Assistant Genetic Technologist

Job summary

We are seeking for an assistant genetic technologist who has experience in genomic techniques to join the North Thames Rare Disease Laboratory Hub at Great Ormond Street Hospital.

You will contribute to the smooth running of the North Thames Rare Disease Genomic Laboratory and should have some demonstrable experience of DNA preparation, molecular and/or cytogenetic techniques; hands on experience in an accredited diagnostic setting will be an advantage. Good communication skills and attention to detail are essential.

The genetics laboratory provides an in-house diagnostic service for cancer, molecular and cytogenetic testing in accordance with the NHS England Genomic Test Directory. Cytogenetic testing is provided for both prenatal and postnatal samples using SNP microarray, karyotyping, FISH, qPCR, QF PCR and MLPA. Molecular testing includes next generation sequencing approaches and targeted tests. We are also engaged in the NHSE Genomic Medicine Service Whole Genome Sequencing programme for our North Thames patients.

We are involved in a number of collaborative research and development projects with colleagues at the UCL Institute of Child Health and Institute of Neurology as part of the UCL Partners Academic Health Sciences Centre.

Main duties of the job

• To follow established procedures and assist in the maintenance, preparation and review of operating policies
• Comply with health and safety policies
• Assist in quality assurance procedures
• Data entry of patient sample details
• Recording results / QC Information on laboratory information system (EPIC Beaker).
• Laboratory tests are set up as appropriate for the designated team and prepared for analysis by genetic technologists / scientific staff
• Registration of samples received into the laboratory
• Sample processing including extraction, quantitation, storage and dispatch
• Participate in general rota of technical staff for basic lab duties such as stock control, equipment maintenance and general housekeeping duties

About us

GOSH is committed to recruiting the best person for the job, based solely on their ability and individual merit as measured against the criteria for the role; through a process that is fair, open, consistent and free from bias and discrimination.

We are committed to being a diverse and inclusive employer and foster a culture where all staff are valued, respected and acknowledged. All applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, colour, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, age, disability status or length of time spent unemployed.

We particularly welcome applications from BAME communities, people with disabilities and/or long-term health conditions and LGBT+ community members.

We have policies and procedures in place to ensure that all applicants and employees are treated fairly and consistently. We are proud to be accredited as a Disability Confident Employer, a member of Business Disability Forum and a Stonewall Diversity Champion.

We have active and Executive supported BAME, LGBT+ and Allies, Disability and Long-Term Health Conditions and Women's staff networks. Staff networks are employee-led groups formed around interests, issues and a common bond or background. Staff network members create a positive and inclusive work environment at Great Ormond Street Hospital by actively contributing to the Trust's mission, values and efforts specific to inclusion. All of our staff networks are open to any employee.