Associate Practitioner

The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust; Sutton; On-site; GBP 25,000 - 32,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading healthcare institution in Sutton is looking for an Associate Practitioner to join their Clinical Genomics department. This role involves supporting scientific teams, performing laboratory duties such as sample collection and data entry, and participating in quality assurance activities. The ideal candidate will have A-levels with a science subject and experience in a laboratory environment. The position requires a high attention to detail, strong communication skills, and the ability to manage multiple tasks effectively.

Benefits

Flexible working opportunities

Learning and development opportunities

Dynamic working environment

Qualifications

• Relevant A levels including a science subject are required.
• Experience working in a relevant laboratory or healthcare setting is essential.
• Knowledge of molecular and cytogenetic techniques like DNA/RNA extraction is desirable.

Responsibilities

• Collect biological samples from various locations.
• Process samples and maintain audit trails.
• Assist in training activities and ensure quality compliance.

Skills

Attention to detail

Data entry and IT skills

Communication skills

Ability to follow instructions

Education

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

BSc in Biological Science or equivalent

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 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.

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.

In addition the post holder will be required to rotate through the Clinical Genomics laboratories to perform laboratory support duties. Such duties will include specimen processing, data entry of requests, cell culturing processes, preparing slides for FISH analysis, preparation of FFPE slides for tumour assessment and macrodissection, DNA/RNA/ctDNA extraction, equipment maintenance tasks and supporting scientists in providing a reliable and accurate diagnostic service.

About us

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.

Job 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.

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.

The post holder will be expected to assist in data management relating to the technical aspects of the molecular service and therefore needs to be fully IT literate. In addition the post holder will be required to support activities such as quality, including compliance with laboratory accreditation standards, equipment maintenance, audits, clerical duties and participate in the departments training programme. The post holder will be expected to support and advise less experienced staff, such as trainees, students and MLAs. Good communication and team working are essential. The range of tests available will be in continuous development and the post‑holder will be expected to work within all areas.

Attention to detail is essential and the post holder must be able to work to high standards, following defined protocols and assist in the production of accurate and high quality analytical results for the diagnosis and treatment of patients.

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
• 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

Disclosure and Barring Service Check

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.