Digital Research Technician

About the role

This technical post is an exciting and unique opportunity in the Women’s Health Research Group, assisting a programme of research focused on using artificial intelligence for computer-aided diagnostics in clinical histopathology. The project centers on developing and applying novel algorithms for the automated detection of biomarkers in endometrial cancer from histopathology images, providing an adjunct diagnostic tool to clinical pathologists. This could significantly reduce diagnostic turnaround times and analytical costs, impacting patient care.

The work is varied, including case collection, slide processing and scanning, clinical metadata collection, and participation in wet-laboratory procedures such as immunohistochemistry. This industrial partnership post (with Panakeia Technologies) is part of a broader Innovate UK-funded programme, building on the team’s expertise in cancer biology, biomarker identification, and digital pathology.

Although based at the University of Leeds (St James’s University Hospital site), aspects of the work will be conducted on NHS premises. You will report to both Dr. Nic Orsi (University of Leeds) and the management team at Panakeia.

Responsibilities

• Assist in case collection, slide processing, and scanning for histopathology images.
• Collect and manage clinical metadata.
• Participate in wet-laboratory procedures, including immunohistochemistry.
• Support the development and application of AI algorithms for biomarker detection in endometrial cancer.
• Work collaboratively with both academic and industry partners.
• Manage your workload to meet set deadlines.

Requirements

• Previous experience in image and/or data handling.
• Effective organisational skills and the ability to manage your own workload.
• Excellent teamwork and proactive approach, with the ability to work independently.

Benefits

• 26 days holiday plus approximately 16 Bank Holidays/days the University is closed by custom (totaling 42 days a year).
• Generous pension scheme options plus life assurance.
• Health and Wellbeing: Discounted staff membership at The Edge, the University’s state-of-the-art campus gym, featuring a pool, sauna, climbing wall, cycle circuit, and sports halls.
• Personal Development: Access to courses run by the Organisational Development & Professional Learning team. All Faculty of Medicine and Health (FMH) staff are entitled to ten days of staff development per year (pro rata).
• Access to on-site childcare, shopping discounts, and travel schemes.

To explore the post further or for any queries, contact Dr. Nic Orsi, Clinician Scientist in Histopathology, at n.m.orsi@leeds.ac.uk.