Job summary
Assistant Genetic Technologist - Band 3
Our laboratory is actively building diverse teams and welcomes applications from everyone, of all ages and backgrounds, interested in a position as an Assistant Genetic Technologist
BGL is part oftheSouth West Genomic Laboratory Hub (SW GLH)which delivers centralised genomic testing for patients with cancer and rare disease throughout the South West region. We are a large, well equipped, and friendly lab that values the experience new team members can bring to the role.
The laboratory is looking to recruit a new positive member to a welcoming team. Applicants should possess a good standard of general education (e.g., A Levels or equivalent, ideally to include Science), good keyboard/data entry skills and a calm, meticulous approach to work. Full support and training will be provided. We are keen to support apprenticeships and there may be an opportunity to undertake an apprenticeship in Healthcare Science as part of this role.
The laboratory is open between the hours of 8.00am and 8.00pm, including bank holidays and weekends and we offer flexible working options (up to 37.5 hours per week full time) to support the diverse requirements of our staff.
The work we perform helps provide answers to some of the most difficult questions facing patients and families across the UK and beyond. If you would like to join our team, knowing your work will go towards something truly valuable then please apply.
Main duties of the job
The successful candidate will work as part of our Preparation Teams - the first step in the sample journey through Bristol Genetics Laboratory. The role involves unpacking and sorting biological samples, entering patient data onto our laboratory computer system and processing samples manually or using automated equipment. Accurate, meticulous work and good keyboard skills are key to this role.
If you have any questions about the role or what it is like to work as part of the SW GLH Lab Team then please contact the recruiting manager.
To understand more about Pathology at North Bristol, check out our video.
About us
North Bristol NHS Trust is one of the largest healthcare trusts in the South West of England. We provide hospital and community healthcare to people living in Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire. Our vision is that by enabling our teams to be the best that they can be, we will provide exceptional healthcare, personally delivered.
NBT CARES. It's a very simple statement; one which epitomises how everybody across our organisation goes the extra mile to ensure our patients get the best possible care.
Caring - because it underpins everything we do for our patients and the way we care for one another.
Ambitious - because it signals that we always want to improve what we do on behalf of our patients and one another
Respectful - because every individual has an important role to play
Supportive - because we're a team and deliver together
North Bristol NHS Trust values all people as individuals. We aim to be an anti-discriminatory organisation and are committed to building a team that represents a variety of backgrounds, perspectives, and skills. We welcome applicants from all underrepresented groups.
Staff benefits include access to on-site, tax-free childcare through the Childcare Salary Sacrifice Scheme, an excellent package of pension benefits through the NHS Pension Scheme and teams dedicated to providing our staff with physical, psychological and financial support. For our complete list of staff benefits please visit our website.
Job description
Job responsibilities
Staff
- To assist in the technical training of trainee staff as directed by training officers.
- To participate in staff appraisal according to Trust policies and procedures.
Laboratory
- To provide technical support for the genetics laboratory under the direction of the Head of Section.
- To perform routine genetic analyses on patients referred for a range of genetic disorders, as directed by a registered Clinical Scientist, to enable reporting time targets to be met.
- To receive and process samples submitted to the Department in accordance with laboratory policies and protocols.
- To analyse/interpret on a first line basis the results of tests for which he/she is responsible, recording results on worksheets, on result sheets in patient files, and on the laboratory database.
- To generate reports for normal test results for a specified range of disorders, in addition to samples that are sent for banking or forwarding to other laboratories, prior to checking and authorising by appropriate Scientific staff.
- To participate in risk management of the department including error reporting.
- To participate in work rotation in appropriate areas of the dept as required, for specified disorders/tests.
- To personally organise allocated work.
- To maintain a high level of professional competence in the performance of all tests and investigations carried out in the section.
- To accurately prepare, maintain and document adequate supplies of reagents, consumables and plasticware.
- To ensure the efficient and safe use of consumables and equipment within own working area.
- To prepare, extract, and store DNA and RNA from blood or other tissues, including prenatal diagnosis to ensure that high quality material is available for diagnostic analysis.
- To maintain high level of skill using needles, scalpels etc., with potential risk of exposure to sharps injury.
