Job overview
A position has become available within the Molecular Diagnosis laboratory at King's College Hospital for a Genetic Technologist. The laboratory is part of the South East Genomics Laboratory Hub and is a national reference centre for haemoglobinopathy diagnosis and a leader in the diagnosis of inherited red blood cell disorders. The laboratory offers targeted next generation sequencing for over 200 genes and has dedicated on site bioinformatics to support the service. All services offered are UKAS accredited.
The role will involve undertaking a wide range of duties from sample receipt and DNA extraction to setting up PCR assays. Other essential housekeeping functions will also be performed such as servicing instrumentation and maintaining records. The successful candidate will work within a small team and therefore must be organised and have good team work skills.
Main duties of the job
The Molecular Pathology laboratory is a team of 24, comprising of clinical scientists, biomedical scientist and genetic technologists. The post holder will be expected to support and assist Healthcare Scientists in the delivery of a high quality service.
This will include aspects of service delivery such as booking in samples, DNA extraction and PCR assay setup within our semi-automated laboratory. The role will also include various housekeeping duties such as administration, maintenance of equipment, laboratory cleaning duties, disposal of waste, maintaining bench stocks of reagents and consumables and routine administration tasks. The post holder assist in all aspects of sample processing and maintenance of accurate records.
Concentration and attention to detail are essential to all aspects of the role.
The post holder will also be expected to offer a helpful and professional service to all visitors and telephone callers. It is important that the post holder has a good knowledge of clinical molecular genetics, and will undertake continual professional development activities to keep up to date.
Working for our organisation
You will have a suite of learning opportunities available through The Synnovis Way Development 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.
Technical
1. Participate in the provision of a comprehensive and appropriate diagnostic service to users through the collection, reception, booking in and preparation of samples for analysis, under the supervision of Senior Healthcare Scientists.
2. Use manual, semi-automated and fully-automated laboratory investigations in accordance with Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs)
3. Ensure work is completed timely and to satisfactory standards, results are reported within the agreed turnaround times
4. Monitoring of fridge and freezer temperatures
5. Ensure that reagents are prepared stored and used in a manner suitable for patient investigations
6. Prepare and pack samples dispatched to other laboratories
7. Perform all work in accordance with SOPs and Health and Safety Regulations
8. Perform role as part of the team recognising others skills and priorities
9. Perform under the guidance of Senior Healthcare Scientists processing of patient samples
10. Perform and maintain the quality checking procedures in the laboratory to measure and monitor the accuracy and precision of laboratory investigations
11. Complete other appropriate duties as directed by the Deputy Head and Head of the laboratory
Scientific
1. Develop an understanding of the scientific basis of laboratory work including genetics and haematology
2. Improve scientific knowledge and awareness of developments in the appropriate field of expertise via Continuing Professional Development (CPD) ensuring this knowledge is passed on to staff where appropriate
3. Maintain a portfolio that demonstrates CPD achievement
Clinical
1. Understand the necessity for the accurate communication of complex information
2. Observe departmental Quality Control procedures
3. Participate in audit to highlight deficiencies in pre-examination, examination and post-examination process as required by the laboratory managers
4. Efficient management of patients' clinical material and maintenance of a safe ethical system of storage
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.
King’s College Hospital Foundation Trust is one of the UK’s leading NHS Foundation Trusts in specialist teaching. King’s has various divisions including Neurosciences, Haematology, Cancer and Cardiovascular sciences, where there are unlimited opportunities to develop and perfect your career.
KCH
Over the last 170 years, King’s has delivered nothing but world class service to all its patients from deprived communities as well as some of the wealthiest in London.
Over the last 170 years, King’s has delivered nothing but world class service to all its patients from deprived communities as well as some of the wealthiest in London.
Person specification
Qualifications
Essential criteria
1. BSc Hons or equivalent in Biomedical Sciences or equivalent Molecular degree
Experience
Essential criteria
2. Previous experience in a diagnostic laboratory
3. Technical problem solving experience
Desirable criteria
4. Experience of setting up diagnostic molecular assays
Skills and Knowledge
Essential criteria
5. Good molecular biology understanding
6. Knowledge of Quality Control and Assurance
7. Ability to work as part of a team and independently
8. Ability to manage workload to work to deadlines
9. Good communication skills
Desirable criteria
10. Competent in a broad range of molecular practical techniques
11. Experience working with laboratory automation
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:
12. Contributory pension scheme
13. Generous annual leave entitlement
14. 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.