The Vall d´Hebron Institute of Oncology (VHIO) Seeks a “Specialized Laboratory Technician and Quality Manager at Cancer Genomics Laboratory”

Reference: 2024-062-01

Application deadline: Until the position is filled

Number of vacancies: 1

Job description:

The Cancer Genomics Group (PI: Ana Vivancos) is the Genomics Core Technology laboratory at VHIO. Our laboratory, provides access to a range of cutting-edge applications and technologies in cancer genomics including NextGen Sequencers, MiSeq, NextSeq 550 (2 units) and NovaSeq 6000 (Illumina) and a ddPCR (BioRad).

We provide cutting-edge applications in cancer genomics through state-of-the-art technologies and, importantly, the development of novel, fully validated tests. Our novel genomic tests provide an important added value to our activity as a facility and research group, and to VHIO as a whole, enabling routine patient testing in the clinical research setting (Prescreening Program) as well as in translational research.

VHIO’s Prescreening Program is a transversal program, nucleated around the activity of two VHIO groups – the Molecular Oncology (led by Paolo Nuciforo) and Cancer Genomics labs, performing routine molecular profiling in over 1500 patients per year. Patients included in the program are candidates for enrollment in Phase I clinical trials carried out at the Research Unit for Molecular Therapy of Cancer (UITM) – “la Caixa”, led by Elena Garralda. Patients’ suitability for inclusion in any given clinical trial is decided taking into account their respective genomic or pathologic profile.

The Cancer Genomics Lab has developed and implemented several tests during the last 10 years that have been in use in the Prescreening Program routine. Presently, a custom 435-gene hybrid capture panel (VHIO-300, developed in 2018) is the DNA-based test for tissue analysis. Recently, we developed a custom RNA seq panel (VHIO Epsilon ɛ00) for gene fusion detection and gene expression profiling analysis, including a gene expression signature resporting on IFNg-mediated inflammation (VIGex). In 2022, we completed the technical transfer of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved Guardant360® CDx liquid biopsy test for comprehensive genomic profiling. Our lab is the first cancer research center in Europe to have a laboratory equipped with this cutting-edge platform.

As a reflection of our dedication to excellence and quality in the services we provide, both NGS-DNA based tests have been accredited according to the UNE-EN ISO 15189 quality system, that specifies requirements for quality and competence in medical laboratories. In recognition to our track, VHIO-300’s UNE-EN ISO 15189 accreditation was awarded in its flexible version, allowing us to include new analytes directly in the accredited test (following a standard operating procedure).

We are seeking a specialized laboratory technician and quality manager for our lab.

Main tasks:

Basic genomic duties: nucleic acid extraction of fresh/frozen, plasma and FFPE samples, library preparation for NGS (Illumina-based), ddPCR, qPCR and RT-qPCR.

Quality Management: Ensure the laboratory's quality system is implemented and adhered to at all times, including (but limited to) internal and external QC activities, maintain the risk management system, manage the flexible scope in accredited tests in the lab, personnel training on ISO 15189:2022 and Ensure the filing, updating, and version control of the laboratory's quality system documentation (quality manual, standard operating procedures and records).

Requirements:

• Experience: At least 4 years of relevant laboratory experience in molecular biology and/or genomics techniques.
• Studies: Ph.D, B.Sc or M.Sc will be considered an asset, although is not mandatory.
• Knowledge of quality management systems and tools.
• Knowledge of the ISO 15189:2022 standard and of the applicable European regulatory framework for in-house IVDs.
• Experience with quality management system standards (ISO 9001 and ISO 13485) will be valued
• Languages: fluency in English is required.
• Computer literacy is essential.

Additional information:

We offer:

• 📈The possibility of developing your professional career in a competitive environment.
• 🧠To be part of a centre that is constantly developing, pursuing excellence in research and collaborating with leading teams.
• 🫱🏻‍🫲🏾We offer and promote a diverse and inclusive environment, and welcome all people equally, regardless of age, disability, gender, nationality, race, religion or sexual orientation.
• 🪴We care about our environment and understand the importance of sustainability. We have the GreenVhio program, which you can be a part of.

Conditions:

• 📝Permanent contract.
• 🍉Fresh fruit every tuesday.
  
• 💶Salary according to qualifications and experience following VHIO pay scales.
• 💳Flexible remuneration program (includes restaurant vouchers/cards, transport, medical insurance, and “baby daycare” voucher).
• ⏰Flexible working hours and measures to balance work, family, and personal life, and promote gender equality, as established in the VHIO collective agreement.
• 🗺️23 days of holidays and 5 personal days.
  
• 🎓Fully subsidized Catalan, Spanish, or English courses.

Vall d’Hebron Institute Oncology (VHIO) endorses the Requirements and Principles of the European Charter for Researchers, the Code of Conduct for the Recruitment of Researchers promoted by the European Commission and follows Equal Opportunities policies.

On 10th April 2018 VHIO was awarded the “HR Excellence in Research” logo. Our Institute was consequently granted permission to use the HR Excellence in Research Award logo as demonstration of its stimulating and favourable work environment in line with the Charter & Code.