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 37.5 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.

Main duties of the job include:

• Participating in the supervision and day-to-day management of technical functions within the department.
• Staff supervision and training, equipment maintenance, procurement and asset management, and technology evaluation/development.
• Working under the overall supervision of senior technical staff while maintaining a considerable degree of personal autonomy and responsibility.

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.

North Bristol NHS Trust is one of the largest healthcare trusts in the South West of England. We provide hospital and community healthcare to people living in Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire. Our vision is that by enabling our teams to be the best that they can be, we will provide exceptional healthcare, personally delivered.

Staff benefits include access to on-site, tax-free childcare through the Childcare Salary Sacrifice Scheme, an excellent package of pension benefits through the NHS Pension Scheme and teams dedicated to providing our staff with physical, psychological and financial support.

Detailed Job Description And Main Responsibilities:

• 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 provide and supervise technical support for the laboratory including arranging cover for staff absence.
• 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 maintain a high level of professional competence in the performance of all tests and investigations carried out.
• To ensure smooth running of the techniques within area of responsibility and take appropriate steps and troubleshoot as required to maintain and improve quality.
• To participate in internal and external quality control procedures.

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.

Education / Qualifications:

• Essential criteria: Degree in biological science or equivalent.
• Desirable criteria: Enrolled on or eligible for enrolment on to accredited voluntary Genetic Technologists register, HCPC registered Biomedical Scientist or equivalent.

Work Experience:

• Essential criteria: Evidence of extensive experience of laboratory work in an NHS diagnostic genetics laboratory, encompassing a range of practical laboratory techniques and experience with relevant automated equipment.
• Experience of training technical and/or other staff.
• Experience of managing technical and/or other staff.

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities:

• Essential criteria: Ability to evaluate, use, maintain and troubleshoot specialist laboratory equipment in use in the department.
• Knowledge of health and safety issues pertinent to laboratory work.
• Excellent IT skills including knowledge of software and web-based applications.
• Excellent technical skills covering a wide range of laboratory procedures currently in use in the department.
• Knowledge of Quality Assurance relevant to a diagnostic Genetics laboratory.