Genetic Technologist London

We are looking for top talent to join the UK’s leading and fastest growing pathology company – a scientific organisation with a clinical purpose. Working in partnership with our service partners, Guy’s and St. Thomas’ Hospitals, King’s College Hospital and Princess Royal University Hospital we aim to set the standard for the future of pathology.

We are seeking an enthusiastic Genetic Technologist to work in The Laboratory for Molecular Haemato-Oncology (LMH) which provides a wide repertoire of molecular investigation to the King’s Haematological Malignancy Diagnostic Service (SE-HMDS) within the South East NHS Genomic Laboratory Hub (GLH), through identification and quantification of molecular variants/markers for diagnostic, prognostic and monitoring purposes. You will be working closely with clinical teams as well as other laboratories that make up the SE-HMDS, including immunophenotyping and cytogenetics.

The laboratory performs a range of specialised analytical tests, including RT-PCR for measurable disease monitoring, fragment analysis for chimerism monitoring and FLT3/NPM1 analysis, Next Generation Sequencing using targeted gene panels, microarray karyotyping, analysis of Whole Genome Sequencing data and ddPCR. You must have substantial experience in a molecular diagnostics setting. Excellent communication skills and a strong self-directed work ethic are essential.

The primary role will be performing, analysing and interpreting a range of molecular testing offered by the LMH, with an emphasis on NGS variant and SNP-A microarray data, as well as contributing to the development and validation of new tests, maintaining compliance with the National Test Directory and satisfying our UKAS accreditation requirements. As part of the LMH team, when needed, the post holder may also carry out other tests or processes, which may include sample preparation, disease monitoring by qPCR, fragment analysis, as well as aspects of Quality management, such as carrying out audits. You must be flexible in terms of the working day, due to the sometimes unpredictable challenges of maintaining a high-intensity service.

The post holder will be responsible for delivering a high-quality service covering a range of specialised investigations. The role involves data analysis, result evaluation, interpretation and reporting of haematological malignancies, ensuring work is carried out to a high standard and within relevant target reporting times. Primary responsibility of the role will be to undertake specialised analytical tests by performing, analysing and interpreting a range of molecular testing offered by the LMH, with an emphasis on NGS variant and SNP-A microarray data.

As part of a fast-paced LMH service, the post holder will, when needed, also perform other molecular investigations including RT-PCR for measurable disease monitoring, and fragment analysis for chimerism monitoring and FLT3/NPM1 analysis. This will involve performing the tests, including the use and maintenance of liquid handling robots, stock control, troubleshooting, and training of staff. Assisting with quality management to maintain compliance with UKAS standards is a core aspect of the role.

For efficient operation of the laboratory, staff may be required to assist with processing clinical samples, maintain laboratory equipment and general clerical and administrative duties. Occasional flexibility in working hours may be needed, with time off in lieu. Good communication, team working and supervisory skills are essential.

You will have a suite of learning opportunities available through The Synnovis Way Development programme, the Scientific Learning and Development Fund and the Synnovis Academy through which you can receive funding/support for advanced qualifications. Through our Innovation Accelerator Fund, you can apply for finance to get that new innovative scientific project off the ground, and participate with the wider scientific community through symposiums, conferences and other peer group meetings. We will assist you to maintain a portfolio that demonstrates CPD achievement and is compliant with the requirements of ongoing HCPC registration. We support flexible working patterns and remote working for activities that can be performed off-site to promote a healthy work/life balance.

The Senior Genetic Technologist will provide specialist technical leadership and operational support within the Genomics Laboratory service, ensuring the delivery of high-quality diagnostic, validation, development and quality management activities. The post holder will be responsible for supervising and developing technical staff, leading designated areas of technical practice, supporting implementation of new technologies and testing strategies, and ensuring compliance with ISO15189, ACGS and other relevant professional standards.

The post holder will act as an expert resource for technical staff, scientists and operational colleagues, providing specialist advice, troubleshooting complex laboratory issues, coordinating service delivery and contributing to continuous service improvement and innovation.

What you will do:

• Provide specialist technical leadership within designated genomic laboratory services.
• Supervise, train and support Genetic Technologists, laboratory technicians, trainee scientists and other staff.
• Perform and oversee complex molecular and genomic investigations using a range of specialist diagnostic techniques.
• Lead validation, verification and implementation of new tests, equipment and laboratory processes.
• Monitor laboratory performance, quality indicators and turnaround times, implementing corrective actions where required.
• Provide expert troubleshooting support for complex technical, quality and operational issues.
• Contribute to research, development, innovation and service improvement activities.
• Support laboratory operations, workforce planning and quality management systems.

