Job overview
An exciting opportunity has arisen for an Associate Practitioner to join the Clinical Genomics department. The department is located in the Centre for Molecular Pathology and is one of seven national Genomic Laboratory Hubs offering Cancer Genomic testing in England. The department provides a reference Molecular Diagnostics and Cytogenetics Service for solid tumours and haematological malignancies, as well as participating in clinical trials.
The post holder will be required to rotate through the Clinical Genomics laboratories to perform technical duties, including but not limited to; specimen reception, data entry, DNA/RNA/ctDNA extraction. The post holder will be expected to assist in training and support activities such as quality, equipment maintenance and audits. Attention to detail is essential and the post holder must be able to work to high standards following defined protocols.
The successful applicant must have a relevant A levels including a science subject and have experience working in a relevant laboratory. Experience in cytogenetic and molecular diagnostics techniques is desirable. Please note: total weekly working hours are 37.5 hours, however in line with the NHSE requirements for the delivery of the Cancer Test Directory, the Clinical Genomics department will operate an extended working hours service, the post holder will be required to participate in a shift system on a rotational basis.
This position is a Fixed Term position for a period of 15 months
Main duties of the job
The post holder will support scientific teams in the provision of a timely and efficient accredited Clinical Genomics Service. The post holder must be able to take responsibility for working alone and as part of a
team to achieve necessary performance levels. The post-holder will be expected to work within Cancer Diagnostics Central Reception and all areas of Clinical Genomics (both Cytogenetics and Molecular
Diagnostics) to perform laboratory support duties, with minimal supervision. The major focus of the role will be in sample collection, data entry, sample prioritisation and distribution working within the Cancer
Diagnostics Central Reception. The specimen reception is open from 8.30am to 5.30pm and so the post holder will be required to participate on a shift system on a rotational basis to provide this cover.
Detailed job description and main responsibilities
To take day to day responsibility for the quality of technical work they undertake.
• To ensure the timely and efficient provision of the technical duties undertaken.
• To ensure a high quality technical service.
• To undertake aseptic processes on any sample or reagent handled.
• To undertake the initial cell culturing processes on any sample type received.
• To maintain cells in prolonged tissue cultures.
• To undertake the harvesting and slide making on cell cultures.
• To undertake the processing of slides for FISH analysis.
• To sort fixed cell suspensions for safe disposal or transfer into labelled containers for long-term
storage.
• To sort samples for short-term storage or safe disposal.
• To prepare and package samples so they can be safely transported to other centres.
• To use laboratory equipment for preparation of samples and reagents. Monitor safety,
performance and temperature range of equipment and advise scientific staff of any deviation from
norm.
• To prepare and measure out chemicals and reagents used in the processing and analysis of
samples. Record chemical and reagent batch numbers and operator details as part of the quality
control regime of the laboratory.
• To undertake and record the sterility of any chemicals or reagents used in tissue culture
processes.
Person specification
Skills and Abilities
Essential criteria
1. Ability to write clearly
2. Evidence of intermediate IT skills and data entry accuracy
3. GCSE in Mathematics
4. Ability to collect & distribute biological samples across the Sutton hospital site
Desirable criteria
5. Knowledge of medical terminology
Personal Qualities
Essential criteria
6. Ability to undertake a support role
7. Able to follow written instructions including SOPs
8. Attention to detail & accuracy
Specific Experience
Essential criteria
9. Good education to include A levels, including a science subject
10. A recognised qualification in Maths & English
11. Willing to undergo relevant training
12. Experience of working within a relevant laboratory
13. Experience & knowledge of duties required to support senior staff gained by experience in a similar role
14. Experience & knowledge of duties required to support senior staff gained by experience in a similar role
15. Awareness that role involves handling of biological samples and willingness to be trained in this area
16. Awareness of and ability to follow laboratory H&S practice for handling pathological specimens or willingness to undergo training in this area
17. Good understanding of task prioritisation & demonstration of practice
18. Basic understanding of quality management & experience of delivering good quality of service
Desirable criteria
19. BSc degree in Biological Science
20. Knowledge of theory & practice of laboratory techniques
The Royal Marsden values diversity and is committed to the recruitment and retention of underrepresented minority groups. We particularly welcome applications from Black, Asian and minority ethnic candidates, LGBTQ+ candidates and candidates with disabilities.
As a Disability Confident Employer, we are working to create a workplace that enables all staff to reach their full potential. We are committed to this because we know that greater diversity and inclusion will lead to an even greater positive impact for the people we serve.
Due to the high volumes of applications we receive, we reserve the right to close any adverts before the published closing date once we have received a sufficient number of applications. We advise you to submit your application as early as possible to prevent disappointment.
Flu Vaccination – What We Expect of our Staff
At The Royal Marsden we have an immune compromised patient population who we must protect as much as we can against the flu virus. Each year, seasonal flu affects thousands of people in the UK. Occurring mainly in winter, it is an infectious respiratory disease capable of producing symptoms ranging from those similar to a common cold, through to very severe or even fatal disease.
The wellbeing of our staff and patients is of the upmost importance to us, and it is the expectation of The Royal Marsden that all patient-facing staff have an annual flu vaccination, provided free of charge by the Trust.
Employer certification / accreditation badges