Associate Practitioner

THE ROYAL MARSDEN; Sutton; On-site; GBP 25,000 - 30,000; Full time

Job summary

A prestigious cancer care institution in Sutton is seeking an Associate Practitioner for its Clinical Genomics department. The role involves supporting laboratory operations, including specimen processing, data entry, and analysis preparation within a dynamic team. Candidates must have relevant A levels with a science background and laboratory experience. Desirable skills include understanding cytogenetics and molecular diagnostics techniques. Join a leading organization dedicated to excellence in cancer care while contributing to breakthrough innovations.

Benefits

Learning and development opportunities

Flexible working requests

Dynamic working environment

Qualifications

• Relevant A levels in a science subject.
• Experience in a laboratory setting.
• Desirable knowledge in cytogenetic and molecular diagnostics.

Responsibilities

• Perform laboratory support duties in Clinical Genomics laboratories.
• Process specimens and enter data for requests.
• Prepare slides for analysis and perform DNA/RNA/ctDNA extractions.

Skills

Laboratory experience

Data entry

Cell culturing

Sample collection

Cytogenetics techniques

Molecular diagnostics

Education

A levels including a science subject

Job description

Job Overview

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.

Key Responsibilities

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.

Working Hours and Schedules

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. 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, and the post holder will be required to participate in a shift system on a rotational basis.

Qualifications

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.

About The Royal Marsden

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 groundbreaking work ensuring our patients receive the very best and latest in cancer treatment and care.

About the Department

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.

Our People and Culture

The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust is a world‑leading cancer centre, employing 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 is why the pursuit of excellence lies at the heart of everything we do. 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.