Faculty of Medicine and Health
School of Medicine
Leeds Institute of Cancer and Pathology (LICAP)
Section of Pathology & Tumour Biology
Based at St James’s University Hospital
Tissue Bank Nurse - (50% FTE) 17.5 hours per week
Human tissue banking
This is an exciting opportunity for an enthusiastic and motivated nurse to join our research
team. The post has been created as a result of Leeds and 3 other UK partners being
selected to establish and run a national breast cancer biobank, the Breast Cancer
Campaign Tissue Bank (BCCTB). Participating in all aspects of patient recruitment and
sample collection, you will play a role in maintaining this programme. Additionally, you will
liaise with laboratory staff who process the samples, and be responsible for the input and
management of clinical data.
As a registered nurse, with current NMC registration and some post registration
experience, you will have the ability to accurately recruit patients, obtain consent and take
blood samples. Effective IT, interpersonal and communication skills are essential. Previous
relevant research experience is desirable.
The University of Leeds is committed to providing equal opportunities for all and
offers a range of family friendly policies (http://hr.leeds.ac.uk/homepage/4/policies).
The University is a charter member of Athena SWAN and holds the Bronze award.
The School of Medicine gained the Bronze award in 2013. We are committed to
being an inclusive medical school that values all staff, and we are happy to consider
job share applications and requests for flexible working arrangements from our
employees.
This is a fixed term post which is available from 1st January 2015 on a part-time
basis (50% FTE) until 30 June 2018.
University Grade 6 up to spine Pt 26 only (£25,513 - £27,864 pro-rata) due to
restricted funding
Informal enquiries to Professor Valerie Speirs, Tel +44(0)113 343 8633; Email
v.speirs@leeds.ac.uk. If you have any specific enquiries about your online application
please contact Sharon Collins Tel + 44 (0) 113 206 6949; email S.Collins@leeds.ac.uk
Job Ref: MHCAP1002
Closing Date: 3 November 2014
BACKGROUND
The Leeds Institute of Cancer and Pathology (LICAP)
Director: Professor Tim Bishop
http://medhealth.leeds.ac.uk/info/900/leeds_institute_of_cancer_and_pathology
The Leeds Institute of Cancer and Pathology addresses both laboratory based and clinical
research into cancer with a major focus on translational science. LICAP is one of the
largest cancer Institute’s in the country and has major financial support from the cancer
charities. The laboratories and clinical research are all based on the St James’s site with
laboratory activities being located in the Wellcome Trust Brenner Building and adjacent
buildings while the clinical work is based within Bexley Wing. The Institute consists of
seven Sections: Epidemiology & Biostatistics; Experimental Haematology; Experimental
Oncology; Oncology & Clinical Research (Clinical); Oncology & Clinical Research
(Laboratory); Pre-cancer Genomics; and Pathology & Tumour Biology.
Cancer Research UK Leeds Centre
http://www.cancerresearchukcentre.leeds.ac.uk
The Leeds Cancer Research UK Centre is a partnership between the University of Leeds,
Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust and Cancer Research UK, which aims to harness
the scientific power of Leeds-based cancer researchers to deliver improvements in cancer
care at local, national and international level. It fosters excellence in basic and
translational research and offers services to all cancer researchers in Leeds, irrespective
of their funding source. Beyond research, the Centre is also keen to build stronger
relationships with the local community, with patients undergoing cancer treatment, their
carers, cancer survivors and the wider public.
Section of Pathology and Tumour Biology – Professor Phil Quirke
This section undertakes translational research in cancer (gastrointestinal cancer (Quirke,
Grabsch), breast cancer (Hanby, Speirs), Head and Neck and lymphomas (MacLennan)
and ovarian cancer (Burns, Orsi) as well as digital pathology (Treanor). Our focus is on
translational research moving basic scientific advances into patient care.
We are part of the CRUK Cancer Centre, the Experimental Cancer Medicine Centre and
the Wellmec Centre. We have programme grant funding from Yorkshire Cancer Research
and the Breast cancer campaign and a wide range of other funders such as the MRC,
NIHR, Special trustee's etc...
We are undertaking translation research in over 30 UK clinical trials in breast, colon,
stomach and oesophageal cancers. Our digital science can be seen
at www.virtualpathology.leeds.ac.uk and
the
breast
cancer
tissue
bank
at https://breastcancertissuebank.org/about-tissue-bank.php. We publish on average 30
papers a year many in high impact factor Journals.
