Band 4 Genetic technologist

Guy's and St Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust

This job is now closed

Job summary

We are looking for a motivated individual with an interest in working in laboratory diagnostic genetics and we invite applications from individuals educated to HND or NVQ level 4 in Biological Science, with a strong interest in genetics, to work as a genetic technologist. This role will mainly involve sample reception, DNA and RNA extraction, basic laboratory housekeeping tasks, and administration tasks to provide support to our diagnostic work. The role will also involve other laboratory wet-work using molecular genetic laboratory techniques including (but not limited to) Sanger sequencing, MLPA and ddPCR. Some practical laboratory experience is essential (preferably with a genetics basis); however, full competence-based training will be given. We are very much committed to continuous development and provide opportunities for participation in service research and development, training courses and journal clubs/seminars.

Applicants should have good interpersonal and computing skills, be capable of working under pressure to tight deadlines, and be able to work collaboratively within a multidisciplinary team. They should have good organisational skills, be able to work methodically with great attention to detail and have a strong interest in driving and improving the quality of diagnostic services. Applicants will be expected to take part in various quality management tasks.

Main duties of the job

To be responsible to Senior Genetic Technologists and Clinical Scientists.
To perform the role following documented laboratory
To collaborate with all other members of staff
To deal with telephone enquiries
To maintain accurate section records
To participate in an annual appraisal
To participate in clinical audit projects
To be involved in the evaluation of new/replacement equipment
To follow procedures documented in the laboratory's written SOPs
To be involved in training new members of technical staff and students
To work with the team to ensure achievement and adherence to the standards required of ISO15189:2012 accreditation
To receive and book-in a range of pathological specimens
Extraction of DNA and RNA from a range of sample types
Preparation of DNA and RNA for a range of testing procedures.
Maintenance and management of a blood and DNA bank
Performing a range of molecular techniques both manually and using automated technology including validation of the outcome of the reaction.
PCR and Sanger sequencing
To identify why techniques relating to the processing of specimens are not working optimally
To prepare and measure out reagents and media
To inform of any incidents and errors
To participate in out of hours cover as required
To follow a technical training programme for this grade
To attend any training days or courses considered appropriate to the position

About us

The Royal Brompton & Harefield Hospitals are part of Guy's and St. Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust, with the Heart and Lung Clinical Care Group forming the largest heart and lung centre in the UK and among the largest in Europe. We are a partnership of specialist hospitals which are known throughout the world for our expertise, standard of care and research success. The Clinical Genetics and Genomics Laboratory is also part of the NHSE South East Genomic Laboratory hub and is one of four cardiac and one of three respiratory laboratories, delivering the specialist testing nationally.

The Clinical Genetics and Genomics Laboratory in the Royal Brompton has generated deep expertise in cardiovascular (CV) and respiratory genetics through a large programme of work over the last 7 years and has established infrastructure, expertise and variant repositories on site. The CGGL has developed sophisticated bioinformatic tools and pipelines for the analysis and reporting of different types of sequence data and is actively involved in research to develop new technologies. The diagnostic service collaborates closely with the National Heart and Lung Institute (NHLI), Imperial College London.

Organisational Values:

Our values help us to define and develop our culture, what we do and how we do it. It is important that you understand andreflect these values throughout your employment with the Trust.

Date posted

28 Awst 2024

Pay scheme

Agenda for change

Band

Band 4

Salary

£31,944 to £34,937 a year per annum inc. HCA

Contract

Fixed term

Duration

3 years

Working pattern

Full-time

Reference number

196-LIS8762

Job locations

Royal Brompton Hospital

Sydney Street

London

SW3 6NP

Job description

Job responsibilities

To undertake the technical duties of Genetic Technologist to support the scientific teams in the provision of an effective and high-quality genetics diagnostic service to patients. To undertake basic laboratory housekeeping tasks and some administration tasks where necessary.

To maintain a high level of accuracy and reliability in defined routine, preparative, processing, analytical and associated procedures, following documented laboratory protocols. Specific duties will depend on the area in which the post holder is working. To train other staff in tasks where necessary.

To collaborate with other members of the laboratory and department in all matters necessary to achieve the maximum efficiency of the service.

Job description

Job responsibilities

To collaborate with other members of the laboratory and department in all matters necessary to achieve the maximum efficiency of the service.

Person Specification

EDUCATION & QUALIFICATIONS

Essential

HND or NVQ level 4 qualification (or equivalent) in Biological Science
Bachelor degree in biological science

Desirable

Genetics component included in course/and or Bachelor's degree

EXPERIENCE & KNOWLEDGE

Essential

Practical laboratory experience
Basic knowledge of theoretical and practical aspects of molecular genetics
Good written and verbal skills
Good computer skills, involving the use of Microsoft Office including Excel, ability to master new programmes and laboratory analytical software after appropriate training
Able to follow protocols accurately

SKILLS & ABILITIES

Essential

Experience of some molecular biology techniques

Desirable

Experience of aseptic technique
Experience of dealing with telephone enquiries
Experience of laboratory Quality Management systems
Experience in supervising others

PERSONAL QUALITIES

Essential

Basic knowledge of technical and scientific biological aspects
Basic knowledge of laboratory health and safety
Able to work within a team

Desirable

A strong interest and some knowledge of human genetics

Person Specification

EDUCATION & QUALIFICATIONS

Essential

HND or NVQ level 4 qualification (or equivalent) in Biological Science
Bachelor degree in biological science

Desirable

Genetics component included in course/and or Bachelor's degree

EXPERIENCE & KNOWLEDGE

Essential

Practical laboratory experience
Basic knowledge of theoretical and practical aspects of molecular genetics
Good written and verbal skills
Good computer skills, involving the use of Microsoft Office including Excel, ability to master new programmes and laboratory analytical software after appropriate training
Able to follow protocols accurately

SKILLS & ABILITIES

Essential

Experience of some molecular biology techniques

Desirable

Experience of aseptic technique
Experience of dealing with telephone enquiries
Experience of laboratory Quality Management systems
Experience in supervising others

PERSONAL QUALITIES

Essential

Basic knowledge of technical and scientific biological aspects
Basic knowledge of laboratory health and safety
Able to work within a team

Desirable

A strong interest and some knowledge of human genetics

Disclosure and Barring Service Check

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.

Certificate of Sponsorship

Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).

From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).

Additional information