Medical Technical Officer

Synnovis Analytics; City Of London; On-site; GBP 37,000 - 46,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading genetics service provider in London seeks an experienced technician for their Genetics Service. The role requires preparation of clinical samples, data analysis, and report writing. Ideal candidates will have a BSc in a relevant field, with experience in laboratory techniques and genetics. The position offers competitive salary options and opportunities for professional development, all within a vibrant work environment near iconic London locations.

Benefits

Funding for advanced qualifications

Access to various developmental programs

Qualifications

• Experience of handling clinical samples is essential.
• Practical experience in a range of laboratory techniques is required.
• Previous work within a genetics laboratory is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Perform SNP array processing, PCR, and tissue sample preparation.
• Ensure quality control measures and monitor analytical performance.
• Report results within agreed turnaround times.

Skills

Handling clinical samples

Laboratory techniques

Data analysis

Report writing

Attention to detail

Communication skills

Education

BSc in relevant scientific discipline

AHCS Practitioner or BMS registration

Job description

We have an exciting opportunity for a highly motivated and experienced technician to join our comprehensive Genetics Service at the South East Genomics Laboratory Hub (SEGLH), based at Guy's Hospital. The post holder (MTO2 / Lead Technician) will work between our Prenatal and Reproductive and Developmental Disorders technical teams, which deliver a wide range of tests including QF-PCR for rapid aneuploidy diagnosis, karyotype-based tests and SNP array. Initial training may be in either team, depending on the experience of the successful applicant in addition to service need at the time.

The post holder will ensure standards as required by the ISO15189 are maintained and undertake routine and complex laboratory duties such as prenatal sample preparation, PCR set up and capillary-based electrophoresis, cell culture, slide making and using automated liquid handling robotics to generate high quality data as part of the SNP array process. The role will include the analysis of genetic tests and report writing using standard report templates. There will be a range of other routine tasks including general laboratory housekeeping duties, audits and SOP maintenance.

The post holders are expected to maintain professional competency and dexterity in precision based tasks, and maintain the levels of concentration required to maintain quality service.

Main duties of the job

The successful applicant will be a dedicated and enthusiastic individual with experience in the preparation and processing of human DNA and tissue samples in a diagnostic setting. Attention to detail, excellent communication and the ability to prioritise work in a busy environment are all essential qualities for recruitment to this post. The post holder will work closely with all team members within the Prenatal and Reproductive and Developmental Disorders Genetics teams, Laboratory Managers and may also collaborate with other staff across the Department to ensure quality service provision.

This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced technician who wishes to progress in their career as a Genetic Technologist in the field of Genetics.

Further details can be found in the Job Description and enquiries are welcome.

About us

The Genetics laboratories are part of Synnovis Analytics and are located within the Guy's Hospital site. The Genetics department is made up of more than 120 staff and has close links to Clinical Services throughout Guy's and St Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust (GSTfT) and St George's Hospital Foundation Trust. With our partner laboratories, the GLH for the South East region provides a comprehensive genomics service for a population of 8 million which includes specialist germline and cancer tests and a class‑leading whole exome sequencing service. The laboratory works collaboratively with other pathology disciplines and research groups such as GSTfT Biomedical Research Centre and Genomics Innovation Unit and the GSTfT Assisted Conception Unit for Preimplantation Genetic Diagnosis.

Your development and learning

You will have a suite of learning opportunities available through The Synnovis Way Development programme, the Scientific Learning and Development Fund and the Synnovis Academy through which you can receive funding / support for advanced qualifications.

Through our Innovation Accelerator Fund, you can apply for finance to get that new innovative scientific project off the ground, and participate with the wider scientific community through symposiums, conferences and other peer group meetings.

Job responsibilities

Experience of handling clinical samples and use of pipettes is essential.

The post holders will be responsible for:

• Performing SNP array processing, PCR, prenatal and solid tissue sample preparation, cell culture, harvesting, slide making and G banding. Analyse data and write reports as directed in collaboration with clinical scientist colleagues.
• They will perform automated, semi-automated and manual processing of specimens which may require a high level of dexterity.
• Analysis and reporting of results requiring exceptional attention to detail.
• They will also ensure quality control measures are carried out to monitor analytical performance, take corrective action where applicable and report any failures to a senior member of staff.
• Adherence to the laboratory standard operating procedures.
• Strict adherence to the laboratory and Departmental Health & Safety regulations and Codes of Practice.
• Undertaking work to ensure that all results are reported within agreed turnaround times and resolve any problems associated with incomplete results.
• At Synnovis, we are currently shaping the future of pathology services by creating a world‑leading Hub and Spoke pathology network with our NHS partners. A large part of this modernisation will involve moving 70% of our services to a purpose‑built, state of the art Hub laboratory in the heart of London. For now, the job you are applying for will be based at one of our hospital sites; however, from 1 April 2024 our people and services will start to move to our Hub laboratory in Blackfriars, Southwark, SE1, with some work remaining in refurbished essential services laboratories across our hospital network, focusing on the rapid turnover of urgent tests. Please do ask your recruiting manager if you wish to find out more.

Synnovis is a pathology partnership between SYNLAB UK and Ireland, and the NHS, including sites Guys & St Thomas NHS Foundation Trust and Kings College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, to deliver and transform pathology services across South East London.

The partnership provides services to 1.7 million people living in South East London, as well as to hundreds of thousands of patients from outside the region who use local healthcare services.

The partnership provides diagnostics, testing and digital pathology for hospital trusts, GP services and other healthcare providers.

Guys and St Thomas Hospital Foundation Trust is a major emergency and specialist teaching Trust which has all the specialties associated with a fascinating and career‑defining case load including: Womens Services, Fetal Medicine, Haematology, Oncology, Transplantation, and is also home to the Evelina Childrens Hospital and the Cancer Centre on the Guys site.

You will be close to the vibrant Borough Market and the South Bank, which are exceptional London locations; perfect places to work and relax next to such iconic venues as Big Ben, The London Eye and The Shard!

Person Specification

Qualifications

• BSc in relevant scientific discipline or equivalent
• AHCS Practitioner or BMS registration

Experience

• Experience of handling of clinical samples
• Practical experience in a range of laboratory techniques
• Previous work within a genetics laboratory
• Previous experience in analysing genetic results
• Previous experience in report writing

Skills & Knowledge

• Knowledge of a range of routine healthcare sciences duties, obtained through a period of training to degree level or equivalent level of knowledge
• Good co‑ordination skills with good dexterity and hand eye co‑ordination and those skills required for the performance of analytical techniques
• Numerate and literate with good command of spoken and written English
• Knowledge and understanding of the role of Pathology Laboratories in the diagnosis and treatment of disease
• Able to communicate information accurately
• Ability to work systematically and under pressure in a busy environment
• Ability to work unsupervised when required
• Accuracy and attention to detail
• Awareness of health & safety issues
• Ability to plan and prioritise allocated work

Disclosure and Barring Service Check

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.

Depending on experience£37,259 to £45,355 per annum depending on experience