Genetic Analyst

Royal Marsden; Greater London; Hybrid; GBP 32,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust in Sutton, Surrey, seeks a Genetic Technologist Analyst to support the Clinical Genomics laboratory within the NT GLH, delivering analytical molecular diagnostics and validating new techniques.

You will perform PCR, RQ-PCR, sequencing, NGS and ddPCR, work with complex datasets, and help train staff while ensuring quality and compliance with SOPs. The role contributes to innovative cancer diagnostics in a world-leading centre.

Qualifications

• Clear and concise written and verbal communication.
• Experience expressing technical information to diverse audiences.
• Familiarity with in-house IT systems and MS Office applications.

Responsibilities

• Carry out analytical molecular diagnostics investigations (PCR, RQ-PCR, sequencing, NGS, ddPCR).
• Validate and verify new techniques and tests.
• Assist in training staff and visitors; contribute to IT/data management.
• Ensure quality control and SOP compliance across tests.

Skills

Clear communication

Written communication

In-house IT systems

Microsoft Office

Education

BSc Biological Sciences/Genetics

MSc in Biological Sciences/Genetics (in progress)

Tools

Laboratory IT systems

PCR instruments

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.

As part of the department expansion, an opportunity has arisen for a Genetic Technologist Analyst to join the Clinical Genomics department. The Clinical Genomics laboratory at the Royal Marsden is part of the North Thames Genomic Laboratory Hub (NT GLH), one of seven national Genomic Laboratory Hubs offering Cancer Genomic testing in England. The department is located in the Centre for Molecular Pathology in Sutton. The Centre for Molecular Pathology is a state-of-the‑art facility bringing together translational science and molecular diagnostics. It is one of the few specialised laboratories in molecular diagnostics of cancer in Europe. The department provides a reference Molecular Diagnostics and Cytogenetics Service for solid tumours and haematological malignancies, as well as participating in clinical trials and collaborating with the industry (https://www.royalmarsden.nhs.uk/royal-marsden-partnership-create-state-art-house-liquid-biopsy-testing-facility) to provide cutting‑edge genomic technologies to support personalised cancer treatment.

Main duties of the job

The post holder will undertake technical, analytical and administrative duties required to support the scientific teams in the provision of an effective and high quality molecular diagnostics service to patients. This will require detailed theoretical and practical knowledge. They will be responsible for carrying out analytical molecular diagnostics investigations. There will be occasions when the post holder takes sole responsibility for their work. The range of tests available will be in continuous development and the post‑holder will be responsible for the validation and verification of new techniques and tests, including the provision of NGS and ddPCR for molecular diagnostics in haematological and solid tumours. They will collaborate and plan complex activities with other members of the team to achieve an effective and reliable service. The post holder will be expected to assist in training of new staff members and visitors as well as to contribute to IT development and data management relating to the technical aspects of the molecular service In addition the post holder will be required to support activities such as quality, including compliance with laboratory accreditation standards, equipment maintenance and participate in the departments training programme.

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

• 1.1 To be responsible for own work and that of junior members of staff under the direction of senior scientific staff/clinical scientist. This will include all aspects of the clinical scientific & technical work, staff, equipment and quality system.
• 1.2 To ensure the timely and efficient provision of core and technologically complex analytical/diagnostic services, including but not limited to PCR, RQ-PCR, sequencing, NGS and ddPCR.
• To take day to day responsibility for the quality of technical and analytical work produced.
• To ensure that clinical requests are met according to agreed policies on availability of tests and priorities in accordance with user guide.
• To ensure that work is carried out in line with Standing Operational Procedures and/or Departmental policy.
• To monitor quality control of all the tests performed.
• To assist in the preparation of SOPs and other documentation

Skills and Abilities

• Ability to express themselves clearly
• Ability to write clearly and concisely
• Ability to use in-house IT systems
• Ability to use Microsoft software or equivalent

Personal Qualities

• Evidence of personal development
• Self confidant, contributes to laboratory meetings
• Able to work unsupervised
• Flexible approach to work

Specific Experience

• BSc degree in Biological Sciences/Genetics
• Evidence of training and knowledge related to specific area or instruments
• In depth post-graduate experience related to specific area
• Evidence of post graduate study Evidence of CPD
• Experience of working in all areas of relevant diagnostic laboratory
• Able to understand / follow SOPs
• Working towards MSc degree in Biological Sciences / Genetics
• Voluntary registration with the Science Council (RSci) or in process
• Able to perform basic training

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.