Genetic technologist - analyst (FTC)

Royal Marsden; Sutton; Hybrid; GBP 28,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust, a world-leading cancer centre, seeks a Genetic Technologist to join the Clinical Genomics department on a one-year fixed-term contract in Sutton, UK. The role centers on performing G-band karyotyping and FISH to support diagnostic cytogenetics for haematological malignancies and solid tumours across NHS trusts and cancer networks.

You will follow defined protocols to produce high-quality analytical results, provide technical support, and assist in training

Qualifications

• Degree in Biological Sciences or Genetics or equivalent.
• Experience in a genomics laboratory is essential.
• Ability to follow SOPs and maintain quality.

Responsibilities

• Provide technical support for the Cytogenetics Laboratory and related areas.
• Carry out G-banded karyotype analysis and FISH with minimal supervision.
• Maintain competence, train staff and visitors, and cover for absent colleagues.
• Undertake clerical and other support duties when required.
• Work under supervision of Section Heads to ensure accurate, reliable results.

Skills

G-band karyotyping

FISH analysis

Interpersonal skills

Attention to detail

Laboratory experience

Education

BSc Biological Sciences/Genetics

Tools

Cytogenetics equipment

Microscopy

Job description

An exciting opportunity has arisen for a one-year Fixed term contract for a Genetic Technologist with good interpersonal skills and a committed team member to join the Clinical Genomics department.
Cytogenetics is part of the Clinical Genomics Department bringing together cytogenetics, translational science and molecular diagnostics and is one of the few specialised clinical genomics laboratories of cancer in Europe. The laboratory provides a diagnostic cytogenetics service for haematological malignancy and solid tumours for several NHS Trusts and Cancer Networks, as well as participating in clinical trials.

The major focus of the role will be in performing analysis of acquired genetic aberrations by G-band karyotyping and FISH. 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 & high quality analytical results for the diagnosis and treatment of patients.

The successful applicant will have a degree in a relevant science subject and have experience working in a genomics laboratory.

Main duties of the job

Provide technical support for the scientific teams within the Cytogenetics Laboratory and, if necessary, in related Pathology or research disciplines.

Be responsible for carrying out G-banded karyotype analysis and FISH analysis with minimal supervision. The range of procedures required will be subject to development and the post-holder will be expected to work within all areas of the department.

Maintain a satisfactory level of competence, provide cover for absence of other staff, and assist in the training of other staff and visitors.

Undertake clerical and other support duties when required.

The post holder will report to the Laboratory’s Section Heads and will be subject to the supervision and direction of the scientific staff. The post holder will be expected to maintain a high level of accuracy and reliability, and collaborate with other members of the laboratory and other departments to achieve the maximum efficiency and quality of the service provided.

The post holder will be expected to undertake an appropriate share of the department’s general diagnostic workload, and may be required to work in different Sections of the laboratory according to the needs of the department. They will maintain long periods of a high degree of analytical accuracy during microscopy.

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 undertake the initial microscopic analysis on an appropriate proportion of the total workload of the Service under the direction of the Section’s Lead.

To provide a reliable accurate analysis of samples.

To ensure the correct analytic process is undertaken on each sample they analyse.

Person specification

Skills and Abilities

• Ability to write clearly and concisely

Skills and Abilities

• Ability to use Microsoft software or equivalent

Personal Qualities

• Evidence of professional 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 related to a compatible laboratory discipline.
• Evidence of CPD
• Able to understand / follow SOPs
• Experience in working in relevant diagnostic laboratory
• Voluntary HCPC registration (GT) or in process
• Able to perform basic training

Skills and Abilities

• Good interpersonal skills
• Able to deal with all simple day to day problems

Personal Qualities

• Enthusiasm for job and profession
• Commitment to team working

Specific Experience

• Full understanding of all laboratory H&S and COSHH procedures
• Able to work to deadlines
• Understanding of the need for quality management
• Ability to take corrective and preventive actions for non-compliances
• Knowledge and understanding of Medical laboratory standards

Clinical Responsibilities

• Experience in cytogenetic analysis (Karyotype/FISH)
• Awareness of clinical significance of laboratory work and implications for patients
• Understand the relationship between laboratory investigations and clinical practice
• Ability to recognise unexpected findings and alert senior staff to perform investigations

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.

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.