Job summary
An exciting opportunity has arisen for a Medical Technical Officer with good interpersonal skills and a committed team member to join the Molecular Diagnostics team within 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 Centre for Molecular Pathology is a state-of-the-art facility bringing together translational science and molecular diagnostics and is one of the few specialised laboratories in molecular diagnostics of cancer in Europe.
We are seeking an enthusiastic Medical Technical Officer to contribute to the provision of a timely and efficient ISO 15189 accredited Clinical Genomics Service. The post holder will undertake technical duties required to support scientific teams in the provision of an effective and high quality service to patients. The post holder must be able to take responsibility for working alone and as part of a team to achieve necessary performance levels. They will be responsible for carrying out analytical molecular diagnostics investigations, with minimal supervision. Analytical investigations will include, but not limited to, Next Generation Sequencing, fragment analysis, ddPCR and gene expression analysis in haematological and solid tumours.
Main duties of the job
The post holder will undertake technical duties required to support scientific teams in the provision of an effective and high quality molecular diagnostics service to patients. They will be responsible for carrying out analytical molecular diagnostics investigations, with minimal supervision. The range of tests available will be in continuous development and the post-holder will be expected to work within all areas of the department. Analytical investigations will include, but not limited to, Next Generation Sequencing, fragment analysis, ddPCR and gene expression analysis in haematological and solid tumours. The key working relationships will be with clinicians, oncologists and histopathologists responsible for treating patients as well as with other Pathology disciplines and liaising with staff throughout the Trust. The post holder will be expected to assist in training of junior members of the team and visitors as well as to contribute to data management relating to the technical aspects of the molecular service. In addition the post holder will be required to support activities such as quality, including compliance with laboratory accreditation standards, equipment maintenance, audits and participate in the departments training programme.
About us
The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust is a world-leading cancer centre. Our role is to offer our patients the best cancer care available anywhere in the world, and to continue to make a global contribution to finding better ways of diagnosing and treating cancer. We employ over 4,500 staff in a diverse range of careers including nursing, medical, science, radiography, pharmacy, occupational therapy, finance and administrative services. We have two hospitals - one in Chelsea, London, and one in Sutton, Surrey - as well as a Medical Daycare Unit in Kingston Hospital
At The Royal Marsden, we deal with cancer every day, so we understand how valuable life is. When people entrust their lives to us, they have the right to demand the very best. That's why the pursuit of excellence lies at the heart of everything we do.
At the heart of the hospital is our dedicated team. We offer a stimulating and dynamic working environment, a wide range of staff benefits and learning and development opportunities. We are looking for employees who aspire to excellence, share our values and can play a crucial role in our on-going achievements.
Job description
Job responsibilities
For further information on this role, please see the attached detailed Job Description and Person Specification.
- To be responsible for own work, which will include all aspects of the clinical scientific & technical work, staff, equipment and quality system.
- To ensure the timely and efficient provision of core and technologically complex analytical/diagnostic services, including but not limited to PCR, RQ-PCR, ddPCR, NGS and fragment analysis.
- To take day to day responsibility for the quality of technical and analytical work produced.
- To ensure that clinical requests are met according to agreed policies on availability of tests and priorities in accordance with user guide.
- To ensure that work is carried out in line with Standing Operational Procedures and/or Departmental policy.
- To monitor quality control of all the tests performed.
- To assist in the preparation of SOPs and other documentation.
- To work in all areas of the department on a rotational basis
- To supervise reception and return of clinical samples and associated processes and procedures.
- Maintain reagent records, both paper and electronic, as part of section stock control system.
- To provide cover for routine lab tasks including DNA/RNA preparation, equipment maintenance and preparation of solutions, reagents and chemicals.
- To ensure that statutory and Trust requirements for record keeping of results are met.
- To ensure that quality control tests are conducted and meet required analytical standards. Where appropriate, in conjunction with the Clinical Scientist, implement a remedial action plan in line with SOPs.
- To ensure that all log books (electronic or paper) relating to calibrators, controls and reagents are maintained.
- To participate in audits as required.
- To maintain adequate stock of all reagents and consumables, through timely ordering of supplies in liaison with the Senior Staff members.
Job description
Job responsibilities
For further information on this role, please see the attached detailed Job Description and Person Specification.
- To be responsible for own work, which will include all aspects of the clinical scientific & technical work, staff, equipment and quality system.
- To ensure the timely and efficient provision of core and technologically complex analytical/diagnostic services, including but not limited to PCR, RQ-PCR, ddPCR, NGS and fragment analysis.
- To take day to day responsibility for the quality of technical and analytical work produced.
- To ensure that clinical requests are met according to agreed policies on availability of tests and priorities in accordance with user guide.
- To ensure that work is carried out in line with Standing Operational Procedures and/or Departmental policy.
- To monitor quality control of all the tests performed.
- To assist in the preparation of SOPs and other documentation.
- To work in all areas of the department on a rotational basis
- To supervise reception and return of clinical samples and associated processes and procedures.
- Maintain reagent records, both paper and electronic, as part of section stock control system.
- To provide cover for routine lab tasks including DNA/RNA preparation, equipment maintenance and preparation of solutions, reagents and chemicals.
- To ensure that statutory and Trust requirements for record keeping of results are met.
- To ensure that quality control tests are conducted and meet required analytical standards. Where appropriate, in conjunction with the Clinical Scientist, implement a remedial action plan in line with SOPs.
- To ensure that all log books (electronic or paper) relating to calibrators, controls and reagents are maintained.
- To participate in audits as required.
- To maintain adequate stock of all reagents and consumables, through timely ordering of supplies in liaison with the Senior Staff members.
Person Specification
Skills and Abilities
Essential
- Ability to express themselves clearly
- Ability to write clearly and concisely
- Ability to use in-house IT systems
- Ability to use Microsoft software or equivalent
- Educational qualification in mathematics
Personal Qualities
Essential
- Evidence of professional development
- Self confidant, contributes to laboratory meetings
- Able to work unsupervised
- Flexible approach to work
Specific Experience
Essential
- BSc degree in Biological Sciences/Genetics
- Evidence of training related to specific area or instruments
- At least 2 years experience of laboratory work, including need for attention to detail and record keeping
- Able to understand / follow SOPs
- Able to perform basic training
Desirable
- Basic knowledge of genetics including role of DNA/RNA and chromosomes
Person Specification
Skills and Abilities
Essential
- Ability to express themselves clearly
- Ability to write clearly and concisely
- Ability to use in-house IT systems
- Ability to use Microsoft software or equivalent
- Educational qualification in mathematics
Personal Qualities
Essential
- Evidence of professional development
- Self confidant, contributes to laboratory meetings
- Able to work unsupervised
- Flexible approach to work
Specific Experience
Essential
- BSc degree in Biological Sciences/Genetics
- Evidence of training related to specific area or instruments
- At least 2 years experience of laboratory work, including need for attention to detail and record keeping
- Able to understand / follow SOPs
- Able to perform basic training
Desirable
- Basic knowledge of genetics including role of DNA/RNA and chromosomes
Additional information
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).
