Genetic Technologist

Job overview

An exciting opportunity has arisen for a Genetic Technologist, with good interpersonal skills and a committed team member to join the Molecular Diagnostics team within the Clinical Genomics department. The department is located in the Centre for Molecular Pathology and is one of seven national Genomic Laboratory Hubs offering Cancer Genomic testing in England. It also works alongside Cancer Research UK in their Stratified Medicine Programme. The Centre for Molecular Pathology is a state-of-the-art facility bringing together translational science and molecular diagnostics and is one of the few specialised laboratories in molecular diagnostics of cancer in Europe.

We are seeking an enthusiastic Genetic Technologist to contribute to the provision of a timely and efficient ISO 15189 accredited Clinical Genomics Service. The post holder will undertake molecular diagnostic testing and analysis, as well as administrative tasks of a designated area of work, with minimal supervision. This requires detailed theoretical and practical knowledge of the work area. The post holder must be able to take responsibility for working alone and as part of a team to achieve necessary performance levels. The range of tests available will be in continuous development and the post-holder will be responsible for the validation and verification of new techniques and tests, including the provision of NGS and ddPCR for molecular diagnostics in haematological and solid tumours.

Main duties of the job

The post holder will undertake technical, analytical and administrative duties required to support the scientific teams in the provision of an effective and high quality molecular diagnostics service to patients. This will require detailed theoretical and practical knowledge. They will be responsible for carrying out analytical molecular diagnostics investigations. There will be occasions when the post holder takes sole responsibility for their work. The range of tests available will be in continuous development and the post-holder will be responsible for the validation and verification of new techniques and tests, including the provision of NGS and ddPCR for molecular diagnostics in haematological and solid tumours. They will collaborate and plan complex activities with other members of the team to achieve an effective and reliable service. The post holder will be expected to assist in training of new staff members and visitors as well as to contribute to IT development and data management relating to the technical aspects of the molecular service In addition the post holder will be required to support activities such as quality, including compliance with laboratory accreditation standards, equipment maintenance and participate in the departments training programme.

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

For further information on this role, please see the attached detailed Job Description and Person Specification.

1.    Molecular Diagnostics laboratory services

1.1    To be responsible for own work and that of junior members of staff under the direction of senior scientific staff/clinical scientist. This will include all aspects of the clinical scientific & technical work, staff, equipment and quality system.

1.2    To ensure the timely and efficient provision of core and technologically complex analytical/diagnostic services, including but not limited to PCR, RQ-PCR, sequencing, NGS and ddPCR. •    To take day to day responsibility for the quality of technical and analytical work produced. •    To ensure that clinical requests are met according to agreed policies on availability of tests and priorities in accordance with user guide. •    To ensure that work is carried out in line with Standing Operational Procedures and/or Departmental policy.  •    To monitor quality control of all the tests performed.