We thank our supporters especially Yorkshire Cancer Research and the Liz Dawn appeal
for investing in our laboratories and their ongoing support.
JOB DESCRIPTION
Background to the Post
This post, funded by Breast Cancer Campaign will be held within the Section of Pathology
and Tumour Biology, Leeds Institute of Cancer and Pathology, St. James’s University
Hospital (SJUH). The section is renowned for its long-standing expertise in cancer biology.
Purpose of the Post
A part-time research nurse is required to participate in all aspects of sample collection
from patients in clinics, operating theatres and in follow up. The post holder will be based
in the section of Pathology and Tumour Biology research laboratory facilities within LICAP
at St James’s University Hospital (SJUH), Leeds, where samples are processed and
banked. Consent from patients regarding tissue donation takes place in Bexley Wing at
SJUH. The majority of the breast tissue samples for the bank will be harvested in the NHS
histopathology laboratory. This is based on the 5th floor of the Bexley Wing at SJUH, a
short walk from the LICAP laboratory, though it is possible that this may also be retrieved
in the nearby Chancellor Wing. Tissue will be harvested in conjunction with one of four
consultant breast histopathologists (Hanby, Lane, Millcan-Slater and TBA) or a trainee
pathologist. The histopathology lab deals with approximately 550 new breast cancer
specimens a year.
Main Duties & Responsibilities
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Primary responsibility for the organisation and collection of blood samples and residual
fresh tissue samples from breast cancer cases and normal controls, ensuring
collection targets are met and maintained.
Liaise with consultant surgeons/pathologists to identify suitable cases from surgical
admission lists and obtain, from the patient, authorisation for the use of diagnostic and
residual tissue for quality control, teaching and research purposes. This will involve
attending MDT meetings.
Liaise with unit secretaries to ensure theatre patient lists are marked to identify
patients who have given consent and ensure this is recorded on the appropriate
tracking systems.
Liaise with theatre/clinic personnel for collection of specimens.
Assist in the collection of tissue samples from Pathology Laboratory, deliver to Tissue
Bank and process/store samples according to protocols.
Liaise with pathology staff to ensure they are aware of expected tissue samples,
especially samples which may be received out with normal working hours (i.e. 5-6pm).
Provide written monthly reports on the numbers of patent consented for tissue banking
and the tissues donated for the study PI, Prof Valerie Speirs, or one of her delegates.
Promote awareness of BCCTB to motivate recruitment of patients and collection of
biological specimens and provide regular feedback on completeness and quality of
collections made. This may include one to one discussion, newsletter, meetings,
authoring abstracts/ literature in conjunction with the Principal Investigators and giving
presentations on current studies and the outcome of analysis.
Developing of and compliance with written Standard Operating Procedures (SOPS).
Collect and maintain accurate computer and paper records relating to all tissue
samples held within the bank, including samples released for specific studies.
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Participate in teleconferences and/or attend meetings with representatives from other
centres to discuss and develop the BCCTB.
Contribute to the input and management of clinical data into the database.
Assist Tissue Bank staff in the processing and storage of tissue samples together with
the relevant documentation.
Assist with locating and providing requested tissue samples to relevant research staff
following approval by the Tissue Bank Access Committee.
Liaise with fellow Research Nurses involved in clinical trials which require temporary
storage of samples in the Tissue Bank.
Oversee and develop a culture of bio-banking within the Leeds Breast Team.
Retrospectively search medical records for patient authorisation for use of samples.
Contact or visit patients to obtain authorisation for use of samples.
Participate, with other staff within the department, in quality control procedures.
Adhere to the departmental Health and Safety Policy
Maintain high scientific and quality standards within the section.
Attend section and institute meetings as required.
To be responsible for his/her professional development.
To comply with reasonable requests from more senior members of staff.
Relationships
The post holder will be responsible on a day to day basis to Professor Andrew Hanby,
Consultant Breast Histopathologist, through whom you will be accountable to the Section
Head, Professor Phil Quirke, and through him to Professor Tim Bishop, Head of Institute,
the Dean of the School of Medicine and Dean of Faculty of Medicine and Health.
You will have a series of other key professional relationships, including:
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Prof Valerie Speirs, Professor of Experimental Pathology & Oncology, University of
Leeds
Mr Kieran Horgan, Consultant Surgeon and Clinical Director, Breast Services, St
James’s University Hospital
Breast Cancer Campaign Tissue Bank staff in Leeds and at the other 3 centres
(London, Nottingham, Sheffield)
Breast Research Nurses, St James’s University Hospital
As a Registered Nurse, advice and mentorship will also be available from the matron for
Breast Services in Leeds Teaching Hospital Trust.
