Job overview
We are seeking an assistant genetic technologist who has experience of genomic techniques to join the North Thames Rare Disease Laboratory Hub at Great Ormond Street Hospital.
You will be assigned to one of our process-based teams dependent on skills and experience: Preparation; Cytogenetic, Molecular targeted; WGS; NGS; Robotic. You will contribute to the smooth running of the North Thames Rare Disease Genomic Laboratory and should have some demonstrable experience of DNA preparation, molecular and/or cytogenetic techniques; hands on experience in an accredited diagnostic setting will be an advantage.
The Rare Disease Laboratory has an establishment of approximately 140 including technologists, clinical and translational scientists, bioinformaticians and administrators. Along with two Clinical Genetics teams we form a strategic Genetics Unit within the hospital and provide North London with a Regional Genetics Service serving a population of approximately 10 million. The genetics laboratory provides an in-house diagnostic service for cancer, molecular and cytogenetic testing in accordance with the NHS England Genomic Test Directory. Cytogenetic testing is provided for both prenatal and postnatal samples using SNP microarray, karyotyping, FISH, qPCR, QF PCR and MLPA. Molecular testing includes next generation sequencing approaches and targeted tests. We are also engaged in the NHSE Genomic Medicine Service WGS Service for our North Thames patients.
Main duties of the job
* To follow established procedures and assist in the maintenance, preparation and review of operating policies
* Comply with health and safety policies
* Assist in quality assurance procedures
* Be flexible to changing demands in workload
* Data entry of patient sample details
* Recording results / QC Information on laboratory information system (EPIC Beaker).
* Filing and scanning of patient and laboratory documentation
* Laboratory tests are set up as appropriate for the designated team and prepared for analysis by genetic technologists / scientific staff.
* Registration of samples received into the laboratory
Working for our organisation
GOSH is committed to recruiting the best person for the job, based solely on their ability and individual merit as measured against the criteria for the role; through a process that is fair, open, consistent and free from bias and discrimination.
We are committed to being a diverse and inclusive employer and foster a culture where all staff are valued, respected and acknowledged. All applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, colour, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, age, disability status or length of time spent unemployed.
We particularly welcome applications from BAME communities, people with disabilities and/or long-term health conditions and LGBT+ community members.
We have policies and procedures in place to ensure that all applicants and employees are treated fairly and consistently. We are proud to be accredited as a Disability Confident Employer, a member of Business Disability Forum and a Stonewall Diversity Champion. We have active and Executive supported BAME, LGBT+ and Allies, Disability and Long-Term Health Conditions and Women’s staff networks.
Staff networks are employee-led groups formed around interests, issues and a common bond or background. Staff network members create a positive and inclusive work environment at Great Ormond Street Hospital by actively contributing to the Trust’s mission, values and efforts specific to inclusion. All of our staff networks are open to any employee
Detailed job description and main responsibilities
The full job description provides an overview of the key tasks and responsibilities of the role, and the person specification outlines the qualifications, skills, experience and knowledge required. For both documents please view the attachment/s below.
Person specification
Academic/Professional qualification/Training
Essential criteria
* HNC/HND or Diploma in science (or equivalent)
Desirable criteria
* Biological Science / Genetics Degree (or equivalent experience)
Experience/Knowledge
Essential criteria
* Laboratory experience
* Able to work under supervision
* Willing to undertake both administrative and technical duties as required
* Experience in molecular genetic / cytogenetic laboratories
Desirable criteria
* Able to work under supervision Knowledge of working in a procedure-led healthcare setting
* Experience with laboratory information management systems
Skills/Abilities
Essential criteria
* Demonstrable basic laboratory skills
* Computer literate
* Able to communicate effectively both verbally, by email and by appropriate documentation
Desirable criteria
* Experience of molecular genetic / cytogenetic techniques
* Demonstrable Attention to detail
GOSH Culture and Values
Essential criteria
* Our Always values