Job overview
An exciting opportunity has arisen for a Genetic Technologist, with good interpersonal skills and a committed team member to join the Molecular Diagnostics team within the Clinical Genomics department. The department is located in the Centre for Molecular Pathology and is one of seven national Genomic Laboratory Hubs offering Cancer Genomic testing in England. It also works alongside Cancer Research UK in their Stratified Medicine Programme. The Centre for Molecular Pathology is a state-of-the-art facility bringing together translational science and molecular diagnostics and is one of the few specialised laboratories in molecular diagnostics of cancer in Europe.
We are seeking an enthusiastic Genetic Technologist to contribute to the provision of a timely and efficient ISO 15189 accredited Clinical Genomics Service. The post holder will undertake molecular diagnostic testing and analysis, as well as administrative tasks of a designated area of work, with minimal supervision. This requires detailed theoretical and practical knowledge of the work area. The post holder must be able to take responsibility for working alone and as part of a team to achieve necessary performance levels. The range of tests available will be in continuous development and the post-holder will be responsible for the validation and verification of new techniques and tests, including the provision of NGS and ddPCR for molecular diagnostics in haematological and solid tumours.
Main duties of the job
The post holder will undertake technical, analytical and administrative duties required to support the scientific teams in the provision of an effective and high quality molecular diagnostics service to patients. This will require detailed theoretical and practical knowledge. They will be responsible for carrying out analytical molecular diagnostics investigations. There will be occasions when the post holder takes sole responsibility for their work. The range of tests available will be in continuous development and the post-holder will be responsible for the validation and verification of new techniques and tests, including the provision of NGS and ddPCR for molecular diagnostics in haematological and solid tumours. 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. Molecular Diagnostics laboratory services
1.1 To be responsible for own work and that of junior members of staff under the direction of senior scientific staff/clinical scientist. This will include all aspects of the clinical scientific & technical work, staff, equipment and quality system.
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 personal 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 and knowledge related to specific area or instruments
12. In depth post-graduate experience related to specific area
13. Evidence of post graduate study
14. Evidence of CPD
15. Experience of working in all areas of relevant diagnostic laboratory
16. Able to understand / follow SOPs
Desirable criteria
17. Working towards MSc degree in Biological Sciences / Genetics
18. Voluntary registration with the Science Council (RSci) or in process
19. 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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