Medical Technical Officer in London

The Synnovis Cancer Genetics laboratory at Guy’s Hospital is part of the South-East Genomics Laboratory Hub (SEGLH) and is the designated provider of adult solid tumour testing for the whole of the SEGLH geography. A vacancy has arisen for a fixed term Synnovis band 6 equivalent medical technical officer (MTO3) who will be the lead laboratory technician for a subsection of the service, providing leadership, support and technical advice with respect to routine service delivery, equipment maintenance and procurement. You will work closely with the technical team in a supervisory and trouble-shooting capacity and participate in the Duty Scientist rota. Specialist knowledge and experience of a wide variety of molecular processes such as DNA/RNA extraction, quantification, quantitative real-time PCR and NGS library preparation, is essential to enable effective troubleshooting, supervision and training.

The successful candidate will be responsible for the management of a sub section of the cancer genetics technical workload. The successful candidate will contribute to the clinical work of the Cancer Genetics team undertaking a broad range of technical laboratory activities such as extractions, sample processing, library preparation for manual and automated high-throughput sequencing for adult solid tumour testing and liquid biopsy testing, real time quantitative PCR for AML MRD and there will be an opportunity to undertake some analytical work.

The Cancer Genetics team is comprised of around 70 administrative, scientific and technical staff within the cytogenetic and molecular genetic laboratories. Testing is provided for patients with a wide range of adult solid tumours and haematological malignancies, in order to provide diagnostic and prognostic information and inform treatment decisions. The service includes a substantial nationally and internationally renowned acute myeloid leukaemia (AML) minimal residual disease (MRD) monitoring service which has close links with the King’s College NIHR clinical trials AML MRD unit. The laboratory is accredited according to UKAS 15189 standards and is an accredited training laboratory for the provision of the cancer genetic Scientific Training Programme (STP) and the Molecular Pathology of Acquired Disease Higher Specialist Training (HSST) programme.

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 meetings.

At Synnovis, we are currently shaping the future of pathology services by creating a world-leading Hub and Spoke pathology network with our NHS partners. A large part of this modernisation will involve moving 70% of our services to a purpose built, state of the art Hub laboratory in the heart of London. For now, the job you are applying for will be based at one of our hospital sites however, since 1 April 2024 our people and services have started to move to our Hub laboratory in Blackfriars, Southwark, SE1, with some work remaining in refurbished essential services laboratories across our hospital network, focusing on the rapid turnover of urgent tests.

The post holder will participate in all aspects of the work carried out by the Cancer Genetics section of the South East Genomics Laboratory Hub (SEGLH) at Guy’s Hospital. They will perform a range of scientific, laboratory and administrative duties with minimal supervision, contributing to the delivery of an effective and high-quality diagnostic cancer genetics service, acting as a laboratory technical lead in line with service requirements. They will be expected to maintain a high level of accuracy and reliability and collaborate with other members of the laboratory and related departments in order to achieve maximum efficiency and quality of service provision. They will have specialist knowledge of diagnostic genetic testing relevant to patient referrals for haematological disorders and solid cancers and will work closely with other Cancer Genetics technical staff in a supervisory and troubleshooting capacity as required. They should be eligible for AHCS Practitioner registration.

The post holder will prioritise his/her own workload and lead technician duties; the specific nature of the duties will depend on the team in which they are working.

• Act as the lead technician for a sub-section of the Cancer Genetics Service, providing leadership and technical advice with respect to routine service delivery, equipment maintenance and procurement.
• Use laboratory information systems according to protocols.
• Undertake routine and complex sample preparation using accuracy and precision to correctly employ the procedures and protocols applicable to cancer genetics, including handling of patient information.
• Laboratory duties may include but are not restricted to manual and/or robotic DNA and RNA extractions from a variety of human tissue types, preparing samples for molecular analysis using techniques such as Sanger sequencing, RT-PCR and Next Generation sequencing (NGS).
• When appropriate, accurately perform analysis of samples referred for Cancer Genetic analysis - this requires frequent and prolonged periods of concentration. Analytical techniques used will depend on individual competencies and training; analysis will include but is not restricted to mutation analysis by Sanger sequencing, RT-PCR for AML MRD and NGS analysis of solid tumour/ctDNA samples.
• Undertake an appropriate proportion of the total workload of the Cancer Genetics section and take responsibility for accuracy of the work.
• Undertake accurate and precise data entry on the laboratory computer system, including drafting diagnostic reports under the supervision of senior staff.
• Provide cover for staff at the same or lower grade depending on the needs of the service.
• The post holder must communicate all problems and obtain help/advice from appropriate senior staff.
• Develop a close working relationship with the technical and scientific staff within Cancer Genetics and liaise with members of the other sections of the SEGLH as required.
• When necessary, prepare reagents and solutions used within the department.
• Liaise with the clinical scientists regarding technical matters, sample preparation and selection of further tests as required.
• Perform automated, semi-automated and manual processing of specimens which may require a high level of dexterity.
• Prepare, process and analyse samples for clinical trials and research and development projects as and when required.
• Perform quality control measures to monitor analytical performance, take corrective action where applicable and report any failures to an appropriate member of staff.
• Set up equipment for use by other members of staff.
• Undertake preventative maintenance of automated analysers as and when required.
• Undertake troubleshooting of analytical instruments and automated analysers.
• Where appropriate attend and support clinics and satellite labs.