University Values
All staff are expected to operate in line with the university’s values and standards, which
work as an integral part of our strategy and set out the principles of how we work together.
More information about the university’s strategy and values is available at
http://www.leeds.ac.uk/comms/strategy/
PERSON SPECIFICATION
Essential
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Registered Nurse (level 1; holding current registration with NMC)
At least 2 years post registration nursing experience
Practical experience of working within and an understanding of NHS working
practices
Evidence of good organisational skills
Ability to accurately collect and store samples and data
Effective interpersonal and communication skills and an ability to communicate
effectively with a multidisciplinary team
Capacity to work successfully as a member of a team
To be professional and patient focussed at all times
Computing skills with confident use of MS Office suite, including email
Knowledge of clinical databases
Experience of working with databases
Ability to use own initiative, prioritise workload and work independently
Able to work flexibly, when required, to meet the needs of the study
Ability to work under pressure and to deadlines
Available, willing and able to travel in and around Leeds and occasionally within the
UK
Evidence of continued professional development and willingness to undergo
training as necessary
Desirable
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Previous experience in a research nurse role
Previous nursing experience in oncology or breast speciality
Driving licence and own transport
Professional Registration
As a qualified Nurse you should obtain periodic registration with the NMC. You will be
required to maintain such registration so long as you remain employed with the University Of
Leeds, confirming to your line manager that renewal has been carried out as required by the
relevant professional organisation. You should produce documentation giving evidence of
your registration upon request.
FURTHER INFORMATION
Faculty Information
Faculty of Medicine and Health Information
With more than 6,000 students, 1,600 staff and annual research income of £60m, the
Faculty of Medicine and Health at Leeds is bigger than some universities. Leeds has one
of the largest medical and bioscience research bases in the UK, and is an acknowledged
world leader in cancer, cardiovascular, psychiatric, genetic, musculo-skeletal and health
services research. Treatments developed in Leeds are transforming the lives of people
around the world living with conditions such as HIV, TB, diabetes and malaria.
The School of Medicine
The School of Medicine at the University of Leeds is a major international centre for
research and education. Our ambition is to improve health and reduce health inequalities,
locally and globally, through excellent scientific research and the translation of that
research into healthcare practice, and through the education of future scientific and clinical
leaders who will advocate and practise an evidence-based approach. Our major strategic
aims are to:
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Deliver outstanding research including basic discovery science through to applied
health research that makes a significant difference to health.
Produce exceptional graduates, clinicians, educators, doctoral and post-doctoral
fellows whose learning has been informed and inspired by our research excellence
and who will form the next generation of academic and clinical leaders.
Develop and support knowledge transfer activities that flow from our academic
activities.
Create and maintain an efficient and sustainable environment for research and
teaching within an organisational culture and management style that enacts and
supports the university’s core values of community, inclusiveness, integrity and
professionalism.
The School of Medicine is organised into seven Institutes. All are committed to high quality
research-led teaching, through their training of postgraduate research students, delivery of
postgraduate taught courses, and its leadership in undergraduate teaching. The School
works closely with the local NHS, having a number of jointly funded clinical posts to ensure
this relationship is effective and strong for both research and student education.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Terms and Conditions
Details of the terms and conditions of employment for all staff at the university, including
information on pensions and benefits, are available on the Human Resources web pages
accessible via the links on the right hand side, or at http://hr.leeds.ac.uk/policies
Disclosure and Barring Service Checks
Enhanced Disclosure from the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) is required for this
position. The successful applicant will be required to give consent for the University to
check their criminal record status through independent verification (from the DBS).
Information will be kept in strict confidence. Your offer of appointment will be subject to
the University being satisfied with the outcome of these checks.
Disabled Applicants
This post is located across various buildings at St James’s University Hospital. Disabled
applicants wishing to review access to the buildings are invited to contact the department
direct. Additional information may be sought from the Recruitment Officer, e-mail
disclosure@leeds.ac.uk or tel +44 (0) 113 343 1723.
Disabled applicants are not obliged to inform employers of their disability but will still be
covered by the Equality Act once their disability becomes known.
Further information for applicants with disabilities, impairments or health
conditions is available in the applicant guidance.