Associate Genetic Technologist in London

Job overview

A position has become available within the Molecular Pathology 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 role will involve undertaking a wide range of duties from sample receipt and DNA extraction to setting up PCR assays. Other essential housekeeping functions will also be performed such as servicing instrumentation and maintaining records. The successful candidate will work within a small team and therefore must be organised and have good team work skills.

Advert

The Molecular Pathology laboratory is a team of 24, comprising of clinical scientists, biomedical scientist and genetic technologists. The post holder will be expected to support and assist Healthcare Scientists in the delivery of a high quality service.

This will include aspects of service delivery such as booking in samples, DNA extraction, PCR assay setup and sanger sequencing within our semi-automated laboratory. The role will also include various housekeeping duties such as maintenance of equipment, laboratory cleaning duties, disposal of waste, maintaining bench stocks of reagents and consumables and routine administration tasks. The post holder will assist in all aspects of sample processing and maintenance of accurate records.

Concentration and attention to detail are essential to all aspects of the role. The post holder will also be expected to offer a helpful and professional service to all visitors and telephone callers. It is important that the post holder has a good knowledge of clinical molecular genetics, and will undertake continual professional development activities to keep up to date.

Working for our organisation

You will have a suite of learning opportunities available through The ACCE competencies 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 meeting

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

Technical

• Participate in the provision of a comprehensive and appropriate diagnostic service to users through the collection, reception, booking in and preparation of samples for analysis, under the supervision of Senior Healthcare Scientists.
• Use manual, semi-automated and fully-automated laboratory investigations in accordance with Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs)
• Ensure work is completed timely and to satisfactory standards, results are reported within the agreed turnaround times
• Monitoring of fridge and freezer temperatures
• Ensure that reagents are prepared stored and used in a manner suitable for patient investigations
• Prepare and pack samples dispatched to other laboratories
• Perform all work in accordance with SOPs and Health and Safety Regulations
• Perform role as part of the team recognising others skills and priorities
• Perform under the guidance of Senior Healthcare Scientists processing of patient samples
• Perform and maintain the quality checking procedures in the laboratory to measure and monitor the accuracy and precision of laboratory investigations
• Ensure accurate and timely keeping of all laboratory quality assurance records.
• Complete other appropriate duties as directed by the Deputy Head and Head of the laboratory

Scientific

• Develop an understanding of the scientific basis of laboratory work including genetics and haematology
• Improve scientific knowledge and awareness of developments in the appropriate field of expertise via Continuing Professional Development (CPD) ensuring this knowledge is passed on to staff where appropriate
• Maintain a portfolio that demonstrates CPD achievement

Clinical

• Understand the necessity for the accurate communication of complex information
• Observe departmental Quality Control procedures
• Participate in audit to highlight deficiencies in pre-examination, examination and post-examination process as required by the laboratory managers
• Efficient management of patients' clinical material and maintenance of a safe ethical system of storage

Synnovis is a pathology partnership between SYNLAB UK and Ireland, and the NHS, including sites, Guy’s & St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust and King’s College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, to deliver and transform pathology services across South East London.

The partnership provides services to 1.7 million people living in South East London, as well as to hundreds of thousands of patients from outside the region who use local healthcare services.

The partnership provides diagnostics, testing and digital pathology for hospital trusts, GP services and other healthcare providers.

Guy’s and St Thomas’ Hospital Foundation Trust is a major emergency and specialist teaching Trust which has all the specialties associated with a fascinating and career defining case load including: Women’s Services, Fetal Medicine, Haematology, Oncology, Transplantation, and is also home to the Evelina Children’s Hospital and the Cancer Centre on the Guy’s site.

You will be close to the vibrant Borough Market and the South Bank, which are exceptional London locations; perfect places to work and relax next to such iconic venues as Big Ben, The London Eye and The Shard!