Employer: Guy's and St Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust
Employer type: NHS
Site: Royal Brompton Hospital
Town: London
Salary: £35,964 - £43,780 per annum inc HCA
Salary period: Yearly
Closing: 09/03/2025 23:59
Band 5 Genetic Technologist
Guy’s and St Thomas’ is among the UK’s busiest and most successful NHS foundation trusts, providing a full range of hospital and community services for people in south London and specialist care for patients from further afield.
Job overview
We invite applications from individuals educated to at least HND or NVQ level 4 in Biological Science, with a strong interest in genetics, to work as a genetic technologist. This role will mainly involve laboratory wet-work using molecular genetic laboratory techniques including library preparation for Next Generation sequencing as well as Sanger sequencing, MLPA and ddPCR. Responsibilities include sample reception, DNA and RNA extraction, basic laboratory housekeeping tasks, and administration tasks to support our diagnostic work. There will also be an opportunity to prepare simple diagnostic reports and gain experience in variant assessment. Some practical relevant laboratory experience is essential; however, full competence-based training will be provided. We are committed to continuous development and provide opportunities for participation in service research and development, training courses, and journal clubs/seminars.
Applicants should have good interpersonal and computing skills, be capable of working under pressure to tight deadlines, and be able to work collaboratively within a multidisciplinary team. They should have good organisational skills, be able to work methodically with great attention to detail, and have a strong interest in driving and improving the quality of diagnostic services. Applicants will be expected to participate in various quality management tasks, including audit.
Main duties of the job
1. Collaborate with all other members of staff
2. Participate in an annual appraisal
3. Participate in clinical audit projects
4. Follow procedures documented in the laboratory’s written SOPs
5. Train new members of technical staff and students
6. Work with the team to ensure adherence to ISO15189:2012 medical laboratory accreditation standards
7. Process specimens for storage
8. Extract DNA and RNA from various sample types
9. Measure DNA and RNA concentration accurately
10. Conduct PCR and Sanger sequencing
11. Prepare DNA libraries for Next-Generation sequencing
12. Perform MLPA and ddPCR for copy number analysis
13. Perform a variety of molecular techniques manually and using automated technology
14. Interpret simple abnormal results and prepare reports
15. Prepare and measure out reagents and media
16. Attend training days or courses appropriate to the position
17. Maintain a portfolio of continuing professional development activities
Person specification
EDUCATION & QUALIFICATIONS
* HND or NVQ level 4 qualification (or equivalent) in Biological Science
* Genetics component included in course
* Bachelor degree in biological science (preferred)
EXPERIENCE & KNOWLEDGE
* Practical laboratory experience
* Basic knowledge of theoretical and practical aspects of molecular genetics
* Good written and verbal skills
* Good computer skills, including Microsoft Office and laboratory analytical software
* Able to work accurately under pressure
* Previous experience in molecular genetic techniques, including Sanger sequencing, ddPCR, and NGS Library Preparation
* Experience with automated liquid handling systems
SKILLS & ABILITIES
* Practical laboratory skills
* Experience in molecular biology techniques (at least PCR-based techniques)
* Ability to maintain high levels of concentration and accuracy over long periods
* Ability to identify thresholds of passing/failing results
* Experience of laboratory Quality Management systems
* Experience in training and supervising others
PERSONAL QUALITIES
* Basic knowledge of technical and scientific biological aspects
* Basic knowledge of laboratory health and safety
* A strong interest and some knowledge of genetics
Guy’s and St Thomas’ celebrates, respects, and values the diversity of its staff and patients. We review our policies, procedures, and practices to ensure that all employees, patients, and carers are treated equitably according to their needs. We are actively committed to ensuring that no one who applies for a job, works or studies at the Trust, or accesses our services is discriminated against on the grounds of race, ethnicity, nationality, disability, religion or belief, age, gender identity, gender reassignment, sexual orientation, pregnancy and maternity/paternity, or marital/civil partnership.
Applications are welcomed from applicants with a disability. We can make reasonable adjustments and offer support and advice throughout the application process. Equality of opportunity is our policy.
As an organisation, we are committed to developing our services in ways that best suit the needs of our patients. This means that some staff groups will increasingly be asked to work a more flexible shift pattern. We encourage all prospective applicants to discuss their individual circumstances with the recruiting manager as part of the onboarding process.
Please apply for this post by clicking "Apply Online Now."
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