Genetic Technologist (Band 5)

Job overview

Bristol Genetics Laboratory,  South West Genomics Laboratory Hub ( SWGLH) Southmead Hospital, Bristol

Genetic Technologist - Band 5 - Fixed Term

An exciting opportunity has arisen for a Genetic Technologists (Band 5), to join our large, friendly and well-equipped laboratory, which provides a comprehensive laboratory diagnostic genetics service.

Successful applicants will be required to work as part of a team and undertake scientific and technical duties covering a wide range of analytical techniques under the supervision of senior technical and scientific staff.

Bristol Genetics Laboratory 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 candidate will be expected to work 37½ hours per week full-time (or part-time hours as arranged) between 07:00 – 20:00 either Monday - Friday or Tuesday - Saturday including participation in out of hours working on weekends and bank holidays on a rota basis. Exact working pattern will be confirmed on offer of employment.

The interview for this position will be an assessment centre format. It will be face to face to allow us to assess practical skills. Remote interviews will not be accepted.

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Main duties of the job

Successful applicants will be required to work as part of a team and undertake scientific and technical duties covering a wide range of analytical techniques under the supervision of senior scientific and technical staff. This may involve working in a technical team undertaking both technical and analytical tasks or within the scientific teams undertaking purely analytical tasks.

The candidate may assist in providing technical support in order to introduce new developments in disease diagnosis, under supervision from technical and scientific staff.

The candidate will also undertake  clerical and administrative duties as required to support the service.

Applicants will be expected to possess a degree in a relevant science-based subject including experience of laboratory work. Registration as a Genetic Technologist or equivalent is desirable and successful applicants will be expected to work towards registration. BGL is committed to the provision of high quality staff training at all levels.

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

See full Job Description attached

Staff

• To assist in the supervision, training and teaching of trainee and other junior staff as directed by Scientific staff.

Laboratory

• To provide technical support for the laboratory under the direction of senior genetic technologists and/or the Head of Section.

• To perform genetic analyses on patients referred for a wide 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 carry out technical developments in conjunction with scientific staff, to introduce new techniques into the diagnostic service, so that new tests can be made available.

• To provide technical support for research and development projects as required.

• 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 and consumables.

• To be responsible for the day to day maintenance and cleanliness of the equipment with which he/she is working.

• To participate in quality assurance procedures, including maintenance records and corrective actions.

• Assist in the development and review of these as required.

Communication

• To communicate with other members of the technical  and scientific teams to provide effective cover for work.

IM&T

• To assist, as is necessary, in recording and maintaining all necessary manual and computerised records of the Department.

• To use automated analysis equipment and software packages

Professional

• To participate in continued professional development, by attending in-house or external training sessions as appropriate, and maintaining personal training records as required.

• To take all necessary steps to achieve and maintain Registration on the voluntary register and on Health Professions register for genetics technologists when available