Why you’re important
Every 20 minutes someone finds out they have blood cancer. For many, a transplant is their only chance of a cure. At Anthony Nolan, we give them that chance. We match incredible individuals willing to donate their blood stem cells or bone marrow to people in desperate need of a transplant.
At Anthony Nolan’s labs, our scientists test the tissue type of potential new donors by testing a saliva sample. The laboratory receives around 900 samples every week through the post, and can receive hundreds or thousands more samples if a donor recruitment drive has taken place.
That is where you come in - we need you to sort the samples and support the work of our labs. It’s vital to our lifesaving work.
What the role involves
We are looking for regular and reliable volunteers to support the work of our labs in Hampstead, North West London.
After providing an overview to our laboratories and health and safety induction, we will invite you to rotate around teams to provide support for the processing of donor samples. The level of involvement will depend on your demonstrable skills and abilities but may include booking in samples, labelling, sorting saliva samples into groups, making stock solutions and supporting basic techniques.
It’s a great opportunity to meet new people, develop scientific skills and make a real difference to our lifesaving work.
What skills and experience you need
Ideally you will have completed, or are currently studying, a life science education course. It will also help if you have worked or volunteered in a lab environment before.
There is a lot of administrative and basic bench work so dexterity and patience is important.
You’ll also need to have good attention to detail, as scientific techniques need to be completed accurately and precisely.
You must be over the age of 18 take on this role.
What you can expect from us
Support
We will provide you with all the training you need and support you throughout your time with us.
We will give you all the necessary Personal Protective Equipment you need, such as gloves, lab coat and goggles and equipment.
You will be supported in your role by members of the DNA extraction team, under supervision of Clinical Scientist or Laboratory Scientist.
Expenses
If you incur expenses as part of your role (e.g. travel, lunch) we’ll reimburse them in line with Anthony Nolan’s expenses policy.
How much time this will take
Ideally, we would like someone for at least one 3-4 hour shift per week (Monday to Friday, 9-5), but we are flexible about the hours and days you volunteer.
What next?
If you are interested in the role please fill in our short application form. If you are shortlisted we will invite you to an informal chat to discuss the role.