Senior Genetic Technologist (Band 6)

Job overview

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

Senior Genetic Technologist - Band 6

An exciting opportunity has arisen for a Senior Genetic Technologist (band 6) at Bristol Genetics Laboratory (BGL). The successful candidate will join the team leading one of our preparation teams, responsible for efficient operations as well as the implementation of new services and improvements.

BGL 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 candidates will be expected to work 37½ hours per week full-time, or part time hours as arranged, including participation in weekend and Bank Holiday rotas within the hours of 07:00 - 20:00.

This advert may close early, if we have received a sufficient amount of applications. Therefore you are highly advised to apply as soon as possible if you are interested in this position.

Main duties of the job

We are a large, well-equipped laboratory with an extensive repertoire of tests. The successful candidate will participate in the supervision and day to day management of technical functions within the department. This will include staff supervision and training, equipment maintenance, procurement and asset management and technology evaluation/development. The successful candidate will work under the overall supervision of senior technical staff although a considerable degree of personal autonomy and responsibility is expected.

Applicants will be expected to hold a biological/biomedical science degree and have evidence of extensive experience of laboratory work in a diagnostic genetics laboratory, encompassing a wide range of practical laboratory techniques. They should be enrolled on or eligible for enrolment on to the accredited voluntary register for Genetic Technologists, an HCPC registered Biomedical Scientist or equivalent.  Experience of training and supervision of other staff is essential, as are excellent IT and communication skills.

The specific duties and area of work will be agreed with the successful candidates on appointment.

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Detailed job description and main responsibilities

6.1 Staff

The postholder will be responsible for his/her own work and that of other technical staff, under the overall direction of senior staff

To participate in the supervision, training and teaching of genetic technologists.

To assist with the training of Clinical scientists as appropriate.

To prepare and monitor staffing rotas as required, under the overall direction of section heads.

To participate in staff appraisal and PDP according to Trust policies and procedures

To participate in staff recruitment

6.2 Laboratory

To provide and supervise technical support for the laboratory including arranging cover for staff absence.

To receive and process samples submitted to the Department in accordance with laboratory policies and protocols.

To perform genetic analyses, and to present the results to appropriate scientists for checking, interpretation and reporting.

To technically validate test results and prepare reports for final authorisation by senior staff.

To  participate in record keeping processes, both electronic and paper based and to assist with retrieval and presentation of data as required, including using databases and spreadsheets

To participate in risk management of the department including reporting of adverse incidents.

To rotate through all sections of the laboratory as required.

To organise personal workload and to supervise the work of other technical staff

To maintain a high level of professional competence in the performance of all tests and investigations carried out.

To prepare and maintain adequate supplies of reagents and consumables.

To ensure the efficient and safe use of consumables within own working area.

To be responsible for the evaluation, day-to-day maintenance and cleanliness of laboratory equipment.

To ensure smooth running of the techniques within area of responsibility and take appropriate steps and trouble shoot as required to maintain and improve quality

To participate in internal and external quality control procedures

To participate in quality assurance procedures in accordance with the laboratory quality procedures.

To participate in audit as required.

To assist in research and development projects as required.

Work in accordance with the Standard Operating Procedures developed for use in the Department. Participate in the development and review of these as required.

To participate in staff appraisal according to Trust policies and procedures.

To be responsible for the stock control and ordering of reagents and consumables as appropriate.

6.3     Communication

Communicate with a range of people including laboratory staff of all grades/roles - within the department and pathology at North Bristol Trust and other laboratories – suppliers, sales representatives and engineers  as required.

Liaise with scientific staff regarding technical matters appropriateness of tests, results and further tests required.

To be point of contact for company representatives

To promote effective team working

Involvement in challenging technical conversations with support from senior staff

6.4     IM +T

To be competent in using the department computer system

To be competent in use of common IT packages

To be competent in the use of specialist analysis software

To be competent in the use of online procurement systems e.g. EROS

6.5 Professional

To undertake, and maintain adequate records of, personal CPD

To take all necessary measures to acquire, improve and apply skills and expertise necessary to perform the duties of the job to a high level of quality, reliability and efficiency. This will include participation courses and further training as required or directed

To take all necessary steps to achieve and maintain enrolment on the accredited voluntary register of Genetics Technologists (or equivalent registration scheme e.g., IBMS)

6.6 Equipment

• In conjunction with senior staff contribute to the validation, procurement and introduction of new equipment/technologies.
• Be responsible for/to delegate as appropriate the management, maintenance and procurement of all laboratory equipment and documentation associated with this including:
• Organising and maintaining equipment logs
• Organising decontamination logs and ensuring their completion
• Organising timely and appropriate external repair and maintenance (e.g. via the manufacturer)
• Undertaking timely and appropriate internal repair and maintenance (e.g. via the works department or Clinical Engineering) and ensuring appropriate stocking of parts for this
• Devising safe and efficient systems of work with equipment
• Assisting with the negotiation of appropriate maintenance contracts

• Assisting with the evaluation of specifications and tenders for new equipment

6.7 Special Duties and Responsibilities

The post holder will act as technical lead for  a specified area of work under the overall direction of the technical leads. Duties will include:

• Management of technical workload, including priority setting and staff management
• Management of equipment, consumables and technical procedures including troubleshooting, liaising with the technical lead as required.
• BGL Staff and visitor technical training as required.
• Development of automation and new procedures as required.

The post holder may be required to rotate to lead other technical sections within BGL following appropriate training and experience.