Go back Moorfields Eye Hospital NHS Foundation Trust
Genomics Associate
The closing date is 04 September 2025
The Genomics Associate will work within the ophthalmology Genetics Department under the guidance and supervision of Genetic Counsellors and Clinicians and is required to work to departmental Standard Operating Procedures, and current professional standards.
Their role is to assist the Genetics Service in providing a high standard of care at specialist level in Moorfields Eye Hospital NHS Foundation Trust.
Main duties of the job
Responsibilities will include:
To aid the timely management of individuals and families referred to the Genetics Department by gathering family history and medical information, under supervision of the Genetic Counsellors.
To assist in the provision of information and support to patients referred to the Genetics Service.
To provide clinical assistance, as appropriate, to the Genetic Counselling team including:
* Consenting patients and relatives for genetic testing
* Arranging collection of blood and other samples
* Liaising with national/international clinical genetics services when needed
* Providing sensitive telephone contact with patients to elicit further history
* Using family history software
* Strong foundation in genetics and ability to identify and clearly explain different inheritance patterns to patients
About us
What's in it for You?
At Moorfields, we invest in you--your growth, your wellbeing, your future.You'll join a flexible, supportive organisation offering:
o Competitive salary (including high-cost area supplement)
o Membership of the NHS Pension Scheme
o 24/7 independent counselling support
o Career-long learning and development opportunities
o Excellent transport connections
o Access to NHS and Blue Light discount schemes
o Free Pilates classes
o Full support and training to develop your skills
And so much more! To see the full range of benefits we offer please view our Moorfields benefits leaflet.
Job responsibilities
Clinical:
Working with the clinical team of genetic counsellors and clinical geneticists to facilitate genetic counselling and diagnosis through:
Obtaining family histories by telephone and in person within the genetic clinics
Obtaining basic medical history, including previous genetic tests using a proforma
Obtaining appropriate medical and genetic records, results and investigations, both internally and externally
Obtaining and checking appropriate permissions and consents
Organising and obtaining familial blood or saliva samples to help confirm diagnosis in proband
Monitoring outstanding records/samples/screening and taking appropriate action
Responding to queries/referrals that do not require clinical contact
Facilitating patient access through discussion of the purpose of genetic referral including in those with more complex needs, learning or social difficulties and in whom English is not their first language
Provide patient support through signposting to existing patient resources and support groups and supporting the creation of patient leaflets
Auditing and improving systems to facilitate patient access including referrer education and website modification
Collect and enter genetic results and other data onto the clinical databases as part of clinical care and for audit
Administrative duties including filing of patient records
Adhering to departmental SOPs relating to patient care and genetic samples
Assisting consultants with requests for patient details, lists of disease cohorts with genetic information
Communication with patients and families and working relationships
The genomics associate will communicate regularly with patients to obtain sensitive and detailed information. They will also communicate frequently with members of the clinical team to relay information, including clinicians and genetic counsellors. They will collaborate and co-operate with clinical, administrative and research staff to facilitate seamless care.
Feedback negative results by phone and letter
Liaise regionally, nationally and internationally with laboratories and departments to obtain information. Will delegate less administrative tasks to the genetics administrator, providing appropriate instruction.
Discuss cases with medical and genetic counsellor colleagues in accordance with departmental lines of clinical supervision.
Attend departmental meetings as requested, including weekly lab meetings.
Analytical and judgement responsibilities
The genomics associate will use their judgment to determine what information, medical records and results are required on a regular basis. They will actively chase this information prior to the patients outpatient appointment to ensure smooth running of clinic and best clinical care.
Planning and organisational skills
The post holder will be expected to plan and prioritise their work according to clinical need. They will be required to organise internal meetings and rotas and to take a lead in the co-ordination of external education and patient support events including facilities, resources and communications.
Monitor outstanding records / samples / screening and taking appropriate action.
Professional
The genomic associate will work autonomously and under own initiative to carry out their clinical duties including in contact with patients, following training.
They will be expected to recognise limits of role, escalate queries appropriately and direct enquiries to an appropriate counsellor /clinician as required .
They will attend training courses, and participate in in-house training programmes necessary to maintain the competencies required by the post.
They will abide by the Trust policy on patient confidentiality and maintain and follow standard operating procedures, including adherence to current professional standards.
Person Specification
Education/Qualifications
* Undergraduate degree or equivalent in Biology, Genetics, Biomedical Sciences/ Healthcare Sciences/ Psychology or evidence of level 2 Apprenticeship or Diploma in health-related subject
* Strong foundation/knowledge base in genetics and inheritance patterns
* Advanced knowledge in genetics, inheritance, and rare inherited conditions at Degree level, demonstrated by relevant Undergraduate course modules
Experience
* Experience in a relevant caring or health care setting
* Experience of working with people who are distressed and discussing sensitive information
* Counselling experience (e.g. Samaritans, courses, formal counselling qualification)
* Experience working with families with inherited or rare disease
* Experience of working within eye hospital or clinical genetics department
Knowledge
* Confident with Office, and other MS applications
Skills
* Able to demonstrate excellent communication and interpersonal skills
* Initiative & Ability to efficiently organise and prioritise within own workload
* Ability to enter data accurately on computer systems and maintain computer and paper filing and records systems
* Ability to work within a multi-disciplinary team
Disclosure and Barring Service Check
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.
Employer name
Moorfields Eye Hospital NHS Foundation Trust
£37,259 to £45,356 a yearPer Annum, Inclusive of HCAS
#J-18808-Ljbffr