Associate Practitioner | The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust

The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust; Greater London; On-site; GBP 25,000 - 30,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading cancer care organization in Greater London is seeking an Associate Practitioner for the Clinical Genomics department. The ideal candidate will have relevant A levels and experience in laboratory settings. Responsibilities include collecting biological samples, managing data, and supporting team activities. This role operates on a rotational shift system and requires attention to detail. The organization offers flexible working opportunities.

Qualifications

• Experience working in a relevant laboratory is essential.
• Experience in cytogenetic and molecular diagnostics techniques is desirable.

Responsibilities

• Collect biological samples and maintain audit trails.
• Prioritise samples according to SOPs and laboratory requirements.
• Support data management and maintain IT literacy.

Skills

Attention to detail

Teamwork

Laboratory techniques

Education

Relevant A levels including a science subject

Job description

Overview

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 committed to international excellence 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, and participates in clinical trials.

The successful applicant will be part of a team delivering a timely and accredited Clinical Genomics Service. The post holder will 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.

Responsibilities

• Collect different types of biological samples from the main Pathology laboratories, minor procedures, theatres and switchboard during the day (including late samples), and maintain all relevant audit trails.
• Receive and check samples from referral hospitals, laboratories and wards; verify ID against request forms and liaise with staff to correct errors or omissions; log samples on the audit trail.
• Safely deal with high risk samples in accordance with policy.
• Prioritise samples according to SOPs and laboratory requirements.
• Rotate through the Clinical Genomics laboratories to perform technical duties, including specimen reception, data entry and DNA/RNA/ctDNA extraction.
• Assist in training and support activities such as quality, equipment maintenance and audits; follow defined protocols to produce high-quality analytical results for diagnosis and treatment.
• Support data management relating to the technical aspects of the molecular service and maintain IT literacy; assist with quality, accreditation standards, equipment maintenance, audits and clerical duties; participate in the department’s training programme.
• Support and advise less experienced staff, such as trainees, students and MLA’s; work across areas as tests continuously develop; operate effectively as a team and individually to meet performance targets.
• Take responsibility for working both independently and as part of a team to achieve required performance levels.

Qualifications and requirements

• Relevant A levels including a science subject; experience working in a relevant laboratory. Experience in cytogenetic and molecular diagnostics techniques is desirable.
• Total weekly working hours are 37.5 hours. The department operates an extended working hours service in line with NHSE requirements for the Cancer Test Directory; the postholder will be required to participate in a rotational shift system.
• Attention to detail and ability to work to high standards, following defined protocols and contributing to accurate and high-quality diagnostic outputs.

The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust is a world-leading cancer centre with a diverse workforce and opportunities to work flexibly. For further information please refer to the job description and personal specification.