Administrative duties:

• Line manage and/or supervise other technical staff at a lower grade.
• Supervise students or visiting members of staff working in Cancer Genetics as required.
• Assist in ensuring laboratory record keeping is accurate and in compliance with good work practices as required according to standards required by ISO15189.
• Undertake work file management to ensure all results are reported with agreed turnaround time.
• Effectively communicate with laboratory and medical staff to ensure that specimens are dealt with appropriately and in a timely fashion.
• Enter patient results onto laboratory computer system as and when required.
• Use information systems and both general and specialised computer software for data entry and for collection and interpretation of information to assist in the provision of laboratory services.

General duties:

• Compliance with local and national policies for the safe secure and confidential processing, and storage of patient and other laboratory information.
• Maintain integrity and accuracy of laboratory database where appropriate.
• Be proactive in escalating any possible issues that may impact on service delivery to senior colleagues.
• Follow policies within own work area and propose changes to such policies.
• Responsible for the planning and organising own workload.
• Assist in training of other staff members.
• Maintain high scientific and quality standards.
• Participate in maintenance of quality to ISO15189 standards and be actively involved in quality improvement.
• Participate in internal and external quality assurance programmes.
• Participate in audits and surveys as and when required.
• Ensure workplace and workbench areas are kept at laboratory standard.
• Build and maintain working relations with all members of staff and promote effective teamwork.
• Undertake mandatory training as required by Synnovis.
• Maintain and promote the professional image of Synnovis.
• Undertake an internal training programme including attendance at relevant meetings.
• Work within the remit of confidentiality when dealing with issues of a sensitive nature.
• Undertake a period of laboratory training and competence assessment.
• Participate in an annual appraisal cycle, and be assessed against the competences of the role.
• Maintain knowledge and skills as identified by the appraisal cycle.
• Observe and adhere to local and national health and safety policies.

Key Working Arrangements:

• Work independently and within occupational and departmental policies, Standard Operating Procedures and codes of conduct.

Special Working Conditions:

• Within the boundaries of the health and safety policy, may be required to undertake tasks which are repetitive or require mental or physical effort.
• Manual preparation and processing of specimens can frequently require post holder to remain in a restricted position for long periods of time.
• Preparation and processing and analysis of samples often require frequent long periods of concentration.
• Exposure to distressing or emotional circumstances are rare due to limited need for contact with patients.
• Exposure to hazardous environmental and chemical substances.
• Undertake frequent handling of biological specimens which have pathological risks.
• May be required to work shifts or provide out of hours cover as determined by departmental service need and as directed in individual contracts of employment.

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!

Qualifications:

• Essential criteria: BSc (Hons) or equivalent in a life science subject; Eligible for AHCS Practitioner registration.
• Desirable criteria: AHCS Practitioner or BMS registration; Evidence of continuing professional development (CPD).

Experience:

• Essential criteria: Experience of undertaking practical work in a diagnostic molecular genetics laboratory; Experience of handling and processing clinical samples; Demonstrable specialist diagnostic cancer genetics experience gained by working in a diagnostic service; Experience of performing library preparation for manual and automated next generation sequencing; Demonstrable in-depth experience of a wide variety of molecular processes such as DNA/RNA extraction, quantification and NGS library preparation, to enable effective troubleshooting, supervision and training.
• Desirable criteria: Experience of analysing cancer genetic samples using a range techniques; Experience of NGS data analysis and accompanying sequence variant interpretation; Experience of writing and reviewing standard operating procedures (SOPs).

Skills & Knowledge:

• Essential criteria: Ability to sit in a restricted position for prolonged periods e.g. at a laboratory bench; Knowledge and understanding of the principles of genetic techniques including analytical procedures and application to cancer genetic analysis; Theoretical knowledge of haematology and/or solid cancer genetics/liquid biopsy; Ability to clearly communicate scientific and organizational information both in written and verbal form; Ability to work unsupervised when required and to plan and prioritise allocated work; Accuracy and attention to detail; Good IT skills and knowledge of common computing packages; Awareness of health & safety issues.
• Desirable criteria: Demonstrable supervisory work within a genetics laboratory.

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; Ground breaking development opportunities; 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.