Associate Practitioner

Royal Marsden; Sutton; Hybrid; GBP 26,000 - 32,000; Full time

Job summary

The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust in Sutton, Surrey, invites applications for an Associate Practitioner in the Clinical Genomics department. You will rotate through laboratories to perform specimen reception, data entry, DNA/RNA extraction and other tasks, working to high standards under defined protocols.

The role supports cancer diagnostics across Cytogenetics and Molecular Diagnostics, participates in quality and audits, and may involve shift work to cover the central reception from 8:30

Qualifications

• A levels including a science subject.
• Experience in a relevant laboratory environment.
• Desirable: experience in cytogenetic and molecular diagnostics.

Responsibilities

• Collect and process biological samples under defined protocols.
• Data entry and sample prioritisation.
• Support in quality, equipment maintenance and audits.

Skills

Data entry

Attention to detail

Laboratory support

LIMS

Microsoft Office

Education

A levels with science

BSc in Biological Science

Tools

LIMS

Microsoft Office

Job description

The Royal Marsden has a vital role in championing change and improvement in cancer care through research and innovation, education and leading-edge practice. We are incredibly proud of our international reputation for pushing the boundaries and for our ground breaking work ensuring our patients receive the very best and latest in cancer treatment and care.

An exciting opportunity has arisen for an Associate Practitioner to join the Clinical Genomics department. The department is located in the Centre for Molecular Pathology and is one of seven national Genomic Laboratory Hubs offering Cancer Genomic testing in England. The department provides a reference Molecular Diagnostics and Cytogenetics Service for solid tumours and haematological malignancies, as well as participating in clinical trials.

The post holder will be required to rotate through the Clinical Genomics laboratories to perform technical duties, including but not limited to; specimen reception, data entry, DNA/RNA/ctDNA extraction. The post holder will be expected to assist in training and support activities such as quality, equipment maintenance and audits. Attention to detail is essential and the post holder must be able to work to high standards following defined protocols.

Main duties of the job

The post holder will support scientific teams in the provision of a timely and efficient accredited Clinical Genomics Service. The post holder must be able to take responsibility for working alone and as part of a team to achieve necessary performance levels. The post-holder will be expected to work within Cancer Diagnostics Central Reception and all areas of Clinical Genomics (both Cytogenetics and Molecular Diagnostics) to perform laboratory support duties, with minimal supervision. The major focus of the role will be in sample collection, data entry, sample prioritisation and distribution working within the Cancer Diagnostics Central Reception. The specimen reception is open from 8.30am to 5.30pm and so the post holder will be required to participate on a shift system on a rotational basis to provide this cover.

Working for our organisation

The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust is a world-leading cancer centre. Our role is to offer our patients the best cancer care available anywhere in the world, and to continue to make a global contribution to finding better ways of diagnosing and treating cancer. We employ over 4,500 staff in a diverse range of careers including nursing, medical, science, radiography, pharmacy, occupational therapy, finance and administrative services. We have two hospitals – one in Chelsea, London, and one in Sutton, Surrey – as well as a Medical Daycare Unit in Kingston Hospital.

At The Royal Marsden, we deal with cancer every day, so we understand how valuable life is. When people entrust their lives to us, they have the right to demand the very best. That's why the pursuit of excellence lies at the heart of everything we do.

At the heart of the hospital is our dedicated team. We offer a stimulating and dynamic working environment, a wide range of staff benefits, learning and development opportunities and clear career pathways. There are opportunities to work flexibly across a range of areas and specialities and we welcome flexible working requests from point of hire to support employees work life balance. We are looking for employees who aspire to excellence, share our values and can play a crucial role in our on-going achievements.

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

For further information please refer to the job description and personal specification

• To collect different types of biological samples from the main Pathology laboratories, minor procedures, theatres and switchboard during the day, including late samples, and maintaining all relevant audit trails.


• To receive and check samples from referral hospitals, laboratories and wards. To verify ID against request form and liaise with appropriate staff where errors or omissions exist. To log samples on the audit trail.


• To safely deal with high risk samples according to policy.


• To prioritise samples according to SOPs and laboratory requirements

The successful applicant must have a relevant A levels including a science subject and have experience working in a relevant laboratory. Experience in cytogenetic and molecular diagnostics techniques is desirable. Please note: total weekly working hours are 37.5 hours, however in line with the NHSE requirements for the delivery of the Cancer Test Directory, the Clinical Genomics department will operate an extended working hours service, the postholder will be required to participate in a shift system on a rotational basis.

Person specification

Education/Qualifications

• Good general education including A-levels, with at least one science subject


• Recognised qualifications in Maths and English


• BSc in Biological Science or equivalent


• Knowledge of theory & practice of laboratory techniques

Experience

• Experience working in a relevant laboratory or healthcare setting


• Awareness and understanding of handling biological samples


• Experience using Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs)


• Knowledge of laboratory techniques and practices


• Awareness of laboratory health & safety procedures and COSHH


• Knowledge of molecular and cytogenetic techniques (e.g., DNA/RNA extraction, FISH, slide preparation)


• Experience working in a UKAS-accredited diagnostic laboratory

Skills & Abilities

• High level of attention to detail and accuracy


• Manual dexterity for technical tasks


• Strong data entry and IT skills, including use of LIMS and Microsoft Office


• Ability to follow written instructions and protocols


• Good verbal and written communication skills


• Able to prioritise and manage own workload


• Understands the relationship between laboratory work and patient care


• Basic understanding of quality systems (e.g., ISO 15189, UKAS) and data integrity

Personal Qualities

• Reliable, enthusiastic, and proactive


• Ability to work independently and as part of a team


• Demonstrates initiative within role boundaries


• Willing to respond flexibly to service demands


• Ability to prioritise tasks and organise daily work

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.

All applicants will be contacted by email to the address supplied on your application. Applicants are advised to check their email accounts regularly and to ensure that email filters are set to allow our emails.

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.