Job summary
Bristol Genetics Laboratory, South West Genomics Laboratory Hub ( SWGLH) Southmead Hospital, Bristol
Senior Genetic Technologist - Band 6
An exciting opportunity has arisen for a Senior Genetic Technologist (band 6) at Bristol Genetics Laboratory (BGL). The successful candidate will join the team leading one of our technology based sections, responsible for efficient operations as well as the implementation of new services and improvements.
BGL is part of the South West Genomic Laboratory Hub (SW GLH) which is provided by a partnership between North Bristol NHS Trust and the Royal Devon and Exeter Foundation Trust to deliver centralised genomic analysis for patients with cancer and rare disease throughout the South West region.
The successful candidates will be expected to work 37 1/2 hours per week full-time, or part time hours as arranged, including participation in weekend and Bank Holiday rotas within the hours of 07:00 - 20:00.
This advert may close early, if we have received a sufficient amount of applications. Therefore you are highly advised to apply as soon as possible if you are interested in this position.
Main duties of the job
We are a large, well-equipped laboratory with an extensive repertoire of tests. The successful candidate will participate in the supervision and day to day management of technical functions within the department. This will include staff supervision and training, equipment maintenance, procurement and asset management and technology evaluation/development. The successful candidate will work under the overall supervision of senior technical staff although a considerable degree of personal autonomy and responsibility is expected.
Applicants will be expected to hold a biological/biomedical science degree and have evidence of extensive experience of laboratory work in a diagnostic genetics laboratory, encompassing a wide range of practical laboratory techniques. They should be enrolled on or eligible for enrolment on to the accredited voluntary register for Genetic Technologists, an HCPC registered Biomedical Scientist or equivalent. Experience of training and supervision of other staff is essential, as are excellent IT and communication skills.
The specific duties and area of work will be agreed with the successful candidates on appointment.
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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.
NBTCARES. 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 visitour website.
Job description
Job responsibilities
6.1 Staff
The postholder will be responsible for his/her own work and that of other technical staff, under the overall direction of senior staff
To participate in the supervision, training and teaching of genetic technologists.
To assist with the training of Clinical scientists as appropriate.
To prepare and monitor staffing rotas as required, under the overall direction of section heads.
To participate in staff appraisal and PDP according to Trust policies and procedures
To participate in staff recruitment
6.2 Laboratory
To provide and supervise technical support for the laboratory including arranging cover for staff absence.
To receive and process samples submitted to the Department in accordance with laboratory policies and protocols.
To perform genetic analyses, and to present the results to appropriate scientists for checking, interpretation and reporting.
To technically validate test results and prepare reports for final authorisation by senior staff.
To participate in record keeping processes, both electronic and paper based and to assist with retrieval and presentation of data as required, including using databases and spreadsheets
To participate in risk management of the department including reporting of adverse incidents.
To rotate through all sections of the laboratory as required.
To organise personal workload and to supervise the work of other technical staff
To maintain a high level of professional competence in the performance of all tests and investigations carried out.
To prepare and maintain adequate supplies of reagents and consumables.
To ensure the efficient and safe use of consumables within own working area.
To be responsible for the evaluation, day-to-day maintenance and cleanliness of laboratory equipment.
To ensure smooth running of the techniques within area of responsibility and take appropriate steps and trouble shoot as required to maintain and improve quality
To participate in internal and external quality control procedures
To participate in quality assurance procedures in accordance with the laboratory quality procedures.
To participate in audit as required.
To assist in research and development projects as required.
Work in accordance with the Standard Operating Procedures developed for use in the Department. Participate in the development and review of these as required.
To participate in staff appraisal according to Trust policies and procedures.
To be responsible for the stock control and ordering of reagents and consumables as appropriate.
6.3 Communication
Communicate with a range of people including laboratory staff of all grades/roles - within the department and pathology at North Bristol Trust and other laboratories suppliers, sales representatives and engineers as required.
Liaise with scientific staff regarding technical matters appropriateness of tests, results and further tests required.
