Medical Technical Officer

Job overview

The Royal Marsden has a vital role in championing change and improvement in cancer care through research and innovation, education and leading-edge practice. We are incredibly proud of our international reputation for pushing the boundaries and for our ground breaking work ensuring our patients receive the very best and latest in cancer treatment and care.

As part of the department expansion, an opportunity has arisen for a Medical Technical Officer with good interpersonal skills and a committed team member to join the Clinical Genomics department. The Clinical Genomics laboratory at the Royal Marsden is part of the North Thames Genomic Laboratory Hub (NT GLH), one of seven national Genomic Laboratory Hubs offering Cancer Genomic testing in England. The department is located in the Centre for Molecular Pathology in Sutton.

Main duties of the job

The post holder will undertake technical duties required to support scientific teams in the provision of an effective and high quality molecular diagnostics service to patients. They will be responsible for carrying out analytical molecular diagnostics investigations, with minimal supervision. The range of tests available will be in continuous development and the post-holder will be expected to work within all areas of the department. Analytical investigations will include, but not limited to, Next Generation Sequencing, fragment analysis, ddPCR and gene expression analysis in haematological and solid tumours. The key working relationships will be with clinicians, oncologists and histopathologists responsible for treating patients as well as with other Pathology disciplines and liaising with staff throughout the Trust. The post holder will be expected to assist in training of junior members of the team and visitors as well as to contribute to 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, audits and participate in the departments training programme.

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

For further information please refer to the job description and personal specification

To be responsible for own work, which will include all aspects of the clinical scientific & technical work, staff, equipment and quality system.

To ensure the timely and efficient provision of core and technologically complex analytical/diagnostic services, including but not limited to PCR, RQ-PCR, ddPCR, NGS and fragment analysis.

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.

The Centre for Molecular Pathology is a state-of-the-art facility bringing together translational science and molecular diagnostics. It is one of the few specialised laboratories in molecular diagnostics of cancer in Europe. The department provides a reference Molecular Diagnostics and Cytogenetics Service for solid tumours and haematological malignancies, as well as participating in clinical trials and collaborating with the industry (https://www.royalmarsden.nhs.uk/royal-marsden-partnership-create-state-art-house-liquid-biopsy-testing-facility) to provide cutting-edge genomic technologies to support personalised cancer treatment.

We are seeking an enthusiastic Medical Technical Officer to contribute to the provision of a timely and efficient  ISO 15189 accredited Clinical Genomics Service. The post holder will undertake technical duties required to support scientific teams in the provision of an effective and high quality service to patients. The post holder must be able to take responsibility for working alone and as part of a team to achieve necessary performance levels. They will be responsible for carrying out analytical molecular diagnostics investigations, with minimal supervision. Analytical investigations will include, but not limited to, Next Generation Sequencing, fragment analysis, ddPCR and gene expression analysis in haematological and solid tumours.

The post holder will be expected to assist in training of junior members of the team and visitors as well data management relating to the technical aspects of the service and therefore needs to be fully IT literate. In addition the post holder will be required to support activities such as quality, including compliance with laboratory accreditation standards, equipment maintenance, audits and participate in the departments training programme. Good communication and team working are essential.

The successful applicant must have a relevant BSc degree in Biological Sciences/Genetics. They must have experience in molecular diagnostics techniques. Please note: total weekly working hours are 37.5 hours, however in line with the NHSE requirements for the delivery of the Cancer Test Directory, the Clinical Genomics department will operate an extended working hours service. This will be implemented as a phased approach dependent on service requirements; the post holder will be required to participate in a shift system on a rotational basis where necessary to ensure the service meets NHSE requirements.

The Trust encourages and supports continuing professional and personal development and Pathology runs a CPD Club. Staff benefits include child care facilities, some accommodation, car parking at Sutton and various sports and social activities.