Job overview
The Royal Marsden is a world-leading cancer centre, recognised for excellence in patient care, research, innovation and education. We are proud of our reputation for advancing cancer treatment and improving patient outcomes.
An exciting opportunity has arisen for a Genetic Technologist to join the Molecular Diagnostics team within the Clinical Genomics department. Based in the Centre for Molecular Pathology, the department is part of one of seven national Genomic Laboratory Hubs delivering cancer genomic testing in England and supporting personalised cancer treatment through molecular diagnostics, clinical trials and research.
The successful candidate will contribute to a timely and efficient ISO 15189-accredited Clinical Genomics Service. Duties include molecular diagnostic testing and analysis, validation of new techniques, support for new assays including NGS and ddPCR technologies, and associated administrative tasks.
You will also support quality assurance, equipment maintenance, data management and staff training while working independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team.
Applicants must hold a relevant BSc degree in Biological Sciences, Genetics or a related subject, with postgraduate experience in molecular diagnostic techniques. Science Council (RSci) registration is desirable but not essential.
This is an excellent opportunity to develop your career within a specialist genomics service at the forefront of cancer diagnostics and personalised medicine.
Main duties of the job
The post holder will undertake technical, analytical and administrative duties required to support the scientific teams in the provision of an effective and high quality molecular diagnostics service to patients. This will require detailed theoretical and practical knowledge. They will be responsible for carrying out analytical molecular diagnostics investigations. There will be occasions when the post holder takes sole responsibility for their work. The range of tests available will be in continuous development and the post-holder will be responsible for the validation and verification of new techniques and tests, including the provision of NGS and ddPCR for molecular diagnostics in haematological and solid tumours. They will collaborate and plan complex activities with other members of the team to achieve an effective and reliable service. The post holder will be expected to assist in training of new staff members and visitors as well as to contribute to IT development and data management relating to the technical aspects of the molecular service In addition the post holder will be required to support activities such as quality, including compliance with laboratory accreditation standards, equipment maintenance and participate in the departments training programme.
Detailed job description and main responsibilities
Person specification
Qualifications
Essential criteria
- BSc in Biological Sciences, Genetics, or related discipline
- Evidence of CPD or postgraduate training
Desirable criteria
- MSc in Genetics, Molecular Biology, or related subject
- Voluntary registration (e.g. RSci) or willingness to obtain
Experience
Essential criteria
- Proven extensive laboratory experience in molecular diagnostics or a related field
- Independently performs advanced molecular techniques (e.g., NGS, ddPCR, qPCR, PCR)
- Ability to follow SOPs, maintain lab records, and ensure QC
- Familiarity with laboratory information systems and software
- Experience in equipment maintenance or troubleshooting
Desirable criteria
- Experience supporting assay validation and quality documentation
- Experience supervising or mentoring junior staff, students, or trainees
Skills & Abilities
Essential criteria
- Understanding of molecular genetics techniques and their clinical use
- Awareness of clinical implications of lab findings
- Knowledge of ISO 15189, EQA/IQA processes, and audit support
- Clear verbal and written communication
- Able to present technical information accurately
- Good interpersonal skills and ability to work across disciplines
- Experience supervising or training junior team members
- Able to prioritise and coordinate lab tasks to meet turnaround times
Personal Qualities
Essential criteria
- Well-organised, detail-focused, and proactive
- Works independently and collaborates effectively
- Adapts well to new methods and changing priorities
- Committed to quality, learning, and patient-focused service
- Maintains professionalism and performance under pressure
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.
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. We advise you to submit your application as early as possible to prevent disappointment. Please ensure your information is accurate to avoid errors with processing your application
Flu Vaccination – What We Expect of our Staff
At The Royal Marsden we have an immune compromised patient population who we must protect as much 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.
Employer certification / accreditation badges
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Genetic Technologist employer: THE ROYAL MARSDEN
The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust is an exceptional employer, offering a collaborative work culture that prioritises innovation and excellence in cancer research. Employees benefit from comprehensive professional development opportunities, a commitment to work-life balance, and the chance to contribute to groundbreaking projects that directly impact patient care. Located in a prestigious healthcare environment, this role provides a unique opportunity to be at the forefront of sarcoma research while working alongside leading experts in the field.
