Scientific Support Technologist (Molecular Microbiology & Virology)

Great Ormond Street Hospital; England; On-site; GBP 31,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

Great Ormond Street Hospital seeks highly motivated Scientific Support Technologists to support sequencing-based diagnostic services in Microbiology and Virology. You will work with Illumina short-read sequencing, ONT long-read sequencing and Sanger sequencing in a ISO:15189 accredited lab.

Responsibilities include following SOPs for nucleic acid extraction and QC, library preparation, and loading sequencing instruments.

Qualifications

• Biological Science or Genetics undergraduate degree (or equivalent).
• Highly developed pipetting skills.
• Experience of nucleic acid extraction.
• Experience of PCR set-up.
• Experience of NGS library preparation (Illumina, Nanopore).
• Experience processing biological specimens.
• Knowledge of molecular microbiology techniques I/A (PCR, sequencing).
• Experience working with laboratory equipment.
• Experience working in NHS, academia or industry laboratory.

Responsibilities

• Follow SOPs to perform nucleic acid extraction and QC steps (Qubit, Tapestation).
• Prepare sequencing libraries and load sequencing instruments.
• Work in a molecular diagnostic or academic lab with accurate pipetting and timely results.

Skills

Pipetting accuracy

Nucleic acid extraction

PCR setup

NGS library prep

Specimen processing

Molecular microbiology

Lab equipment use

NHS/academic lab

Attention to detail

Time management

Education

Biological Science or Genetics undergraduate degree (or equivalent)

Tools

Excel

Job description

Job overview

We are seeking highly motivated Scientific Support Technologists with experience working in molecular laboratories to support our expanding sequencing-based diagnostic services in Microbiology and Virology.

Our department provides specialist tests to diagnose infections in our patients and for patients in hospitals across the UK. These are sequencing-based tests using Illumina short-read sequencing, ONT long-read sequencing and Sanger sequencing. Services include untargeted metagenomics for respiratory, central nervous system and ocular infections in critically ill patients, as well as targeted and broad-range PCR for bacterial and fungal pathogens.

This is an excellent opportunity to work as part of a very experienced and dedicated team to gain extra skills and knowledge of paediatric microbiology and sequencing, including NGS (Next Generation Sequencing).

This is a vibrant, progressive, well equipped and ISO:15189 accredited laboratory.

Main duties of the job

You will follow Standard Operating Procedures to perform the laboratory work to support these services, including nucleic acid extraction, quality control steps such as Qubit and Tapestation, sequencing library preparation and loading of sequencing instruments.

You are expected to have worked in a molecular diagnostic or academic laboratory, with well-developed and accurate pipetting skills. An eye for detail and working in an organised manner is crucial to this role, as well as the ability to work within expected time frames to ensure timely results for patients.

Working for our organisation

We are committed to recruiting the best person for the job through a fair, open and consistent process that is free from bias and discrimination.

We are working towards becoming an anti-racist organisation. This means creating a workplace where every colleague feels seen, heard and valued, and where racism in any form has no place. Our anti-racism commitment is backed by action through our Anti-Racism Statement and action plan, developed in collaboration with our REACH staff network.

We actively challenge discrimination, dismantle barriers and embed equity across all aspects of our workforce, including recruitment, progression and development. All applicants will receive equal consideration regardless of race, ethnicity, nationality, religion or belief, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, disability, health condition or employment history.

We particularly welcome applications from ethnically diverse communities, people with disabilities or long-term health conditions, and LGBTQ+ community members. We are proud to be a Disability Confident Employer, a member of the Business Disability Forum, and a Stonewall Diversity Champion.

Our staff networks, including REACH, PRIDE, ENABLED and Women’s Networks, are active and executive supported. These employee-led networks play a vital role in shaping an inclusive culture at GOSH and are open to all colleagues.

Together, we are building a culture where inclusion is not optional - it is essential.

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

A detailed job description and main responsibilities are described in detail int the Job Description document. Molecular laboratory experience is essential.

Person specification

GOSH Values

Essential criteria

• GOSH Values

Academic/Professional qualification/Training

Essential criteria

• Biological Science or Genetics undergraduate degree (or equivalent)

Experience/Knowledge

Essential criteria

• Highly developed pipetting skills
• Experience of nucleic acid extraction
• Experience of PCR set-up
• Experience of NGS library preparation ( Illumina, Nanopore)
• Experience processing biological specimens
• Knowledge regarding molecular microbiology techniques I/A ( PCR, sequencing) and understanding of scientific and clinical terms
• Experience working with laboratory equipment
• Experience working in a scientific laboratory (NHS, academia or industry)

Desirable criteria

• Experience of quantitation of nucleic acid ( Tapestation, Qubit, nanodrop)
• Experience of Sanger Sequencing
• Previous experience of working in an NHS laboratory
• Experience in culture-based techniques
• Previous participation in UKAS ISO:15189 laboratory accreditation
• Experience with laboratory information management systems EPIC
• Experience training others

Skills/Abilities

Essential criteria

• Careful, meticulous attention to detail
• Organised approach to work and time management
• Able to communicate effectively both verbally, by email and by appropriate documentation
• Able to follow and give instructions clearly
• Able to train others
• Able to concentrate for long periods of time, adapt to changing priorities and work under pressure
• Computer skills including excel