Job summary
An
exciting opportunity has arisen at The Christie Pathology Partnership (CPP) for
a Cytogenetic Technologist to join our Cytogenetics department.
The
purpose of the role is to work as part of a team
to provide an effective and high quality genetic analysis service to aid the
diagnosis and treatment of patients with leukaemia and other cancers.
The Christie Pathology
Partnership was formed in 2014 and is a joint venture between The Christie NHS
Foundation Trust and SYNLAB, the largest provider of laboratory pathology and
diagnostic services in Europe. We
provide Pathology services for The Christie, the largest single site cancer
centre in Europe, treating more than 44,000 patients a year and recently rated
Outstanding by the CQC.
SYNLAB is the European leader
in delivery of high quality pathology testing and imaging services. SYNLAB
operates in 35 countries across four continents, employing more than 20,000
members of staff and conducting approximately 500 million tests per annum.
SYNLAB in the UK is a trusted expert in
clinical laboratory services, drug and alcohol testing and food testing. We
provide a wide range of testing capabilities and advanced pathology services
through to the most innovative molecular and genetic diagnostic tests available
today.
Main duties of the job
Undertake technical procedures
for the cytogenetic analysis of patients sample preparations by chromosome
analysis and FISH. Routine tests will be in accordance with laboratory policies
and protocols
Process patient samples sent to
the laboratory for testing, including bone marrow, blood and other tissues.
Follow sample handling procedures, including high risk and sub-optimal
specimens.
Set up Fluorescence in situ
Hybridisation (FISH) tests and prepare the slides for analysis. Capturing of
brightfield and fluorescent images on the image analysis system.
Perform manual cell counts and
initiate cell cultures to an appropriate cell density, using aseptic technique.
Maintenance of cell cultures as required.
Support the monitoring the
technical work of the department to ensure the effective processing of patient
samples and smooth running of the department. Be prepared to participate in any
relevant technical processes to support other technical staff and ensure cover
their absence.
About us
CPP and SYNLAB work closely with clinicians, hospitals, occupational health providers and clinical researchers to provide a complete pathology offering.
We operate in increasingly diverse environments which is reflected in our workforce, clients, customers, suppliers, communities and partners. We believe an inclusive workplace culture is the best way to source, attract and retain diverse and talented people, and create a sustainable, high-performing workforce.
We believe our staff is vital to the principle of making a positive difference to healthcare, therefore, we promote a culture of continuous personal development where scientists and staff have the support and resources to acquire new skills and build their careers through learning and development opportunities, coaching and clear career pathways.
We promote an open and collaborative culture where leaders act as role models and facilitate a two-way communication, engage with staff and stakeholders transparently and actively encourage feedback and suggestions.
Please note that we reserve the right to close any adverts once we have received a sufficient number of applications. If you decide to apply for this post but do not hear back from us within two weeks of your application, please assume that you have not been short-listed on this occasion.
Job description
Job responsibilities
Technical
Undertake technical procedures for the cytogenetic
analysis of patients sample preparations by chromosome analysis and FISH.
Routine tests will be in accordance with laboratory policies and protocols
Process patient samples sent to the laboratory for
testing, including bone marrow, blood and lymph nodes. Follow sample handling
procedures, including high risk and sub-optimal specimens.
Set up Fluorescence in situ Hybridisation (FISH) tests
and prepare the slides for analysis. Capturing of brightfield and fluorescent
images on the image analysis system.
Perform manual cell counts and initiate cell cultures
to an appropriate cell density, using aseptic technique. Maintenance of cell
cultures as required.
Ensure sterile working conditions using aseptic
technique and protective equipment to prevent infection from samples and
cross-infection between samples.
Exercise utmost caution while performing laboratory
methods to ensure accurate labelling of patient samples and avoid
cross-contamination of material between samples.
Perform CD138 cell selection technique on samples as
assigned by the Duty Scientist.
Harvest cells from cultures and fixation of cells with
methanol/acetic acid.
Preparation of slides with fixed cells to high standard
to enable detailed analysis of preparations. Take reasonable measures to vary
slide-making techniques, according to atmospheric conditions, and adjust
staining parameters to ensure optimal material is available for cytogenetic
analysis. Assessment of slide quality by light microscope.
Prepare samples for storage and maintain stored samples
in freezers.
Use of Class II Safety Cabinets and work at Containment
level 2+ conditions. Cleaning and basic maintenance of safety cabinets.
Maintain accurate records of work undertaken. This
includes recording records of all analytical work undertaken and Audit Sheets
to facilitate the Audit Trail in the department.
Accurate recording of confidential patient and sample
details onto the laboratory database as required.
Accurate recording of HER2 results on SHIRE
Operate the Metafer image capture system.
Undertake any other duties, within the context of this
job description and appropriate to the grade of post, as instructed by senior
members of staff.
Organisational
Support the monitoring of the technical work of the
department to ensure the effective processing of patient samples and smooth
running of the department. Be prepared to participate in any relevant technical
processes to support other technical staff and ensure cover their absence.
Participate in the training of junior technologists in
conjunction with a designated trainer. Demonstrate technical procedures,
monitor performance and feedback to training officer.
