Job summary
The Molecular Section Head manages all aspects of the section maintaining an excellent HLA typing service in support of our regional, supra-regional and national transplant programmes. The post-holder plans and organises the workload and is responsible for training and education, review of laboratory testing methods and initiation of service development including implementation of novel technology. As a member of the laboratory management team, the post-holder works to ensure efficient clinical service delivery, provision of clinical advice through clinical audit and participation in research projects.
Main duties of the job
- Manages the Molecular Section providing the NGS and realtime PCR services.
- Jointly plans and organises workload within the laboratory.
- Shares line management, training and education duties with other senior staff.
- Develops services and reviews laboratory tests and analyses.
- Evaluates, costs and implements new technology.
- Initiates and participates in audit, research and developments in the laboratory.
- Authorises patient test results and gives clinical advice to assist clinical management.
- Effectively liaises with external bodies.
- Independently supports the on-call service for solid organ and islet transplantation.
About us
The Oxford Transplant Centre currently provides kidney, pancreas, intestinal, modified multivisceral and islet cell transplant services and is part of the National Organ Retrieval Service for all abdominal organs. The Centre also provides other surgery to support patients at the Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust.
The Transplant Immunology and Immunogenetics Laboratory provides consultant-lead specialist regional services for clinical transplantation within the Oxford Transplant Centre and for haematopoietic stem cell transplants performed within the Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust (OUH). Currently these services include HLA typing to the DNA sequence level, HLA antibody screening and specification and crossmatching. The laboratory provides a 24-hour on-call service for transplantation, and post-transplant monitoring. Immunogenetics services are also provided to clinicians to define disease susceptibility genes as an aid to patient diagnosis and treatment. The laboratory is accredited by the United Kingdom Accreditation Service (UKAS) and European Federation for Immunogenetics (EFI). Referrals are received from within the Oxford University Hospitals Foundation Trust and externally from Primary Care Trusts and other Trusts and Institutions.
Job description
Job responsibilities
Head of Molecular Section
- Manages of all aspects of the Molecular Section, including but not limited to DNA isolation, quantification, storage and disposal and HLA genotyping using Next Generation Sequencing, Realtime PCR, PCR-SSP and PCR-SBT.
- Plans and organises workload within the section.
- Is responsible for training and education of staff within the section.
- Is responsible for effective, accurate and appropriate liaison with OTDT and other external centres.
- Initiates service development in reviewing laboratory tests and analysis.
- Initiates audit, research, and developments in the laboratory
- Evaluates, costs and implements new technology within the section.
- Ensures effective stock control of laboratory reagents and consumables.
- Is responsible for managing the process and reporting of EQA (e.g. NEQAS for H&I, Schemes 4A1 and 4A2), and IQC schemes relevant to the section.
- Is jointly responsible for planning and organising the overall workload of the lower banded laboratory staff in collaboration with other Section Heads to ensure efficient service delivery.
General Responsibilities: - Gives clinical advice for the selection of appropriate samples and laboratory tests necessary to assist patient diagnosis and clinical management.
- Uses laboratory computer systems for recording patient specimens and performs all sample processing procedures required in the laboratory.
- Ensures validity of patient test results entered onto laboratory, Trust and national computer systems by laboratory staff.
- Ensures the validation of relevant laboratory tests.
- Independently performs a broad range of specialised tests according to defined procedures; produces, analyses, interprets and reports results.
- Assimilates highly complex multi-stranded information in order to produce reports.
- Participates in internal and external quality assurance (QA) schemes (e.g. NEQAS for H&I) and acts upon results.
- Monitors consumables storage and equipment operation to ensure adequate laboratory function.
- Monitors own day-to-day performance.
- Independently undertakes emergency out-of-hours on-call duties for solid organ and islet transplantation. This involves assimilation of highly complicated sets of data that are unique on each occasion, interpreting complex results and advising the Consultant Surgeon on the risks of transplant rejection specific to the particular patient. Most of the deceased donor transplants proceed based on virtual crossmatches performed remotely at home, hands-on laboratory work mainly Luminex antibody testing, or a realtime PCR assay is relatively infrequent.
- Liaises and communicates with a range of clinical and non-clinical staff (transplant co-ordinators, medical, surgical and specialist nursing staff, Organ Donation and Transplantation, NHS Blood and Transplant and other health care professionals) in and out of normal working hours both locally and nationally.
- Undertakes research and development projects in consultation with the Director and Deputy Director. Actively participates in research projects and publishes results in peer reviewed literature.
Administrative and general duties: - Is responsible for ensuring that all duties are carried out to the highest possible standard and in accordance with current quality initiatives and Standard Operating Procedures within the area of work.
- Maintains clear, full and accurate records of work carried out and general laboratory records.