- To participate in specimen reception/booking in and sample send away duties, including assisting with associated administrative and clerical duties in the laboratory.
- To be responsible for the day to day maintenance and cleanliness of the equipment with which he/she is working.
- To participate in internal and external quality control procedures.
- To participate in quality assurance procedures, as appropriate.
- To participate in audit as required, relating to numbers and failure rates of tests.
- To work in accordance with the Standard Operating Procedures developed for use in the Department, and assist in the review of these as required.
- To abide by all Codes of Practice, Safety Regulations, statutory requirements and operational policies of the department and the service.
Communication
- To answer telephone enquiries, liaising with senior staff as appropriate
- To communicate with other members of the technical team to provide effective cover for work.
IM&T
- To be competent in using the department computer system.
Professional
- To attend in-house training sessions as appropriate, and to maintain personal training records as required.
- To participate in any national technical training initiatives as appropriate
Job description
Job responsibilities
Staff
- To assist in the technical training of trainee staff as directed by training officers.
- To participate in staff appraisal according to Trust policies and procedures.
Laboratory
- To provide technical support for the genetics laboratory under the direction of the Head of Section.
- To perform routine genetic analyses on patients referred for a range of genetic disorders, as directed by a registered Clinical Scientist, to enable reporting time targets to be met.
- To receive and process samples submitted to the Department in accordance with laboratory policies and protocols.
- To analyse/interpret on a first line basis the results of tests for which he/she is responsible, recording results on worksheets, on result sheets in patient files, and on the laboratory database.
- To generate reports for normal test results for a specified range of disorders, in addition to samples that are sent for banking or forwarding to other laboratories, prior to checking and authorising by appropriate Scientific staff.
- To participate in risk management of the department including error reporting.
- To participate in work rotation in appropriate areas of the dept as required, for specified disorders/tests.
- To personally organise allocated work.
- To maintain a high level of professional competence in the performance of all tests and investigations carried out in the section.
- To accurately prepare, maintain and document adequate supplies of reagents, consumables and plasticware.
- To ensure the efficient and safe use of consumables and equipment within own working area.
- To prepare, extract, and store DNA and RNA from blood or other tissues, including prenatal diagnosis to ensure that high quality material is available for diagnostic analysis.
- To maintain high level of skill using needles, scalpels etc., with potential risk of exposure to sharps injury.
- To participate in specimen reception/booking in and sample send away duties, including assisting with associated administrative and clerical duties in the laboratory.
- To be responsible for the day to day maintenance and cleanliness of the equipment with which he/she is working.
- To participate in internal and external quality control procedures.
- To participate in quality assurance procedures, as appropriate.
- To participate in audit as required, relating to numbers and failure rates of tests.
- To work in accordance with the Standard Operating Procedures developed for use in the Department, and assist in the review of these as required.
- To abide by all Codes of Practice, Safety Regulations, statutory requirements and operational policies of the department and the service.
Communication
- To answer telephone enquiries, liaising with senior staff as appropriate
- To communicate with other members of the technical team to provide effective cover for work.
IM&T
- To be competent in using the department computer system.
Professional
- To attend in-house training sessions as appropriate, and to maintain personal training records as required.
- To participate in any national technical training initiatives as appropriate
Person Specification
Education
Essential
- 2 A levels or equivalent including science
Experience
Desirable
- Experience of molecular techniques
- Experience of work with the NHS
- Laboratory experience
Knowledge/Skills/Abilities
Essential
- Abuility to produce accurate meticulous work and attention to detail
- Good organisational skills
- Communication skills - verbal & interpersonal
- IT experience and ability to use databases and computer software packages
Personal Qualities
Essential
- Calm, conscientious approach to technical work
- Ability to work part of a team
- Overall application standard
Person Specification
Education
Essential
- 2 A levels or equivalent including science
Experience
Desirable
- Experience of molecular techniques
- Experience of work with the NHS
- Laboratory experience
Knowledge/Skills/Abilities
Essential
- Abuility to produce accurate meticulous work and attention to detail
- Good organisational skills
- Communication skills - verbal & interpersonal
- IT experience and ability to use databases and computer software packages
Personal Qualities
Essential
- Calm, conscientious approach to technical work
- Ability to work part of a team
- Overall application standard
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).
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).
