Job overview
An exciting opportunity has arisen for an Associate Practitioner, with good interpersonal skills and a committed team member to join the Clinical Genomics department.
The Clinical Genomics Department brings together cytogenetics, translational science and molecular diagnostics and is one of the few specialised clinical genomics laboratories of cancer in Europe. The laboratory provides a diagnostic genomic service for haematological malignancy and solid tumours for several NHS Trusts and Cancer Networks, as well as participating in clinical trials.
The major focus of the role will be in performing essential technical duties including the responsibility for specimen processing, data entry of requests, preparation of FISH for haematological malignancy and FFPE slides, tissue culture, equipment maintenance tasks and supporting scientists in providing a reliable and accurate diagnostic service Attention to detail is essential and the post holder must be able to work to high standards, following defined protocols and assist in the production of accurate & high quality analytical results for the diagnosis and treatment of patients.
The successful applicant will have a degree in a relevant science subject and have experience working in a genetics laboratory.
The Trust encourages and supports continuing professional and personal development and Pathology runs a CPD Club. Staff benefits include child care facilities, car parking at Sutton and various sports and social activities.
Main duties of the job
1. Provide technical support for the scientific teams within the Clinical Genomics.
2. Be responsible for carrying out technical procedures with minimal supervision. The range of procedures required will be subject to development and the post-holder will be expected to work within all areas of the department.
3. Maintain a satisfactory level of competence, provide cover for absence of other staff, and assist in the training of other staff and visitors.
4. Undertake clerical and other support duties when required.
The post holder will report to the Laboratory’s Operations Manager and will be subject to the supervision and direction of senior technologists and the scientific staff. The post holder will be expected to maintain a high level of accuracy and reliability, and collaborate with other members of the laboratory and other departments to achieve the maximum efficiency and quality of the service provided.
In addition the post holder may be expected to work in other areas of Pathology, such as HMDS central specimen reception, undertaking work of a similar nature as and when required.
Detailed job description and main responsibilities
5. Take day to day responsibility for the quality of technical work they undertake.
6. Ensure the timely and efficient provision of the technical duties undertaken.
7. Ensure a high quality technical service.
8. Undertake aseptic processes on any sample or reagent handled.
9. Undertake the initial cell culturing processes on any sample type received.
10. Maintain cells in prolonged tissue cultures.
11. Undertake the harvesting and slide making on cell cultures.
12. Undertake the processing of slides for FISH analysis.
Person specification
Skills
Essential criteria
13. Good communication skills
14. Ability to write clearly and concisely
15. Ability to use Microsoft software or equivalent
Personal Qualities
Essential criteria
16. Evidence of professional development
17. Self-confidant, contributes to laboratory meetings
18. Able to work unsupervised
19. Flexible approach to work
Specific Experience
Essential criteria
20. 2 A levels in science subjects
21. Evidence of training related to a compatible laboratory discipline.
22. Experience of laboratory work, including preparation of solutions, accurate measuring, need for attention to detail and record keeping
23. Able to understand / follow SOPs
Desirable criteria
24. BSc degree in Biological Sciences/Genetics
25. Basic knowledge of genetics
26. Able to perform basic training
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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