Senior Scientific Officer/Trials Analyst

The Senior Scientific Officer/Trials Analyst will be responsible for the management of a suite of analytical equipment and coordination of research projects in the Newcastle Cancer Centre Pharmacology Group of Professor Gareth Veal, a leading international centre in the development and validation of clinical pharmacology assays in the field of oncology.

The role involves the coordination and management of multiple projects relating to the analysis and quantification of anticancer drug levels in clinical samples obtained as part of national clinical pharmacology trials. Additional preclinical assay development work may also be involved, with all work carried out according to GCLP regulations. You will take responsibility for leading individual projects, involving the validation of novel assays and analysis of clinical samples, and the implementation of new programs of research utilising your high level of expertise in assay development. This expansive role will incorporate the costing of collaboration with a wide variety of people including university research staff/students, analytical technicians from external companies, clinicians/research nursing staff in national treatment centres and representatives from charities and funding bodies.

Reporting to the Institute Technical Manager team and Professor Veal, you will be a visible role model, demonstrating the highest standards of leadership and behaviour and contributing to the development of an outstanding professional service.

Key Accountabilities:

- Development and validation of analytical assays using highly specialist equipment, requiring the application of a high level of skill and expertise, obtained through many years of experience
- Provision of expert advice and management in all aspects of clinical pharmacology assay development (e.g. advising on experimental design and feasibility, assay validation, logistics, etc) to a wide range of staff, students and commercial users
- Liaison with PIs and research staff within the institute and wider university to facilitate the running of multiple research projects to meet defined deadlines, involving both scientific input and forward planning skills to prioritise equipment usage across multiple projects
- Development of new/improved analytical methods and facilities, keeping up to date with developments in the field and developing business cases for upgrading analytical facilities, including procurement of new equipment
- Work with PIs to devise and review research proposals, grant applications and costings to ensure feasibility, accuracy and cost efficiency
- Devise and implement strategies to most efficiently allocate resources across multiple projects involving charities, pharma and regulatory agencies
- Initiate and develop enterprise opportunities and foster and maintain established links with national and internationally recognised companies and organisations
- Maintain critical laboratory equipment including troubleshooting, essential repairs, and liaison with service contract technicians
- Provide training in analytical assays to staff at all levels
- Develop and validate assays (LC/MS, HPLC) for the quantification of cancer drugs
- Analyse drug levels in clinical samples from patients recruited to clinical trials, working according to GCLP practices at all times
- Make a significant contribution to research through compilation of clinical pharmacology data for internal and external reports and publications, with authorship expected on multiple projects
- Be aware of and take responsibility for working in accordance with applicable regulations and guidance
- Provide regular updates regarding status of ongoing clinical trial work and projects
- Supervise undergraduate and postgraduate students
- Take responsibility for identifying own learning needs
- Contribute to the training and mentorship of new research and clinical trial staff
- Attend conferences, seminars and/or courses to ensure knowledge is up to date

Essential Knowledge, Skills and Experience:

- Detailed subject knowledge in the area of research
- Experience of working in clinical research with experience of conducting independent research projects
- Knowledge and experience of working to standards of GCLP
- Excellent analytical skills and understanding of chromatographic assays and systems
- Experience in pharmacological assay development
- Experience in the maintenance of HPLC and LC/MS systems and experience in the use of LC/MS and HPLC for drug quantification
- Experience of preparing grant applications for submission to funding bodies
- Well developed understanding of health and safety regulations and procedures within an analytical laboratory
- Excellent organisational and interpersonal skills

Attributes and Behaviour:

- Commitment to continuing professional development
- Understanding of ethical issues surrounding clinical research involving patients
- Desire and ability to work as part of a team
- Strong commitment to the study of clinical pharmacology
- Ability to work independently on individual research projects
- Ability to communicate clearly and concisely in writing and verbally

Qualifications:

- Degree or equivalent level qualification in a relevant subject
- A higher degree is desirable

Benefits include a generous holiday package with the opportunity to buy more, great pension schemes, and a number of health and wellbeing initiatives.