To be point of contact for company representatives
To promote effective team working
Involvement in challenging technical conversations with support from senior staff
6.4 IM +T
To be competent in using the department computer system
To be competent in use of common IT packages
To be competent in the use of specialist analysis software
To be competent in the use of online procurement systems e.g. EROS
6.5 Professional
To undertake, and maintain adequate records of, personal CPD
To take all necessary measures to acquire, improve and apply skills and expertise necessary to perform the duties of the job to a high level of quality, reliability and efficiency. This will include participation courses and further training as required or directed
To take all necessary steps to achieve and maintain enrolment on the accredited voluntary register of Genetics Technologists (or equivalent registration scheme e.g., IBMS)
6.6 Equipment
- In conjunction with senior staff contribute to the validation, procurement and introduction of new equipment/technologies.
- Be responsible for/to delegate as appropriate the management, maintenance and procurement of all laboratory equipment and documentation associated with this including:
- Organising and maintaining equipment logs
- Organising decontamination logs and ensuring their completion
- Organising timely and appropriate external repair and maintenance (e.g. via the manufacturer)
- Undertaking timely and appropriate internal repair and maintenance (e.g. via the works department or Clinical Engineering) and ensuring appropriate stocking of parts for this
- Devising safe and efficient systems of work with equipment
- Assisting with the negotiation of appropriate maintenance contracts
- Assisting with the evaluation of specifications and tenders for new equipment
6.7 Special Duties and Responsibilities
The post holder will act as technical lead for a specified area of work under the overall direction of the technical leads. Duties will include:
- Management of technical workload, including priority setting and staff management
- Management of equipment, consumables and technical procedures including troubleshooting, liaising with the technical lead as required.
- BGL Staff and visitor technical training as required.
- Development of automation and new procedures as required.
The post holder may be required to rotate to lead other technical sections within BGL following appropriate training and experience.
Job description
Job responsibilities
6.1 Staff
The postholder will be responsible for his/her own work and that of other technical staff, under the overall direction of senior staff
To participate in the supervision, training and teaching of genetic technologists.
To assist with the training of Clinical scientists as appropriate.
To prepare and monitor staffing rotas as required, under the overall direction of section heads.
To participate in staff appraisal and PDP according to Trust policies and procedures
To participate in staff recruitment
6.2 Laboratory
To provide and supervise technical support for the laboratory including arranging cover for staff absence.
To receive and process samples submitted to the Department in accordance with laboratory policies and protocols.
To perform genetic analyses, and to present the results to appropriate scientists for checking, interpretation and reporting.
To technically validate test results and prepare reports for final authorisation by senior staff.
To participate in record keeping processes, both electronic and paper based and to assist with retrieval and presentation of data as required, including using databases and spreadsheets
To participate in risk management of the department including reporting of adverse incidents.
To rotate through all sections of the laboratory as required.
To organise personal workload and to supervise the work of other technical staff
To maintain a high level of professional competence in the performance of all tests and investigations carried out.
To prepare and maintain adequate supplies of reagents and consumables.
To ensure the efficient and safe use of consumables within own working area.
To be responsible for the evaluation, day-to-day maintenance and cleanliness of laboratory equipment.
To ensure smooth running of the techniques within area of responsibility and take appropriate steps and trouble shoot as required to maintain and improve quality
To participate in internal and external quality control procedures
To participate in quality assurance procedures in accordance with the laboratory quality procedures.
To participate in audit as required.
To assist in research and development projects as required.
Work in accordance with the Standard Operating Procedures developed for use in the Department. Participate in the development and review of these as required.
To participate in staff appraisal according to Trust policies and procedures.
To be responsible for the stock control and ordering of reagents and consumables as appropriate.
6.3 Communication
Communicate with a range of people including laboratory staff of all grades/roles - within the department and pathology at North Bristol Trust and other laboratories suppliers, sales representatives and engineers as required.
Liaise with scientific staff regarding technical matters appropriateness of tests, results and further tests required.
