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.
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.
Detailed job description and main responsibilities
1. 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.
2. 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.
3. To perform all duties with a high level of accuracy and attention to detail.
4. To ensure that statutory UKAS and Trust requirements for record keeping of results are met by validation or verification of technology and reports as required
5. To ensure a high quality technical service
6. To process clinical samples and perform DNA and RNA extraction from FFPE and biological fluids. Prepare FFPE samples for tumour assessment and DNA extraction.
7. To decontaminate laboratory working areas and equipment according to SOPs
Person specification
Education/Qualifications
Essential criteria
8. Good general education including A-levels, with at least one science subject
9. Recognised qualifications in Maths and English
Desirable criteria
10. BSc in Biological Science or equivalent
Education/Qualifications
Desirable criteria
11. Knowledge of theory & practice of laboratory techniques
Experience
Essential criteria
12. Experience working in a relevant laboratory or healthcare setting
13. Awareness and understanding of handling biological samples
14. Awareness of laboratory health & safety procedures and COSHHE
15. Experience using Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs)
Desirable criteria
16. Knowledge of molecular and cytogenetic techniques (e.g., DNA/RNA extraction, FISH, slide preparation)
17. Experience working in a UKAS-accredited diagnostic laboratory
Skills & Abilities
Essential criteria
18. High level of attention to detail and accuracy
19. Manual dexterity for technical tasks
20. Strong data entry and IT skills, including use of LIMS and Microsoft Office
21. Ability to follow written instructions and protocols
22. Good verbal and written communication skills
23. Able to prioritise and manage own workload
Desirable criteria
24. Understands the relationship between laboratory work and patient care
25. Basic understanding of quality systems (e.g., ISO 15189, UKAS) and data integrity
Personal Qualities
Essential criteria
26. Reliable, enthusiastic, and proactive
27. Ability to work independently and as part of a team
28. Demonstrates initiative within role boundaries
29. Willing to respond flexibly to service demands
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. Please ensure your information is accurate to avoid errors with processing your application
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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