Job overview
We are seeking an enthusiastic Associate Practitioner to join our Molecular Haemostasis & Thrombosis team for a fixed-term contract until 30th April 2027.
You will be part of a team providing a molecular genetic diagnostic service as part of the NHS Genomic Medicine Service. Applicants must have previous laboratory experience and an interest in developing their career in laboratory genetics.
This is a great opportunity to join a dedicated, friendly, forward-thinking service that is looking to invest in its staff, innovation and development.
You will join a small molecular team, based currently on the St Thomas’ site, which is part of the SE Genomics Service.
Main duties of the job
The post holder will carry out a range of administrative, technical and scientific laboratory procedures under the direction of a regulated practitioner. Once trained, they will work independently while continuing to receive guidance and support from senior staff. Responsibilities include performing automated, semi-automated, and manual processing of specimens, including the preparation and post-amplification processing of PCR runs, as well as the processing of sequencing reactions.
Where appropriate, the post holder will ensure accurate and precise data entry and will perform technical validation and authorisation of results using laboratory computer systems under the supervision of senior staff.
In addition, the post holder will support the day-to-day running of the laboratory and may be required to provide cover for colleagues when necessary.
Opportunities for Professional development will be supported through internal training opportunities, including SEGLH Educational Sessions.
Working for our organisation
Molecular Haemostasis & Thrombosis is a specialist service, one of four laboratories in England contracted, as part of South East Genomics, to provide genetic analysis for a range of bleeding and thrombotic disorders including Haemophilia and von Willebrand disease.
Your development and learning
You will have a suite of learning opportunities available through The ACCE competencies 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
At Synnovis, we are currently shaping the future of pathology services by creating a world-leading Hub and Spoke pathology network with our NHS partners. A large part of this modernisation will involve moving 70% of our services to a purpose built, state of the art Hub laboratory in the heart of London. For now, the job you are applying for will be based at one of our hospital sites however, from 1 April 2024 our people and services will start to move to our Hub laboratory in Blackfriars, Southwark, SE1, with some work remaining in refurbished essential services laboratories across our hospital network, focusing on the rapid turnover of urgent tests. Please do ask your recruiting manager if you wish to find out more.
Purpose of the Job
To be part of a team providing molecular genetic diagnosis for bleeding and thrombotic disorders as part of the South East Genomics service.
Duties and Responsibilities
Technical
a. Advise service users on sample requirements and transportation to laboratory, TaTs, result availability etc.
b. Undertake DNA extraction from whole blood, buccal swabs and other tissues/body fluids, using manual and semi-automated procedures, requiring accuracy and precision
c. Where appropriate, undertake accurate and precise data entry and technical validation of results on laboratory computer systems under supervision of senior staff
d. Preparation of routine reagents and solutions used within the laboratory
e. Analyse and make judgments on straightforward scientific issues, which may involve analysing a range of options
f. Preparation of routine reagents and solutions used within the laboratory
g. Responsible for maintaining stock levels within department via stock replenishment system, cycle counts and engagement with procurement team
h. Perform automated, semi-automated and manual processing of specimens within training parameters and where appropriate under the supervision of senior staff. This will include setting up and post amplification processing of PCR runs, and processing of sequencing reactions.
i. Ensure quality control measures are carried out to monitor analytical performance, take corrective action where applicable and report any failures to a senior member of staff
j. Participation in equipment management: set up equipment for use by other members of staff; undertake preventative maintenance of automated analysers as and when required; Undertake basic troubleshooting of analytical instruments and automated analysers under supervision of senior staff
k. To file samples following appropriate protocols and keep records as required.
Laboratory information Systems
a) To learn and use the laboratory Information System according to authorised protocols.
b) To ensure the accurate entry of information and results onto the laboratory information system.
c) To contribute to the collection of OPMS data
d) To comply with local policy regarding the review and acknowledgement of controlled documents though Q-Pulse
e) To use information systems, specialist and general software, in data entry and the collection and interpretation of information to assist in the provision of laboratory services
Administrative
a. Ensure laboratory record keeping is accurate and in compliance with accreditation standards
b. Undertake the work necessary to ensure all results are reported with agreed turnaround time
c. Effective communication with laboratory and medical staff to ensure that specimens are dealt with appropriately and in a timely fashion
d. Input patient results onto laboratory computer system
e. Handle telephone enquiries from service users
f. Liaise with / handle queries from GP surgeries, hospital clinics and other departments within Pathology / Synnovis
General
a. Work and operate effectively within the Haemostasis & Thrombosis Quality Management System
b. Compliance with local and national policies for the safe secure and confidential processing, and storage of patient and other laboratory information
c. Maintain integrity and accuracy of laboratory databases where appropriate
d. Be proactive in escalating any possible issues that may impact on service delivery to senior colleagues
e. Propose changes to Standard Operating Procedures to senior staff as and when required
f. Responsible for the planning and organisation of own workload
g. Prioritise workload to manage urgent work according to protocol
h. As appropriate within the discipline and role, assist senior staff in maintaining high scientific and quality standards
i. Ensure standards as required by the ISO 15189 are maintained and where possible exceeded
j. Participate in internal and external quality assurance programmes
k. Participate in audits of laboratory process and procedures
l. Ensure workplace and workbench areas are kept at laboratory standards
m. Build and maintain working relations with all members of staff, and promote effective teamwork
n. Undertake mandatory training as required
o. Train staff new to department and provide advice to less experienced MLA, AP, BMS and clerical staff
p. Work within remits of confidentiality when dealing with issues of a sensitive nature
q. Undertake a period of laboratory training and competence assessment, and additional refresher training as required
r. To participate in an annual appraisal cycle and be assessed against competences of the role.
s. Maintain knowledge and skills as identified by the appraisal cycle
t. Observe and adhere to local and national health and safety policies
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!
The hub is an eight-storey building, and we are working across 10 floors including the ground and lower ground floors. Synnovis’ corporate function operates from the hub on the 8th floor, above the laboratories underneath. This is a total net internal area of almost 10,000m squared across the 10 floors.
Based in Blackfriars, it’s less than a 5 minute walk from Southwark Tube or Blackfriars station.
Person specification
Qualifications
Essential criteria
1. Good general education
2. NVQ level 3 or have attained a relevant foundation degree or BTEC HND or equivalent
Experience
Essential criteria
3. Practical experience in a range of laboratory techniques and regulations
4. Practical experience using laboratory equipment
Desirable criteria
5. Experience of working with a laboratory computer systems.
6. Experience of DNA extraction.
7. Experience of molecular genetic techniques
Skills & Knowledge
Essential criteria
8. Numerate and literate with good command of spoken and written English.
9. Able to communicate information clearly and accurately.
10. Ability to work unsupervised when required.
11. Accuracy and attention to detail.
12. Ability to communicate appropriately and professionally to staff/people at different levels.
13. Awareness of health & safety issues
Desirable criteria
14. Ability to plan and prioritise allocated work.
15. Knowledge/experience of QPulse, EPIC/Beaker or GeneWorks.
16. Competent and polite communication skills.
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:
17. Contributory pension scheme
18. Generous annual leave entitlement
19. 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.