Genetic Technologist

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.

A position has become available within the Molecular Diagnosis laboratory at King’s College Hospital for a Genetic Technologist. The laboratory is part of the South East Genomics Laboratory Hub and is a national reference centre for haemoglobinopathy diagnosis and a leader in the diagnosis of inherited red blood cell disorders. The laboratory offers targeted next generation sequencing for over 200 genes and has dedicated on-site bioinformatics to support the service. All services offered are UKAS accredited. The Molecular Pathology laboratory is a team of 23, comprising clinical scientists, biomedical scientists, and genetic technologists.

The post holder will be expected to support and assist Healthcare Scientists in the delivery of a high-quality service. The post holder will be required to have an understanding of all types of instrumentation in the lab and the work processes that are followed. They will support senior staff in the delivery of the next generation sequencing service and assist other staff to ensure continuous delivery of services. Any changes implemented will need to be documented and recorded following UKAS standards. They will also be responsible for teaching and training lower grades of staff in how to perform tests, analyse data, and carry out tasks. The postholder will be required to have an understanding of quality management, assisting the molecular section in audit and documentation. They will also be responsible for assisting in troubleshooting equipment and assays; therefore, good knowledge of molecular techniques is essential for the role. They will ensure provision and maintenance of equipment and records to ISO15189 standards.

Main duties of the job:

• Processing samples for NGS, supporting senior staff in the delivery of the next generation sequencing service.
• Provide a comprehensive and appropriate diagnostic service to users through the performance of manual, semi-automated, and fully-automated laboratory investigations.
• Ensure all instrumentation in the laboratory is run, maintained, and used appropriately.
• Provide support for staff utilising highly specialised equipment, including assistance with maintenance and troubleshooting.
• Ensure work is completed timely and to satisfactory standards, with results reported within the agreed turnaround times and in accordance with the relevant Standard Operating Procedure (SOP).
• Review, assess, and initiate corrective action when Quality Control procedures indicate loss of performance.
• Review and revise laboratory SOP regularly and advise the operations manager of any material changes.
• Participate in audits to highlight deficiencies in the pre-examination, examination, and post-examination processes.
• Undertake laboratory instrument evaluation as directed by the laboratory managers and contribute to service development supported by evidence-based practice.
• Participate in the training of others in areas where the postholder has been assessed as competent.
• Actively assist in all aspects of the quality management system, ensuring compliance with ISO15189 standards.

Person specification:

Qualifications:

• BSc Hons or equivalent in Biomedical Sciences or equivalent Molecular degree.
• Alternatively, a BSc level qualification with significant molecular diagnostics laboratory experience.
• Registration as a Genetic Technologist with the AHCS.

Experience:

• Experience in processing samples for next generation sequencing.
• Experience of writing genetics reports.
• Experience of assay development and validation to the standards required for UKAS accreditation.

Skills and Knowledge:

• Competent in a broad range of molecular practical techniques.
• Technical problem solving e.g., equipment failure, quality control failure.
• Communicate within the team to deliver effective service.
• Knowledge of Quality Control and Assurance.
• Knowledge of Quality Management and Audits.
• Competent in the investigation of abnormal results.
• Competent in the interpretation and technical validation of results.

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.

For our Permanent workforce, we offer a competitive benefits package. All employees are entitled to:

• Contributory pension scheme
• Generous annual leave entitlement

Safeguarding children and vulnerable adults: 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.

Please apply for this post online. If you have problems with using the online process or need any assistance, please email recruitment@synnovis.co.uk. Your e-mail address is important to us. We communicate to all job applicants via the e-mail address provided on the application form. Please ensure that you check your e-mail regularly. Due to the high volumes of applications we receive, we reserve the right to close any adverts before the published closing date once we have received a sufficient number of applications. If you decide to apply for this post but do not hear back from us within three weeks of the closing date, please assume that you have not been shortlisted on this occasion. Thank you for your interest in Synnovis.