Job overview
We are seeking an enthusiastic Medical Technical Officer to contribute to the provision of a timely and 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 working alone and as part of a team to achieve necessary performance levels.
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, with minimal supervision. The range of tests available will be in continuous development and the post-holder will be expected to work within all areas of the department. Analytical investigations will include, but not limited to, Next Generation Sequencing, fragment analysis, ddPCR and gene expression analysis in haematological and solid tumours. The key working relationships will be with clinicians, oncologists and histopathologists responsible for treating patients as well as with other Pathology disciplines and liaising with staff throughout the Trust. The post holder will be expected to assist in training of junior members of the team and visitors as well as to contribute to 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, audits and participate in the departments training programme.
Detailed job description and main responsibilities
Person specification
Qualifications and Knowledge
Essential criteria
1. BSc in Biological Sciences, Genetics, or related discipline
2. Basic understanding of DNA/RNA and molecular genetics
3. Awareness of health & safety and COSHH procedures in labs
Desirable criteria
4. Understanding of UKAS, IQA/EQA standards
Experience
Essential criteria
5. Proven laboratory experience in molecular diagnostics or a related field
6. Ability to follow SOPs and document results accurately
7. Experience handling clinical samples and using LIMS
8. Experience with DNA/RNA extraction (manual and automated)
Desirable criteria
9. Participation in audits or quality improvement initiatives
10. Hands-on experience with techniques such as PCR, qPCR, NGS, fragment analysis
Skills & Abilities
Essential criteria
11. High level of attention to detail and accuracy
12. Manual dexterity for technical tasks
13. Strong data entry and IT skills, including use of LIMS and Microsoft Office
14. Ability to follow written instructions and protocols
15. Good verbal and written communication skills
16. Able to prioritise and manage own workload
Desirable criteria
17. Experience training junior staff
18. Competent in basic troubleshooting and problemsolving
Personal Qualities
Essential criteria
19. Flexible and adaptable to changing priorities
20. Ability to work independently and as part of a team
21. Enthusiastic and committed to patient-focused service
22. Willingness to learn and participate in CPD
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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