Job overview
Are you an experienced MLA or Associate Practitioner looking for a change and new challenges?
We are seeking a proactive, motivated and enthusiastic Associate Practitioner to join our team of 21 scientists in the Clinical Transplantation Laboratory based at Guy’s Hospital in Central London.
Accredited both to ISO 15189 and EFI standards, the Clinical Transplantation Laboratory is one of the busiest laboratories specialising solid organ transplantation in the UK, supporting over 500 solid organ transplants a year and currently expanding. We provide a comprehensive H&I service for a number of adult and paediatric transplant centres across the South East for a variety of renal, pancreas, heart, lung, islet, liver and multi-visceral transplant programmes. Acting as a referral centre for both national and international cases, we work closely with the Guys Hospital Renal Transplant team and the Harefield Cardiothoracic Transplant team to provide advice on a range of highly complex transplant scenarios, including through an active ABO and/or HLA antibody incompatible transplant programme. In addition, we carry out HLA and disease association testing and provide support for a number of research groups.
The successful candidate would be expected to have experience working in a laboratory environment and handling specimens though full training on all techniques will be provided.
Main duties of the job
You will be joining a small, friendly, dynamic and committed team of scientists, embedded with the Clinical Team, working in a fascinating and specialised area of pathology.
The laboratory carries out HLA typing using a range of PCR based methods, including NGS, SSOP, qPCR and SSP. Luminex and Flow cytometric based methods are employed for antibody analysis and patient crossmatching. We utilise a specialist LIMS, Manzen, and use Q-pulse as our QMS.
The department runs as two sections – DNA and Serology. The successful candidate would initially rotate between the sections and the specimen reception to learn all duties including sample booking, DNA extraction, serum separation, PCR techniques, HLA antibody testing by Luminex, flow cytometry instrument calibration, reagent preparation and stock control.
The department has core opening hours of 9 – 5 Monday - Friday, and provides a 24/7 on-call service. The post holder would be expected to work a 37.5 hour week.
Working for our organisation
Staff development is important to us. The lab runs fortnightly whole lab learning sessions alongside other regular in-house training opportunities. We are accredited as a training laboratory for a variety of schemes, with a proven track record of successful candidates in a variety of qualifications, we can support higher training for a suitable candidate
You will have a suite of learning opportunities available through The Synnovis Way Development programme, the Scientific Learning and Development Fund and the Synnovis Academy through which you can receive funding / support for advanced qualifications.
Through our Innovation Accelerator Fund, you can apply for finance to get that new innovative scientific project off the ground, and participate with the wider scientific community through symposiums, conferences and other peer group meetings.
Detailed job description and main responsibilities
The post holder will be expected to undertake the duties of a laboratory Associate Practitioner, supporting the work of Biomedical and Clinical Scientists to provide a comprehensive Histocompatibility and Immunogenetics Service (H&I). This will include rotating between sections to perform tests including HLA genotyping, and HLA antibody screening and identification, specimen reception duties, instrument maintenance and calibration and stock management.
They will be expected, with training, to develop the competence and confidence in order to perform these procedures with a minimum of supervision, working autonomously or as part of the team, rotating through the various sections of the department
Core Duties and Responsibilities
•To participate in the routine laboratory rotation.
•Handle and manage samples, in line with standard operating procedures (SOPs) and assessed competencies
•Perform specimen reception duties including checking details, receiving and logging patient requests on to the LIMS.
•Complete data entry accurately, on time and in accordance with Information Governance (IG) procedures.
•Seek practical advice from more experienced colleagues, including alignment with requirements of accreditation bodies and local management processes.
•Use LIMS to accurately record sensitive patient information, requiring frequent, long periods of concentration, whilst maintaining patient confidentiality and following IG guidelines
•To test for HLA alleles using DNA based methods.
•To test for HLA specific antibodies using Luminex based methods.
•Planning and participation in specified areas of work in the routine sections.