- Creates, formats and maintains databases and spreadsheets for use in clinical audit and maintenance of patient records.
- Liaises with the Laboratory Director and other senior colleagues concerning problems that may arise.
- Responsible for training and practical instruction of colleagues and visiting research scientists in cooperation with other senior staff, ensuring efficient and cost-effective use of resources and time.
- Generates and maintains relevant standard operating procedures (SOPs).
- Understands relevant safety policies for the handling of infectious tissue samples, use of hazardous chemicals as required by COSHH. Maintains appropriate COSHH and Risk Assessment documentation.
- Actively participates in laboratory meetings.
- Participates in appraisal and undertakes appraisals of other staff.
- Actively participates in management meetings. Assists in developing laboratory strategy.
- Participates in an appropriate CPD scheme, attends local and national meetings facilitated through the Laboratory Director, and maintains the required level of attainment.
- Performs reasonable duties relating to this position that are not specifically laid out in this document.
TRUST LIST TRUST CORE SPECIFIC GUIDELINES. - Health and Safety: The post holder is responsible to ensure that all duties and responsibilities are carried out in compliance with the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974, Statutory Regulations and Trust Policies and Procedures. This will be supported by the provision of training and specialist advice where required.
- Risk Management: The management of risk is the responsibility of everyone and will be achieved within a progressive, honest and open environment. Staff will be provided with the necessary education, training and support to enable them to meet this responsibility. Staff should be familiar with the Major Incident Policy and Fire Policy, and should make themselves familiar with the local response plan and their role within that response.
- Understand the structure for funding healthcare and ensure relevant procedures are followed and documentation is completed. Understand the financial implications for protocol changes.
- Attend mandatory hospital training, to include CPR, fire and manual handling.
- Practice in accordance with NMC Code of Professional Conduct and other appropriate NMC guidelines.
INFECTION CONTROL Infection Control is everyone's responsibility. All staff, both clinical and non-clinical, are required to adhere to the Trusts' Infection Prevention and Control Policies and make every effort to maintain high standards of infection control at all times thereby reducing the burden of Healthcare Associated Infections including MRSA.
All staff employed by the ORH trust have the following key responsibilities:
- Staff must wash their hands or use alcohol gel on entry and exit from all clinical areas and/or between each patient contact.
- Staff members have a duty to attend mandatory infection control training provided for them by the Trust.
- Staff members who develop an infection (other than common colds and illness) that may be transmissible to patients have a duty to contact Occupational Health.
CONFIDENTIALITY - Maintain the confidentiality of information about patients, staff and other health service business in accordance with the Data Protection Act 1984.
EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES - Abide by the Trust's Equal Opportunities Policy at all times.
SMOKING POLICY - It is the policy of the Trust to promote health and smoking is therefore actively discouraged.
DATA PROTECTION ACT 1984 -
- Employees must not, without prior permission, disclose any information regarding patients or staff.
- This job description is intended as an outline of the general areas of activity and will be amended in the light of the changing needs of the Transplant Centre. It will be reviewed in conjunction with the post holder.
Job description
Job responsibilities
Head of Molecular Section
- Manages of all aspects of the Molecular Section, including but not limited to DNA isolation, quantification, storage and disposal and HLA genotyping using Next Generation Sequencing, Realtime PCR, PCR-SSP and PCR-SBT.
- Plans and organises workload within the section.
- Is responsible for training and education of staff within the section.
- Is responsible for effective, accurate and appropriate liaison with OTDT and other external centres.
- Initiates service development in reviewing laboratory tests and analysis.
- Initiates audit, research, and developments in the laboratory
- Evaluates, costs and implements new technology within the section.
- Ensures effective stock control of laboratory reagents and consumables.
- Is responsible for managing the process and reporting of EQA (e.g. NEQAS for H&I, Schemes 4A1 and 4A2), and IQC schemes relevant to the section.
- Is jointly responsible for planning and organising the overall workload of the lower banded laboratory staff in collaboration with other Section Heads to ensure efficient service delivery.
General Responsibilities: - Gives clinical advice for the selection of appropriate samples and laboratory tests necessary to assist patient diagnosis and clinical management.
- Uses laboratory computer systems for recording patient specimens and performs all sample processing procedures required in the laboratory.
- Ensures validity of patient test results entered onto laboratory, Trust and national computer systems by laboratory staff.
- Ensures the validation of relevant laboratory tests.
- Independently performs a broad range of specialised tests according to defined procedures; produces, analyses, interprets and reports results.
- Assimilates highly complex multi-stranded information in order to produce reports.
- Participates in internal and external quality assurance (QA) schemes (e.g. NEQAS for H&I) and acts upon results.