Monitoring supplies and maintenance of stock and
reagents in order to ensure the proper functioning of the laboratory and
efficient use of resources. Perform regular stock checks, as required. Receipt
of supplies and storing them in an appropriate place in the laboratory.
Informing the person with responsibility for ordering when stocks are low.
Participate in the cleaning, decontamination and basic
maintenance of laboratory equipment including water baths, incubators, safety
cabinets and centrifuges to ensure these are performed on a regular basis. Keep
an accurate record of equipment cleaning.
Ensure the proper and safe use of equipment and ensure
that any faults are reported to a senior member of staff for appropriate
action.
Job description
Job responsibilities
Technical
Undertake technical procedures for the cytogenetic
analysis of patients sample preparations by chromosome analysis and FISH.
Routine tests will be in accordance with laboratory policies and protocols
Process patient samples sent to the laboratory for
testing, including bone marrow, blood and lymph nodes. Follow sample handling
procedures, including high risk and sub-optimal specimens.
Set up Fluorescence in situ Hybridisation (FISH) tests
and prepare the slides for analysis. Capturing of brightfield and fluorescent
images on the image analysis system.
Perform manual cell counts and initiate cell cultures
to an appropriate cell density, using aseptic technique. Maintenance of cell
cultures as required.
Ensure sterile working conditions using aseptic
technique and protective equipment to prevent infection from samples and
cross-infection between samples.
Exercise utmost caution while performing laboratory
methods to ensure accurate labelling of patient samples and avoid
cross-contamination of material between samples.
Perform CD138 cell selection technique on samples as
assigned by the Duty Scientist.
Harvest cells from cultures and fixation of cells with
methanol/acetic acid.
Preparation of slides with fixed cells to high standard
to enable detailed analysis of preparations. Take reasonable measures to vary
slide-making techniques, according to atmospheric conditions, and adjust
staining parameters to ensure optimal material is available for cytogenetic
analysis. Assessment of slide quality by light microscope.
Prepare samples for storage and maintain stored samples
in freezers.
Use of Class II Safety Cabinets and work at Containment
level 2+ conditions. Cleaning and basic maintenance of safety cabinets.
Maintain accurate records of work undertaken. This
includes recording records of all analytical work undertaken and Audit Sheets
to facilitate the Audit Trail in the department.
Accurate recording of confidential patient and sample
details onto the laboratory database as required.
Accurate recording of HER2 results on SHIRE
Operate the Metafer image capture system.
Undertake any other duties, within the context of this
job description and appropriate to the grade of post, as instructed by senior
members of staff.
Organisational
Support the monitoring of the technical work of the
department to ensure the effective processing of patient samples and smooth
running of the department. Be prepared to participate in any relevant technical
processes to support other technical staff and ensure cover their absence.
Participate in the training of junior technologists in
conjunction with a designated trainer. Demonstrate technical procedures,
monitor performance and feedback to training officer.
Monitoring supplies and maintenance of stock and
reagents in order to ensure the proper functioning of the laboratory and
efficient use of resources. Perform regular stock checks, as required. Receipt
of supplies and storing them in an appropriate place in the laboratory.
Informing the person with responsibility for ordering when stocks are low.
Participate in the cleaning, decontamination and basic
maintenance of laboratory equipment including water baths, incubators, safety
cabinets and centrifuges to ensure these are performed on a regular basis. Keep
an accurate record of equipment cleaning.
Ensure the proper and safe use of equipment and ensure
that any faults are reported to a senior member of staff for appropriate
action.
Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential
- BSc in Biomedical Science or related subject
Experience
Essential
- Experience of cytogenetic analysis techniques, such as G-banded chromosome analysis and/or FISH analysis.
Desirable
- Specific training as Cytogenetic Technologist in NHS laboratory, preferably with experience in cancer cytogenetic analysis
- Significant experience of cytogenetic analytical techniques.
Knowledge and Skills
Essential
- High level working knowledge of Cytogenetic techniques including cell culture, aseptic technique, microscopy. Previous training as Genetic Technologist
- Understanding of the requirements for good laboratory practice.
- Understanding of confidentiality.
- High degree of accuracy and numeracy
- Good knowledge of computer applications and LIMS including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Access and Statistical Packages
- Excellent problem solving skills.
- Good team worker. Friendly, cooperative, works effectively with others and unsupervised. Good interpersonal and communication skills.
Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential
- BSc in Biomedical Science or related subject
Experience
Essential
- Experience of cytogenetic analysis techniques, such as G-banded chromosome analysis and/or FISH analysis.
Desirable
- Specific training as Cytogenetic Technologist in NHS laboratory, preferably with experience in cancer cytogenetic analysis
- Significant experience of cytogenetic analytical techniques.
Knowledge and Skills
Essential
- High level working knowledge of Cytogenetic techniques including cell culture, aseptic technique, microscopy. Previous training as Genetic Technologist
- Understanding of the requirements for good laboratory practice.
- Understanding of confidentiality.
- High degree of accuracy and numeracy
- Good knowledge of computer applications and LIMS including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Access and Statistical Packages
- Excellent problem solving skills.
- Good team worker. Friendly, cooperative, works effectively with others and unsupervised. Good interpersonal and communication skills.
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).