Medical Technical Officer (MT02)

The Genetics department is looking for enthusiastic, highly motivated Genetics Technologists to join our comprehensive Genetics Service at the South East Genomic Laboratory Hub (SEGLH), based at Guy’s Hospital. You will support the continued provision of service and development of new tests aligned to the NHSE Genetics Test Directory. We are recruiting to posts within the Monogenics technical team which provides testing of single gene disorders, including WGS. The ideal candidate will be a quick learner and good team player. This role will give you the job satisfaction that comes from knowing that no two days are the same.

The successful candidate will perform a variety of routine and complex genetic diagnostic tests, including analysis of Sanger sequencing and genotyping data, as well as report writing with minimal supervision. Practical experience in a broad range of genetic techniques as well as previous experience in a diagnostic laboratory is desirable. The post holder is expected to maintain professional competency and dexterity in precision based tasks, and maintain the levels of concentration required to maintain quality service.

Main duties of the job:

• The post holder will undertake a range of laboratory and housekeeping duties as appropriate, making use of the laboratory robotics equipment.
• They will work as part of a team, comprising of MLAs and Genetics Technologists, who are line managed by Senior Technical staff.
• The technical and scientific teams work closely to deliver a high-quality laboratory diagnostic service.
• Excellent communication skills are required to work effectively with other team members.
• They will perform semi-automated and manual processing of specimens which requires a high level of dexterity as well as analysis and report writing which requires exceptional attention to detail.
• They will also ensure quality control measures are carried out to monitor analytical performance, take corrective action where applicable and report any failures to a senior member of staff.
• The post holder will ensure standards as required by the ISO15189 are maintained.

Experience of handling clinical samples and use of pipettes is essential. The post holders will be responsible for:

• Performing PCR, MLPA, Sanger sequencing, next generation sequencing as indicated to generate data.
• Analyse data and write reports as directed in collaboration with clinical scientist colleagues.
• They will perform automated, semi-automated and manual processing of specimens which may require a high level of dexterity.
• Analysis and reporting of results requiring exceptional attention to detail.
• They will also ensure quality control measures are carried out to monitor analytical performance, take corrective action where applicable and report any failures to a senior member of staff.
• Adherence to the laboratory standard operating procedures.
• Strict adherence to the laboratory and Departmental Health & Safety regulations and Codes of Practice.
• Undertaking work to ensure that all results are reported within agreed turnaround times and resolve any problems associated with incomplete results.

Qualifications:

• BSc in relevant scientific discipline or equivalent AHCS Practitioner or BMS registration.

Experience:

• Experience of handling of clinical samples.
• Practical experience in a range of molecular laboratory techniques including PCR, MLPA and Sanger sequencing.
• Previous work within a diagnostic genetics laboratory.
• Previous experience of preparing samples for Next Generation Sequencing (NGS).
• Previous experience in analysing molecular genetic results.
• Previous experience in report writing.

Skills & Knowledge:

• Good co-ordination skills with good dexterity and hand eye co-ordination and those skills required for the performance of analytical techniques.
• Numerate and literate with good command of spoken and written English.
• Able to communicate information accurately.
• Ability to work systematically and under pressure in a busy environment.
• Ability to work unsupervised when required.
• Accuracy and attention to detail.
• Awareness of health & safety issues.
• Ability to plan and prioritise allocated work.

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. All employees are entitled to:

• Contributory pension scheme.
• Generous annual leave entitlement.

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.