- Monitors consumables storage and equipment operation to ensure adequate laboratory function.
- Monitors own day-to-day performance.
- Independently undertakes emergency out-of-hours on-call duties for solid organ and islet transplantation. This involves assimilation of highly complicated sets of data that are unique on each occasion, interpreting complex results and advising the Consultant Surgeon on the risks of transplant rejection specific to the particular patient. Most of the deceased donor transplants proceed based on virtual crossmatches performed remotely at home, hands-on laboratory work mainly Luminex antibody testing, or a realtime PCR assay is relatively infrequent.
- Liaises and communicates with a range of clinical and non-clinical staff (transplant co-ordinators, medical, surgical and specialist nursing staff, Organ Donation and Transplantation, NHS Blood and Transplant and other health care professionals) in and out of normal working hours both locally and nationally.
- Undertakes research and development projects in consultation with the Director and Deputy Director. Actively participates in research projects and publishes results in peer reviewed literature.
Administrative and general duties: - Is responsible for ensuring that all duties are carried out to the highest possible standard and in accordance with current quality initiatives and Standard Operating Procedures within the area of work.
- Maintains clear, full and accurate records of work carried out and general laboratory records.
- Creates, formats and maintains databases and spreadsheets for use in clinical audit and maintenance of patient records.
- Liaises with the Laboratory Director and other senior colleagues concerning problems that may arise.
- Responsible for training and practical instruction of colleagues and visiting research scientists in cooperation with other senior staff, ensuring efficient and cost-effective use of resources and time.
- Generates and maintains relevant standard operating procedures (SOPs).
- Understands relevant safety policies for the handling of infectious tissue samples, use of hazardous chemicals as required by COSHH. Maintains appropriate COSHH and Risk Assessment documentation.
- Actively participates in laboratory meetings.
- Participates in appraisal and undertakes appraisals of other staff.
- Actively participates in management meetings. Assists in developing laboratory strategy.
- Participates in an appropriate CPD scheme, attends local and national meetings facilitated through the Laboratory Director, and maintains the required level of attainment.
- Performs reasonable duties relating to this position that are not specifically laid out in this document.
TRUST LIST TRUST CORE SPECIFIC GUIDELINES. - Health and Safety: The post holder is responsible to ensure that all duties and responsibilities are carried out in compliance with the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974, Statutory Regulations and Trust Policies and Procedures. This will be supported by the provision of training and specialist advice where required.
- Risk Management: The management of risk is the responsibility of everyone and will be achieved within a progressive, honest and open environment. Staff will be provided with the necessary education, training and support to enable them to meet this responsibility. Staff should be familiar with the Major Incident Policy and Fire Policy, and should make themselves familiar with the local response plan and their role within that response.
- Understand the structure for funding healthcare and ensure relevant procedures are followed and documentation is completed. Understand the financial implications for protocol changes.
- Attend mandatory hospital training, to include CPR, fire and manual handling.
- Practice in accordance with NMC Code of Professional Conduct and other appropriate NMC guidelines.
INFECTION CONTROL Infection Control is everyone's responsibility. All staff, both clinical and non-clinical, are required to adhere to the Trusts' Infection Prevention and Control Policies and make every effort to maintain high standards of infection control at all times thereby reducing the burden of Healthcare Associated Infections including MRSA.
All staff employed by the ORH trust have the following key responsibilities:
- Staff must wash their hands or use alcohol gel on entry and exit from all clinical areas and/or between each patient contact.
- Staff members have a duty to attend mandatory infection control training provided for them by the Trust.
- Staff members who develop an infection (other than common colds and illness) that may be transmissible to patients have a duty to contact Occupational Health.
CONFIDENTIALITY - Maintain the confidentiality of information about patients, staff and other health service business in accordance with the Data Protection Act 1984.
EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES - Abide by the Trust's Equal Opportunities Policy at all times.
SMOKING POLICY - It is the policy of the Trust to promote health and smoking is therefore actively discouraged.
DATA PROTECTION ACT 1984 -
- Employees must not, without prior permission, disclose any information regarding patients or staff.
- This job description is intended as an outline of the general areas of activity and will be amended in the light of the changing needs of the Transplant Centre. It will be reviewed in conjunction with the post holder.
Person Specification
Shortlist Offline
Essential
- Add "2" for interview, "0" for rejected
Person Specification
Shortlist Offline
Essential
- Add "2" for interview, "0" for rejected
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.
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).
UK Registration
Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see
NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).
Additional information
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.
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).
UK Registration
Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see
NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).
Employer details
Employer name
Oxford University NHS Foundation Trust
Address
Transplant Immunology, Oxford Transplant Centre
Churchill Hospital
Oxford
OX3 7LE
Employer's website
https://www.ouh.nhs.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)
