Job overview
As part of the department expansion, an opportunity has arisen for a Medical Technical Officer with good interpersonal skills and a committed team member to join the Clinical Genomics department. The department is located in the Centre for Molecular Pathology in Sutton. The Centre for Molecular Pathology is a state-of-the-art facility bringing together translational science and molecular diagnostics.
We are seeking an enthusiastic Medical Technical Officer to contribute to the provision of a timely and efficient ISO 15189 accredited Clinical Genomics Service. They will be responsible for carrying out analytical molecular diagnostics investigations, with minimal supervision. 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. Good communication and team working are essential.
Please note: total weekly working hours are 37.5 hours, however in line with the NHSE requirements for the delivery of the Cancer Test Directory, the Clinical Genomics department will operate an extended working hours service. This will be implemented as a phased approach dependent on service requirements; the post holder will be required to participate in a shift system on a rotational basis where necessary to ensure the service meets NHSE requirements.
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
Molecular Diagnostics laboratory services
1. To be responsible for own work, which will include all aspects of the clinical scientific & technical work, staff, equipment and quality system.
2. To take day to day responsibility for the quality of technical and analytical work produced.
3. To ensure that clinical requests are met according to agreed policies on availability of tests and priorities in accordance with user guide.
4. To ensure that work is carried out in line with Standing Operational Procedures and/or Departmental policy.
5. To monitor quality control of all the tests performed.
Person specification
Skills and Abilities
Essential criteria
6. Ability to express themselves clearly
7. Ability to write clearly and concisely
8. Ability to use in-house IT systems
9. Ability to use Microsoft software or equivalent
10. Educational qualification in mathematics
Personal Qualities
Essential criteria
11. Evidence of professional development
12. Self confidant, contributes to laboratory meetings
13. Able to work unsupervised
14. Flexible approach to work
15. BSc degree in Biological Sciences/Genetics
16. Evidence of training related to specific area or instruments
17. Able to understand / follow SOPs
18. Able to perform basic training
Desirable criteria
19. Basic knowledge of genetics including role of DNA/RNA and chromosomes
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.
Employer certification / accreditation badges
Applicant requirements
The postholder will have access to vulnerable people in the course of their normal duties and as such this post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (Amendment) (England and Wales) Order 2020 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service to check for any previous criminal convictions.