Senior Genetic Technologist

Overview

Senior Genetic Technologist (Band 6) at Bristol Genetics Laboratory (BGL), part of the South West Genomic Laboratory Hub (SW GLH).

The successful candidate will join the team leading our Specialised PCR team, responsible for efficient operations as well as the implementation of new services and improvements. BGL is part of SW GLH, 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 candidate will work 37½ hours per week full-time, or part time hours as arranged, including participation in weekend and Bank Holiday rotas within 07:00 – 20:00.

Please note that the advert may close early if we have received a sufficient number of applications. Therefore, apply as soon as possible if you are interested.

Main duties

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, including staff supervision and training, equipment maintenance, procurement and asset management, and technology evaluation/development. The role involves working under the supervision of senior technical staff with a considerable degree of autonomy and responsibility.

Specific duties include the supervision and training of genetic technologists, participation in staff appraisal and development, and involvement in recruitment. The post holder will provide technical support for the laboratory, receive and process samples, perform genetic analyses, validate results, and prepare reports for final authorisation. They will participate in record keeping, quality control, risk management, and audit, and may rotate through sections of the laboratory. The post holder will manage workload, supervise other technical staff, maintain equipment and supplies, and ensure safe, efficient use of reagents and consumables. They will contribute to the development and review of standard operating procedures and participate in research and development as required.

Other responsibilities include communication with laboratory staff, suppliers, and engineers; involvement in IT and equipment software; professional development and CPD; and ensuring enrolment on the accredited voluntary register of Genetic Technologists (or equivalent).

Qualifications and experience

Essential criteria

• Degree in biological science or equivalent
• Evidence of extensive laboratory work in an NHS diagnostic genetics laboratory with a wide range of practical techniques
• Experience of training and supervising staff
• Experience of managing technical and/or other staff
• Experience of managing reagent and consumables supplies within financial control
• Ability to enrol on the accredited voluntary Genetic Technologists register or HCPC registered Biomedical Scientist or equivalent

Desirable criteria

• Enrolment on or eligible for enrolment on to accredited voluntary Genetic Technologists register, HCPC registered Biomedical Scientist or equivalent

Knowledge, skills and abilities

• Ability to evaluate, use, maintain and troubleshoot specialist laboratory equipment
• Knowledge of health and safety pertinent to laboratory work
• Excellent IT skills and competence with common IT packages and specialist analysis software
• Knowledge of Quality Assurance relevant to a diagnostic Genetics laboratory
• Ability to evaluate and implement new technologies

Working for North Bristol NHS Trust

North Bristol NHS Trust is one of the largest healthcare trusts in the South West of England, providing hospital and community healthcare to Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire. The Trust values diversity and is committed to equality of opportunity and anti-discrimination. We welcome applicants from all underrepresented groups.

Benefits include access to on-site, tax-free childcare through the Childcare Salary Sacrifice Scheme and NHS Pension Scheme benefits. For a complete list of staff benefits, please visit the Trust’s website.

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

The post holder will be responsible for their own work and that of other technical staff under the direction of senior staff. They will participate in supervision, training, and teaching of genetic technologists, assist with training of Clinical Scientists, and help organise staffing rotas. They will participate in staff appraisal and recruitment, provide and supervise technical support for the laboratory, process samples, perform genetic analyses, validate results, and prepare reports. They will participate in record-keeping, quality assurance, internal and external quality control, audits, and support research and development. They will ensure compliance with Standard Operating Procedures and stock control for reagents and consumables. They will rotate through sections as required and contribute to equipment maintenance and procurements.

Disability and safeguarding – If you require accommodation under the Disability Act / Two Ticks, please contact us. The Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. Pre-employment checks apply to successful applicants.

Notes – The successful applicant(s) will normally commence at the minimum of the scale unless there is previous NHS service at the same band. Progression is by annual increments. The Trust is committed to creating an inclusive environment and encourages applications from diverse backgrounds, including Black, Asian and minority ethnic groups, disabled people, and LGBTQIA+ people.

Please note that stringent pre-employment checks are undertaken on all successful applicants prior to commencement in post.

Seniority level

• Mid-Senior level

Employment type

• Full-time

Job function

• Engineering and Information Technology

Industries

• Hospitals and Health Care