Genetic Technologist (Deputy Specimen Reception Team Lead)

The Methodist Church in Britain; Cambridge; On-site; GBP 32,000 - 42,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Development opportunities

On-site leisure facilities

Shopping concourse

Day nurseries

Reduced-cost bus travel

Free Park and Ride

Subsidised parking

Flexible working (part-time, job share

Job summary

Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust is seeking a Deputy Team Lead for the Genomics Specimen Reception and Send-out Team in Cambridge. The role supervises reception staff, oversees equipment and processes, and coordinates the Whole Genome Sequencing send-out service.

Hands-on lab work is limited, with some secondary tasks required. Primary duties include staff training, data entry into the LIMS, and supporting day-to-day sample management and service improvements to meet changing

Qualifications

• Biological Science degree (BSc) or equivalent.
• Data processing or IT qualification, or equivalent experience.
• Diagnostic laboratory and QA experience.
• Lab information management / genomic IT systems experience.
• Experience supervising a team.
• Experience with quality management systems.

Responsibilities

• Act as deputy lead for the reception area, managing staff, equipment and processes.
• Supervise reception staff, training them and providing guidance.
• Act as technical co-ordinator for the Whole Genome Sequencing send-out service.
• Support day-to-day sample management and reception laboratory activities.
• Enter data accurately into the laboratory information system.
• Assist with service improvement and staff development.
• Carry out secondary laboratory work as required.

Skills

Genomic testing nomenclature

Sample types knowledge

Sample processing & tracking

Health & safety in lab

Attention to detail

Training others

Education

Biological Science degree (BSc) or equivalent

Data processing or IT qualification or equivalent experience

Job description

This deputy team lead post sits in the Genomics Specimen Reception and Send-out Team of the East NHS Genomic Laboratory Hub at Cambridge University Hospitals. The role supervises reception staff, runs the reception area's equipment and processes, and co-ordinates sample management and the Whole Genome Sequencing send-out service. Hands-on laboratory work is limited, though some secondary lab tasks may be needed, and cover runs 8am to 8pm on weekdays with some weekend working. Visa sponsorship is not available.

What the job involves

• Act as deputy lead for the reception area, managing its staff, equipment and processes
• Supervise reception staff, training them and providing advice to the team
• Act as technical co-ordinator for the Whole Genome Sequencing send-out service
• Support the Lead in managing day-to-day sample management and associated reception laboratory activities
• Process accurate and timely data into the laboratory information system
• Assist with service improvement and staff development to meet changing reception needs
• Carry out secondary laboratory work as and when required

What’s required

Qualifications

• Biological Science degree (BSc) or equivalent
• Data processing or IT qualification, or equivalent experience

Experience

• Diagnostic laboratory sample workflows, sample preparation and sample quality assurance
• Lab information management and genomic IT systems
• Supervising a team
• Practical experience of quality management systems

Skills & knowledge

• Genetic and genomic testing nomenclature and terminology
• Knowledge of biological sample types
• Sample processing and tracking
• Health and safety in a laboratory
• High level of accuracy and attention to detail
• Ability to train others effectively

Other

• Understanding of patient confidentiality
• Excellent written and verbal communication, and interpersonal skills for team or independent working
• Ability to prioritise own workload and concentrate for prolonged periods
• Behaviour in line with Trust values of safe, kind and excellent, including awareness of self and impact on others

Nice to have

• Leadership qualification
• Professional registration with AHCS or HCPC, or nearing completion
• Previous relevant NHS experience
• Audit process knowledge
• Knowledge of the genomic medicine service
• Manual dexterity and ability to work in the laboratory for prolonged periods

What’s offered

• Development opportunities
• On-site leisure facilities
• Shopping concourse
• Day nurseries
• Reduced-cost Stagecoach bus travel to the hospital site
• Free Park and Ride and train-station bus routes
• Subsidised on-site parking for eligible staff
• Flexible working arrangements, such as part-time, job share, term-time and flexible start and finish times