To be point of contact for company representatives
To promote effective team working
Involvement in challenging technical conversations with support from senior staff
6.4 IM +T
To be competent in using the department computer system
To be competent in use of common IT packages
To be competent in the use of specialist analysis software
To be competent in the use of online procurement systems e.g. EROS
6.5 Professional
To undertake, and maintain adequate records of, personal CPD
To take all necessary measures to acquire, improve and apply skills and expertise necessary to perform the duties of the job to a high level of quality, reliability and efficiency. This will include participation courses and further training as required or directed
To take all necessary steps to achieve and maintain enrolment on the accredited voluntary register of Genetics Technologists (or equivalent registration scheme e.g., IBMS)
6.6 Equipment
- In conjunction with senior staff contribute to the validation, procurement and introduction of new equipment/technologies.
- Be responsible for/to delegate as appropriate the management, maintenance and procurement of all laboratory equipment and documentation associated with this including:
- Organising and maintaining equipment logs
- Organising decontamination logs and ensuring their completion
- Organising timely and appropriate external repair and maintenance (e.g. via the manufacturer)
- Undertaking timely and appropriate internal repair and maintenance (e.g. via the works department or Clinical Engineering) and ensuring appropriate stocking of parts for this
- Devising safe and efficient systems of work with equipment
- Assisting with the negotiation of appropriate maintenance contracts
- Assisting with the evaluation of specifications and tenders for new equipment
6.7 Special Duties and Responsibilities
The post holder will act as technical lead for a specified area of work under the overall direction of the technical leads. Duties will include:
- Management of technical workload, including priority setting and staff management
- Management of equipment, consumables and technical procedures including troubleshooting, liaising with the technical lead as required.
- BGL Staff and visitor technical training as required.
- Development of automation and new procedures as required.
The post holder may be required to rotate to lead other technical sections within BGL following appropriate training and experience.
Person Specification
Education / Qualifications
Essential
- Degree in biological science or equivalent
Desirable
- Enrolled on or eligible for enrolment on to accredited voluntary Genetic Technologists register, HCPC registered Biomedical Scientist or equivalent
Work Experience
Essential
- Evidence of extensive experience of laboratory work in an NHS diagnostic genetics laboratory, encompassing a range of practical laboratory techniques and experience with relevant automated equipment.
- Experience of training technical and/or other staff
- Experience of managing technical and/or other staff
- Experience of managing reagent and consumables supplies to appropriate levels and within financial control
Knowledge/Skills/Abilities
Essential
- Ability to evaluate, use, maintain and troubleshoot specialist laboratory equipment in use in the department.
- Knowledge of health and safety issues pertinent to laboratory work.
- Excellent IT skills including knowledge of software and web-based applications.
- Excellent technical skills covering a wide range of laboratory procedures currently in use in the department.
- Knowledge of Quality Assurance relevant to a diagnostic Genetics laboratory.
- Ability to evaluate and implement new technologies.
Person Specification
Education / Qualifications
Essential
- Degree in biological science or equivalent
Desirable
- Enrolled on or eligible for enrolment on to accredited voluntary Genetic Technologists register, HCPC registered Biomedical Scientist or equivalent
Work Experience
Essential
- Evidence of extensive experience of laboratory work in an NHS diagnostic genetics laboratory, encompassing a range of practical laboratory techniques and experience with relevant automated equipment.
- Experience of training technical and/or other staff
- Experience of managing technical and/or other staff
- Experience of managing reagent and consumables supplies to appropriate levels and within financial control
Knowledge/Skills/Abilities
Essential
- Ability to evaluate, use, maintain and troubleshoot specialist laboratory equipment in use in the department.
- Knowledge of health and safety issues pertinent to laboratory work.
- Excellent IT skills including knowledge of software and web-based applications.
- Excellent technical skills covering a wide range of laboratory procedures currently in use in the department.
- Knowledge of Quality Assurance relevant to a diagnostic Genetics laboratory.
- Ability to evaluate and implement new technologies.
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
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).
