Genomic Technologist

We are looking for a Genomic Technologist to work in the Royal Marsden Clinical Genomics Translational Research team. The post holder will work with a highly experienced team of scientists to manage, process and analyse samples for high-throughput sequencing, with a specific focus on long read sequencing applications. The work will take place at the BRC Centre for Molecular Pathology at the Royal Marsden NHS FT and The Institute of Cancer Research in Sutton.

The successful candidate will join an enthusiastic team of research scientists focused on innovation and quality of service. The goal is to develop and apply the most reliable and comprehensive genomic diagnostics to enable accurate clinical decisions that directly benefit patients at the Royal Marsden, in the North Thames region and nationally. The work takes place in the Clinical Genomics Translational Research Laboratory at The Centre for Molecular Pathology. The team has a joint role both at The Royal Marsden NHS FT and The Institute of Cancer Research in Sutton.

Our aim is for the Clinical Genomics Translational Unit to establish a wide range clinical Commercial Studies and RMH and ICR led academic studies. This will include both local and multicentre clinical trials where the unit contributes genomic expertise.

The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust is a world-leading cancer centre. Our role is to offer our patients the best cancer care available anywhere in the world, and to continue to make a global contribution to finding better ways of diagnosing and treating cancer. We employ over 4,500 staff in a diverse range of careers including nursing, medical, science, radiography, pharmacy, occupational therapy, finance and administrative services. We have two hospitals – one in Chelsea, London, and one in Sutton, Surrey – as well as a Medical Daycare Unit in Kingston Hospital.

At The Royal Marsden, we deal with cancer every day, so we understand how valuable life is. When people entrust their lives to us, they have the right to demand the very best. That's why the pursuit of excellence lies at the heart of everything we do.

At the heart of the hospital is our dedicated team. We offer a stimulating and dynamic working environment, a wide range of staff benefits, learning and development opportunities and clear career pathways. There are opportunities to work flexibly across a range of areas and specialities and we welcome flexible working requests from point of hire to support employees work life balance. We are looking for employees who aspire to excellence, share our values and can play a crucial role in our on-going achievements.

Main duties of the job:

• To maintain accurate laboratory records, SOPs and electronic databases in accordance with laboratory quality systems including result recording.
• To extract and quantify DNA and RNA from blood, fresh and FFPE tissue samples to support a range of research projects.
• To prepare samples for long read sequencing including DNA quality assessment, shearing and short read elimination.
• To perform long read library preparation and sequencing on the Oxford Nanopore PromethION48 using ligation, rapid and cell free kit protocols.
• To support the wider laboratory team with project delivery, including sequencing on Illumina platforms and routine laboratory maintenance in compliance with ISO 15189 and regulatory requirements.
• To accurately record and perform routine analysis of sequencing run QC and NGS analysis, escalating unexpected findings where appropriate.
• To train and develop competencies in line with new developments.
• To maintain up-to-date knowledge of scientific literature and laboratory methodologies, sharing knowledge and presenting work at internal meetings where appropriate.
• To work in a flexible but organised manner and meet objectives within pre‑determined timescales.

Person specification:

• Skills and Abilities:
• Proven organisational skills and record keeping.
• Good computer literacy and ability to use basic tools.
• Strong analytical skills and attention to detail.
• Good communication skills, written (including scientific writing) and oral.
• Ability to work as part of a team.
• A strong commitment to successfully learn new research methodologies.
• Knowledge of next generation sequencing approaches and their application to basic and translational research.
• Personal Qualities:
• Flexibility to work as an individual or as a member of the team.
• To work under supervision and consult when appropriate.
• To take interest in the relevant scientific literature.
• To work well under pressure whilst maintaining accuracy.
• To demonstrate an interest in the relevant scientific literature.
• Specific Experience:
• A BSc or equivalent in Biochemistry, Molecular Biology related disciplines.
• Proven experience in laboratory work and molecular biology techniques.
• Knowledge of molecular and cancer biology.
• MSc in genomics or related discipline.
• Experience in DNA/RNA extraction from tissues/cells.
• Experience in NGS DNA and RNA library preparation.
• Experience in sequencing platforms including Oxford Nanopore and Illumina Sequencers.
• Experience in human sample collection, processing and analysis.
• Experience in a clinically regulated laboratory.

The Royal Marsden values diversity and is committed to the recruitment and retention of underrepresented minority groups. We particularly welcome applications from Black, Asian and minority ethnic candidates, LGBTQ+ candidates and candidates with disabilities.

As a Disability Confident Employer, we are working to create a workplace that enables all staff to reach their full potential. We are committed to this because we know that greater diversity and inclusion will lead to an even greater positive impact for the people we serve.

All applicants will be contacted by email to the address supplied on your application. Applicants are advised to check their email accounts regularly and to ensure that email filters are set to allow our emails.

Flu Vaccination – What We Expect of our Staff:

At The Royal Marsden we have an immune compromised patient population who we must protect as we can against the flu virus. Each year, seasonal flu affects thousands of people in the UK. Occurring mainly in winter, it is an infectious respiratory disease capable of producing symptoms ranging from those similar to a common cold, through to very severe or even fatal disease.

The wellbeing of our staff and patients is of the upmost importance to us, and it is the expectation of The Royal Marsden that all patient-facing staff have an annual flu vaccination, provided free of charge by the Trust.