
  • Ability to use Excel and Word
  • Possess a keen eye for detail

Desirable

  • Phlebotomy (or willing to undertake training)
  • Familiarity with medical terminology

Knowledge

Essential

  • Awareness of the Human Tissue Act (HTA) (2004)
  • Awareness of ICH-GCP

Desirable

  • Knowledge of HTA & ICH-GCP
  • Knowledge of the clinical trials process

Values

Essential

  • Tactful and diplomatic
  • Flexible
  • Conscientious and hardworking
  • Ability to demonstrate the organisational values and behaviours

Other

Essential

  • Ability to work unsupervised or as part of a team
  • Willing to undertake any training necessary

Desirable

  • Ability to work to tight and/or unexpected deadlines
Person Specification

Qualifications

Essential

  • Diploma or relevant experience.

Desirable

  • Degree in science or health related discipline

Experience

Essential

  • Experience of working in a laboratory environment
  • Experience of administrative work including data management

Desirable

  • Biobanking experience
  • Experience of working within a health care system
  • Research experience
  • Experience in multi-tasking role

Skills

Essential

  • Excellent oral and written communication skills
  • Good organisational skills
  • Good interpersonal skills both written and verbal.
  • Ability to use Excel and Word
  • Possess a keen eye for detail

Desirable

  • Phlebotomy (or willing to undertake training)
  • Familiarity with medical terminology

Knowledge

Essential

  • Awareness of the Human Tissue Act (HTA) (2004)
  • Awareness of ICH-GCP

Desirable

  • Knowledge of HTA & ICH-GCP
  • Knowledge of the clinical trials process

Values

Essential

  • Tactful and diplomatic
  • Flexible
  • Conscientious and hardworking
  • Ability to demonstrate the organisational values and behaviours

Other

Essential

  • Ability to work unsupervised or as part of a team
  • Willing to undertake any training necessary

Desirable

  • Ability to work to tight and/or unexpected deadlines

Disclosure and Barring Service Check

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.

Employer details

Employer name

The Christie NHS FT

Address

Phase 1 - Q01312

Manchester

M20 4BX


Employer's website

https://www.christie.nhs.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)

Employer details

Employer name

The Christie NHS FT

Address

Phase 1 - Q01312

Manchester

M20 4BX


Employer's website

https://www.christie.nhs.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)

Employer contact details

For questions about the job, contact:

ECMT Research Manager

Emma Darlington

e.darlington@nhs.net

01614463000

Details

Date posted

14 January 2026

Pay scheme

Agenda for change

Band

Band 4

Salary

£27,485 to £30,162 a year per annum pro rata

Contract

Permanent

Working pattern

Full-time

Reference number

413-102497-RI-MS

Job locations

Phase 1 - Q01312

Manchester

M20 4BX


Supporting documents

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