Job overview
The Royal Marsden has a vital role in championing change and improvement in cancer care through research and innovation, education and leading-edge practice. We are incredibly proud of our international reputation for pushing the boundaries and for our ground breaking work ensuring our patients receive the very best and latest in cancer treatment and care.
An exciting opportunity has arisen for an Associate Practitioner to join 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. The department provides a reference Molecular Diagnostics and Cytogenetics Service for solid tumours and haematological malignancies, as well as participating in clinical trials.
The successful applicant must have a relevant A levels including a science subject and have experience working in a relevant laboratory. Experience in cytogenetic and molecular diagnostics techniques is desirable. 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, the postholder will be required to participate in a shift system on a rotational basis.
Main duties of the job
The post holder will support scientific teams in the provision of a timely and efficient accredited Clinical Genomics Service. The post holder must be able to take responsibility for working alone and as part of a team to achieve necessary performance levels. The post-holder will be expected to work within Cancer Diagnostics Central Reception and all areas of Clinical Genomics (both Cytogenetics and Molecular Diagnostics) to perform laboratory support duties, with minimal supervision. The major focus of the role will be in sample collection, data entry, sample prioritisation and distribution working within the Cancer Diagnostics Central Reception. The specimen reception is open from 8.30am to 5.30pm and so the post holder will be required to participate on a shift system on a rotational basis to provide this cover.
The post holder will be required to rotate through the Clinical Genomics laboratories to perform laboratory support duties. Such duties will include specimen processing, data entry of requests, cell culturing processes, preparing slides for FISH analysis, preparation of FFPE slides for tumour assessment and macrodissection, DNA/RNA/ctDNA extraction, equipment maintenance tasks and supporting scientists in providing a reliable and accurate diagnostic service.
Detailed job description and main responsibilities
• To collect different types of biological samples from the main Pathology laboratories, minor procedures, theatres and switchboard during the day, including late samples, and maintaining all relevant audit trails.
• To receive and check samples from referral hospitals, laboratories and wards. To verify ID against request form and liaise with appropriate staff where errors or omissions exist. To log samples on the audit trail.
• To safely deal with high risk samples according to policy.
The post holder will be required to rotate through the Clinical Genomics laboratories to perform technical duties, including but not limited to; specimen reception, data entry, DNA/RNA/ctDNA extraction. The post holder will be expected to assist in training and support activities such as quality, equipment maintenance and audits. Attention to detail is essential and the post holder must be able to work to high standards following defined protocols.
The post holder will be expected to assist in data management relating to the technical aspects of the molecular service and therefore needs to be fully IT literate. In addition the post holder will be required to support activities such as quality, including compliance with laboratory accreditation standards, equipment maintenance, audits, clerical duties and participate in the departments training programme. The post holder will be expected to support and advise less experienced staff, such as trainees, students and MLA’s. Good communication and team working are essential. The range of tests available will be in continuous development and the post-holder will be expected to work within all areas.
Attention to detail is essential and the post holder must be able to work to high standards, following defined protocols and assist in the production of accurate and high quality analytical results for the diagnosis and treatment of patients.
Person specification
Education/Qualifications
Essential criteria
1. Good general education including A-levels, with at least one science subject
2. Recognised qualifications in Maths and English
Desirable criteria
3. BSc in Biological Science or equivalent
4. Knowledge of theory & practice of laboratory techniques
Experience
Essential criteria
5. Experience working in a relevant laboratory or healthcare setting
6. Awareness and understanding of handling biological samples
7. Experience using Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs)
8. Knowledge of laboratory techniques and practices
9. Awareness of laboratory health & safety procedures and COSHH
Desirable criteria
10. Knowledge of molecular and cytogenetic techniques (e.g., DNA/RNA extraction, FISH, slide preparation)
11. Experience working in a UKAS -accredited diagnostic laboratory
Skills & Abilities
Essential criteria
12. High level of attention to detail and accuracy
13. Manual dexterity for technical tasks
14. Strong data entry and IT skills, including use of LIMS and Microsoft Office
15. Ability to follow written instructions and protocols
16. Good verbal and written communication skills
17. Able to prioritise and manage own workload
Desirable criteria
18. Understands the relationship between laboratory work and patient care
19. Basic understanding of quality systems (e.g., ISO 15189, UKAS) and data integrity
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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