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
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.
The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust is a world-leading cancer centre. Our role is to offer our patients the best cancer care available anywhere in the world, and to continue to make a global contribution to finding better ways of diagnosing and treating cancer. We employ over 4,500 staff in a diverse range of careers including nursing, medical, science, radiography, pharmacy, occupational therapy, finance and administrative services. We have two hospitals – one in Chelsea, London, and one in Sutton, Surrey – as well as a Medical Daycare Unit in Kingston Hospital.
At The Royal Marsden, we deal with cancer every day, so we understand how valuable life is. When people entrust their lives to us, they have the right to demand the very best. That's why the pursuit of excellence lies at the heart of everything we do.
At the heart of the hospital is our dedicated team. We offer a stimulating and dynamic working environment, a wide range of staff benefits, learning and development opportunities and clear career pathways. There are opportunities to work flexibly across a range of areas and specialities and we welcome flexible working requests from point of hire to support employees work life balance. We are looking for employees who aspire to excellence, share our values and can play a crucial role in our on-going achievements.
For further information on this role, please see the attached detailed Job Description and Person Specification
• To collect different types of biological samples from the main Pathology laboratories, minor
procedures, theatres and switchboard during the day, including late samples, and maintaining all
relevant audit trails.
• To receive and check samples from referral hospitals, laboratories and wards. To verify ID against
request form and liaise with appropriate staff where errors or omissions exist. To log samples on
the audit trail.
• To safely deal with high risk samples according to policy.
• To prioritise samples according to SOPs and laboratory requirements.
• To input patient-related data received from external referral hospitals, wards and clinical areas
including test requests, using the HIS/ Pathology LIMS systems/ local database/ NHS tracking
system on a daily basis.
• To distribute samples in a timely manner to the laboratories ensuring the audit trail is completed.
• To facilitate the transport of samples to the Chelsea site, as required.
• To provide administrative support to all laboratories including filing, telephone enquiries from
users of the service, and distribution of reports according to department policies.
• To perform all duties with a high level of accuracy and attention to detail.
• To take day to day responsibility for the quality of technical work they undertake
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.
This advert closes on Tuesday 3 Dec 2024
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