Key Responsibilities:

• Perform, oversee and support a range of specialised genomic and molecular diagnostic investigations.
• Analyse, interpret and review complex technical data in accordance with departmental procedures and professional standards.
• Provide expert advice and guidance on technical procedures, troubleshooting and laboratory best practice.
• Support management of complex investigations, unusual findings and technically challenging cases in collaboration with senior scientific staff.
• Ensure accurate recording, processing and reporting of laboratory results.
• Lead validation, verification and implementation of new diagnostic tests, technologies and equipment in accordance with ISO15189 requirements.
• Develop, optimise and evaluate existing laboratory processes and testing methodologies.
• Participate in research, development and innovation projects supporting future service delivery.
• Maintain appropriate documentation associated with validation, verification and development activities.
• Supervise and support technical and support staff within the laboratory service.
• Undertake line management responsibilities including, but not limited to, appraisals, performance reviews, attendance management and staff development activities.
• Coordinate and undertake staff training programmes, competency assessments and induction activities.
• Participate in recruitment and selection processes where required.
• Act as a senior technical role model and promote continuing professional development across the team.
• Coordinate technical workloads and staff deployment to ensure service continuity and achievement of operational targets.
• Monitor and maintain stock levels, include accurate levels of laboratory consumables and reagents.
• Monitor and maintain equipment inventories, ensuring maintenance protocols are correctly followed.
• Support equipment evaluation, maintenance, validation and replacement programmes.
• Maintain accurate laboratory records, databases and quality documentation.
• Produce operational, audit and performance reports to support service management and governance activities.
• Ensure compliance with all legislative and quality requirements of regulatory directives, accreditation bodies, and local management.
• Develop, review and maintain Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and technical documentation.
• Lead and participate in internal audits, external quality assessment and accreditation activities.
• Investigate incidents, errors and non-conformances, undertaking root cause analysis and implementing corrective actions.
• Monitor quality indicators, service performance and turnaround times, escalating concerns as appropriate.

Person specification:

Qualifications

• Essential criteria: BSc (Hons) degree in Genetics, Genomic Medicine, Biomedical Science, Molecular Biology or other relevant scientific discipline, or equivalent experience.
• Desirable criteria: MSc or equivalent postgraduate qualification in a relevant discipline, AHCS Genetic Technologist Registration, HCPC BMS Registration, or working towards registration.

Experience

• Essential criteria: Experience of performing a broad range of molecular tests and data analysis, including qPCR and fragment analysis, knowledge and experience of molecular diagnostic laboratory services, including experience of Laboratory Information Management Systems, evidence of research and development capability, or development of new techniques and improving existing assays, evidence of technical problem solving e.g. equipment failure, quality control failure, evidence of participation in Quality supporting a UKAS accredited laboratory.
• Desirable criteria: Familiar with haematological malignancy report writing, experience of NGS or microarray data analysis.

Skills

• Essential criteria: Good understanding of the haematological neoplasms, with knowledge of the genes and molecular markers which are routinely tested for and monitored, competent in the interpretation and technical validation of results including problem solving e.g. equipment failure, quality control failure, careful, meticulous and able to follow instructions, think logically and use initiative and able to organise, prioritise and manage complex activities and to work efficiently and accurately in an independent manner, flexible in terms of the working day, due to the sometimes unpredictable challenges and have a proven ability to work reliably to tight deadlines under pressure, to understand the application and significance of Quality Control and compliance with ISO15189 standards and Health & Safety Legislation.
• Desirable criteria: Ability to train and manage staff effectively, manage workload and prioritize tasks, good working knowledge of Microsoft Excel.

Applications are welcomed from applicants with a disability. We can make reasonable adjustments and offer support and advice in a variety of ways throughout the application process. All applicants are welcome to apply regardless of age, disability, gender, marital status, race, nationality or ethnic origin, religion, or sexual orientation. Equality of opportunity is our policy.

Our Bank workers enjoy competitive market rates and flexible contract assignments across all of our sites, dependent on your availability and location. For our Permanent workforce we offer a competitive benefits package.

• Contributory pension scheme
• Generous annual leave entitlement
• Ground breaking development opportunities

All employees have a responsibility for safeguarding children and vulnerable adults in the course of their daily duties and for ensuring that they are aware of the specific duties relating to their role.

For further details or informal visits, please contact Azim Mohamedali, Senior Clinical Scientist at azim.mohamedali@synnovis.co.uk.