Assistant Genetic Technologist

Job summary

Building on the NHS contribution to the 100,000 Genomes Project, the introduction of a national genomic medicine service has created 7 Genomic Laboratory Hubs (GLHs). The North West GLH will be hosted by Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust.

An exciting opportunity has arisen for an Assistant Genetic Technologist to join the North West GLH. This is an excellent opportunity to work in a laboratory environment and be part of a team delivering specialist diagnostic genomic services.

The post will operate from the Genomic Diagnostics Laboratory (GDL), Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust. The GDL is one of the largest and most comprehensive clinical genomics labs in the UK, consisting of biochemical, cytogenetic and molecular genetics laboratories which together provide diagnostic services to a population of over 5 million people. The labs employ over 100 staff including clinical scientists, genetic technologists, bioinformaticians and administrative staff.The Genomic Diagnostics Laboratory is a well-established, UKAS-accredited service.

The Genomic Diagnostics Laboratory aims to continue to deliver a patient-focussed service with an international reputation and be a premier supplier of laboratory testing in the NHS. We are implementing ambitious plans for modernising and improving service delivery.

Main duties of the job

As an Assistant Genetic Technologist, you will work in the laboratory on one of our Technical Teams (Pre-analytical, Cell Culture and Karyotyping, Molecular Cytogenetics, Fragment or Sequencing/NGS) under the supervision of a Senior Genetic Technologist performing a range of protocol driven tasks.

You should ideally possess A levels in relevant subject areas or be able to demonstrate equivalent literacy and numeracy skills. Experience in a Genetics laboratory environment is desirable; alternatively a diagnostic laboratory. Computer literacy is also required. You should have good communication skills, be able to work well in a team, remain calm under pressure, and be able to take the initiative and prioritise workload.This is a highly skilled job for which specific training will be given. You will be fully trained to carry out your duties and you will be appraised on a yearly basis with a view to developing knowledge and skills where appropriate.

The work requires constant attention to detail and good organisational / multi-tasking skills. You will work under supervision. Some essential tasks are repetitive and require specific unbroken time periods. You need good concentration and manual dexterity. You must be willing to be part of a flexible working rota. A flexible attitude is essential as is the ability to work to tight deadlines to meet professional reporting time guidelines.

About us

MFT is England's largest NHS Trust with a turnover of £2.8bn & is on a different scale than most other NHS Trusts. We're creating an exceptional integrated health & social care system for the 1 million patients who rely on our services every year.

Bringing together 10 hospitals & community services from across Manchester, Trafford & beyond, we champion collaborative working & transformation, encouraging our 28,000 workforce to pursue their most ambitious goals. We set standards that other Trusts seek to emulate so you'll benefit from a scale of opportunity that is nothing short of extraordinary.

We've also created a digitally enabled organisation to improve clinical quality, patient & staff experience, operational effectiveness & driving research and innovation through the introduction of Hive; our brand-new Electronic Patient Record system which we've launched in September 2022.

We're proud to be a major academic Research Centre & Education provider, providing you with a robust infrastructure to encourage and facilitate high-quality research programmes. What's more, we're excited to be embarking on our new Green Plan which will set out how MFT continues to play its part in making healthcare more sustainable.

At MFT, we create and foster a culture of inclusion and belonging, provide equal opportunities for career development that are fair, open and transparent, protecting your health and wellbeing and shaping the future of our organisation together.