•Monitoring reagent and consumable stock levels, prepare reagents and ensure compliance with the use of the stock management system.
•To ensure safe working practice and implementation of COSHH and other regulations in accordance with the relevant codes of practice in the Department, using adequate precautions and personal protective equipment according to local policy and risk assessments.
•Perform cleaning activities, prepare laboratory equipment, perform daily checks, environmental monitoring and waste management activities, and complete all required paperwork.
•Troubleshooting for Luminex, Flow cytometers and other laboratory equipment, and liaising with company representatives when required.
•Ensuring that all equipment within the relevant sections is well maintained and highlighting potential problems with the section leads when appropriate.
•Use Q-pulse regularly to acknowledge documents and report non-conformances under supervision.
•Adhere to HR and other Synnovis policies and procedures.
•Participate in an annual individual performance review process where objectives will be agreed, performance monitored and personal development needs discussed.
•Undertake periodic laboratory training, participate in regular competency assessments and participate in both IQA and EQA schemes.
•Take part in educational activities to ensure that your practices and knowledge are relevant and current to your specific area
Synnovis is a pathology partnership between SYNLAB UK and Ireland, and the NHS, including sites,Guy’s & St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust and King’s College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, to deliver and transform pathology services across South East London.
The partnership provides services to 1.7 million people living in South East London, as well as to hundreds of thousands of patients from outside the region who use local healthcare services.
The partnership provides diagnostics, testing and digital pathology for hospital trusts, GP services and other healthcare providers.
Guy’s and St Thomas’ Hospital Foundation Trust is a major emergency and specialist teaching Trust which has all the specialties associated with a fascinating and career defining case load including: Women’s Services, Fetal Medicine, Haematology, Oncology, Transplantation, and is also home to the Evelina Children’s Hospital and the Cancer Centre on the Guy’s site.
You will be close to the vibrant Borough Market and the South Bank, which are exceptional London locations; perfect places to work and relax next to such iconic venues as Big Ben, The London Eye and The Shard!
Person specification
Qualifications
Essential criteria
1. Good all-round education to GCSE standard including English and Maths at grade 4/C or equivalent or L2 Healthcare Science apprenticeship
2. A Level / BTEC in Science or L3 Laboratory Technician Apprenticeship or L4 Healthcare Science Apprenticeship or equivalence experience
Desirable criteria
3. IBMS accredited degree in the study of science and/or human Biology.
Experience
Essential criteria
4. Working in a pathology laboratory environment
5. Using standard laboratory equipment
6. Working as part of a team
7. Experience of working with computer applications such as Microsoft Office / Google docs, data entry, working with laboratory information systems (LIMS)
8. Experience of working accurately with an attention to detail
Desirable criteria
9. Substantial experience working in a sample processing laboratory
Skills & Knowledge
Essential criteria
10. Good written and verbal communication skills
11. Ability to work to deadlines
12. Ability to accurately follow written procedures
13. Ability to communicate with other professionals at all levels
14. Ability to perform technical laboratory processes and procedures, use precision equipment and troubleshoot
Desirable criteria
15. Some previous knowledge in the area of transplantation.
Applications are welcomed from applicants with a disability. We can make reasonable adjustments and offer support and advice in a variety of ways throughout the application process. All applicants are welcome to apply regardless of age, disability, gender, marital status, race, nationality or ethnic origin, religion, or sexual orientation. Equality of opportunity is our policy.
Our Bank workers enjoy competitive market rates and flexible contract assignments across all of our sites, dependent on your availability and location.
For our Permanent workforce we offer a competitive benefits package.
All employees are entitled to:
16. Contributory pension scheme
17. Generous annual leave entitlement
18. Ground breaking development
opportunities
Safeguarding children and vulnerable adults. All employees have a responsibility for safeguarding children and vulnerable adults in the course of their daily duties and for ensuring that they are aware of the specific duties relating to their role.