Job overview
We are seeking an enthusiastic Genetic Technologist to contribute to the provision of an efficient ISO 15189 accredited Clinical Genomics Service. The post holder will undertake technical duties required to support scientific teams in the provision of an effective and high quality service to patients. The post holder must be able to take responsibility for lone working and part of a team to achieve required performance levels. They will be responsible for carrying out analytical molecular diagnostics investigations, with minimal supervision as well as supervising and co-ordinating specimen reception and nucleic acid extraction section, undertaking sample processing for specialised molecular diagnostics investigations. In addition the post holder will be required to support activities such as quality, including compliance with laboratory accreditation standards, equipment maintenance, audits and participate in training programmes.
The successful applicant must have a relevant degree in Biological Sciences/Genetics. 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. This will be implemented as a phased approach dependent on service requirements; the post holder will be required to participate in a shift system on a rotational basis where necessary to ensure the service meets NHSE requirements.
Main duties of the job
The post holder will undertake technical duties required to support scientific teams in the provision of an
effective and high quality molecular diagnostics service to patients.
They will be responsible for carrying out analytical molecular diagnostics investigations, including quality
control checks, with minimal supervision as well as supervising and co-ordinating specimen reception
and nucleic acid extraction section. The range of tests available will be in continuous development and the
post-holder will be required to contribute to the validation and verification of new techniques and tests.
They will collaborate and plan complex activities with other members of the team to achieve an effective
and reliable service. The post holder will be expected to assist in training of new staff members and
visitors as well as to contribute to IT development and data management relating to the technical aspects
of the molecular service. In addition the post holder will be required to support activities such as quality,
including compliance with laboratory accreditation standards, equipment maintenance and participate in
the departments training programme
Detailed job description and main responsibilities
1.1 To be responsible for own work and supervise the specimen reception and nucleic acid extraction section, which will include all aspects of the technical work, staff, equipment and quality system.
1.2 To ensure the timely and efficient provision of diagnostics services
• To take day to day responsibility for the quality of technical work produced.
• To co-ordinate tasks and staff within section.
• To ensure that clinical requests are met according to agreed policies on availability of tests and priorities in accordance with user guide.
• To ensure that work is carried out in line with Standard Operational Procedures and/or Departmental policy.
• To monitor quality control of all the tests performed.
• To assist in the preparation of SOPs and other documentation.
• To supervise reception and return of clinical samples and associated processes and procedures.
Person specification
Skills and Abilities
Essential criteria
1. Ability to express themselves clearly
2. Ability to write clearly and concisely
3. Ability to use in-house IT systems
4. Ability to use Microsoft software or equivalent
5. Educational qualification in mathematics
Personal Qualities
Essential criteria
6. Evidence of professional development
7. Self confidant, contributes to laboratory meetings
8. Able to work unsupervised
9. Flexible approach to work
Specific Experience
Essential criteria
10. BSc degree in Biological Sciences/Genetics
11. Evidence of training related to specific area or instruments
12. At least 2 years experience of laboratory work, including need for attention to detail and record keeping
13. Able to understand / follow SOPs
14. Able to perform basic training
Desirable criteria
15. Basic knowledge of genetics including role of DNA/RNA and chromosomes
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.
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