Senior Genetic Technologist

NHS; Bristol; On-site; GBP 38,000 - 47,000; Full time

Job summary

A prominent healthcare organization in Bristol is seeking a Senior Genetic Technologist to lead the Specialised PCR team. The role involves managing lab operations, supervising staff, and conducting genetic analyses. Candidates must have a degree in biological sciences and extensive experience in a diagnostic genetics laboratory. This full-time position includes participation in weekend and Bank Holiday rotas and offers a salary ranging from £38,682 to £46,580 per year.

Benefits

NHS Pension

Tax-free childcare

Support services for physical, psychological and financial well-being

Qualifications

• Extensive experience in an NHS diagnostic genetics laboratory.
• Experience in training and managing staff.
• Knowledge of Quality Assurance relevant to diagnostic genetics.

Responsibilities

• Supervise technical staff and manage daily laboratory operations.
• Conduct genetic analyses and present results to senior staff.
• Maintain laboratory equipment and manage supplies.

Skills

Laboratory management

Communication skills

Training and supervision

Technical evaluation

IT proficiency

Education

Degree in biological science or equivalent

Enrolled or eligible for Genetic Technologists register

Tools

Laboratory Equipment

Software applications

Job description

Overview

Bristol Genetics Laboratory, South West Genomic Laboratory Hub (SWGLH) at Southmead Hospital, Bristol.

Senior Genetic Technologist - Band 6

An exciting opportunity has arisen for a Senior Genetic Technologist (band 6) at Bristol Genetics Laboratory (BGL). The successful candidate will join the team leading the Specialised PCR team, responsible for efficient operations as well as the implementation of new services and improvements.

BGL is part of the South West Genomic Laboratory Hub (SW GLH) which is provided by a partnership between North Bristol NHS Trust and the Royal Devon and Exeter Foundation Trust to deliver centralised genomic analysis for patients with cancer and rare disease throughout the South West region.

The successful candidate will be expected to work 37 1/2 hours per week full-time, or part time hours as arranged, including participation in weekend and Bank Holiday rotas within the hours of 07:00 - 20:00.

This advert may close early, if we have received a sufficient amount of applications. Therefore you are highly advised to apply as soon as possible if you are interested in this position.

Main duties of the job

We are a large, well-equipped laboratory with an extensive repertoire of tests. The successful candidate will participate in the supervision and day to day management of technical functions within the department. This will include staff supervision and training, equipment maintenance, procurement and asset management and technology evaluation/development. The successful candidate will work under the overall supervision of senior technical staff though a considerable degree of personal autonomy and responsibility is expected.

Applicants should hold a biological/biomedical science degree and have evidence of extensive laboratory work in a diagnostic genetics laboratory, encompassing a wide range of practical laboratory techniques. They should be enrolled on or eligible for enrolment onto the accredited voluntary register for Genetic Technologists, an HCPC registered Biomedical Scientist or equivalent. Experience of training and supervision of other staff is essential, as are excellent IT and communication skills.

The specific duties and area of work will be agreed with the successful candidate on appointment.

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About us

North Bristol NHS Trust is one of the largest healthcare trusts in the South West of England. We provide hospital and community healthcare to people living in Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire. Our vision is that by enabling our teams to be the best that they can be, we will provide exceptional healthcare, personally delivered.

NBT CARE. It epitomises how we go the extra mile to ensure patients get the best possible care. We value Caring, Ambition, Respect, and Supportive teamwork and strive to be anti-discriminatory, welcoming applicants from all backgrounds.

Staff benefits

Staff benefits include access to on-site, tax-free childcare through the Childcare Salary Sacrifice Scheme, an NHS Pension, and teams dedicated to providing physical, psychological and financial support. For the complete list of staff benefits please visit the website.

Details

Date posted: 23 September 2025

Pay scheme: Agenda for change

Band: Band 6

Salary: £38,682 to £46,580 per year, pro rata for part-time roles.

Contract: Permanent

Working pattern: Full-time

Reference number: 339-CCS9843-TJC

Job locations: Southmead Hospital, Bristol BS10 5NB

Job description

Job responsibilities

6.1 Staff

• The postholder will be responsible for his/her own work and that of other technical staff, under the overall direction of senior staff.
• To participate in the supervision, training and teaching of genetic technologists.
• To assist with the training of Clinical scientists as appropriate.
• To prepare and monitor staffing rotas as required, under the overall direction of section heads.
• To participate in staff appraisal and PDP according to Trust policies and procedures.
• To participate in staff recruitment.

6.2 Laboratory

• To provide and supervise technical support for the laboratory including arranging cover for staff absence.
• To receive and process samples submitted to the Department in accordance with laboratory policies and protocols.
• To perform genetic analyses, and to present the results to appropriate scientists for checking, interpretation and reporting.
• To technically validate test results and prepare reports for final authorisation by senior staff.
• To participate in record keeping processes, both electronic and paper based and to assist with retrieval and presentation of data as required, including using databases and spreadsheets.
• To participate in risk management of the department including reporting of adverse incidents.
• To rotate through all sections of the laboratory as required.
• To organise personal workload and to supervise the work of other technical staff.
• To maintain a high level of professional competence in the performance of all tests and investigations carried out.
• To prepare and maintain adequate supplies of reagents and consumables.
• To ensure the efficient and safe use of consumables within own working area.
• To be responsible for the evaluation, day-to-day maintenance and cleanliness of laboratory equipment.
• To ensure smooth running of the techniques within area of responsibility and take appropriate steps and troubleshoot as required to maintain and improve quality.
• To participate in internal and external quality control procedures.
• To participate in quality assurance procedures in accordance with the laboratory quality procedures.
• To participate in audit as required.
• To assist in research and development projects as required.
• Work in accordance with the Standard Operating Procedures developed for use in the Department. Participate in the development and review of these as required.
• To participate in staff appraisal according to Trust policies and procedures.
• To be responsible for stock control and ordering of reagents and consumables as appropriate.

6.3 Communication

• Communicate with a range of people including laboratory staff of all grades/roles within the department and pathology at North Bristol Trust and other laboratories, suppliers, sales representatives and engineers as required.
• Liaise with scientific staff regarding technical matters and appropriateness of tests, results and further tests required.
• To be the point of contact for company representatives.
• To promote effective team working.
• Involvement in challenging technical conversations with support from senior staff.

6.4 IM + IT

• To be competent in using the department computer system.
• To be competent in use of common IT packages.
• To be competent in the use of specialist analysis software.
• To be competent in the use of online procurement systems such as EROS.

6.5 Professional

• To undertake and maintain adequate records of personal CPD.
• To maintain skills and apply them to perform duties to a high standard, including participation in courses and further training as required.
• To pursue enrolment on the accredited voluntary register of Genetics Technologists (or equivalent such as IBMS).

6.6 Equipment

• In conjunction with senior staff contribute to the validation, procurement and introduction of new equipment/technologies.
• Be responsible for/delegate management, maintenance and procurement of all laboratory equipment and related documentation.
• Organise and maintain equipment logs and decontamination logs.
• Coordinate external repair/maintenance and internal maintenance; stock parts as required.
• Devise safe and efficient systems of work with equipment; assist with maintenance contracts.
• Assist with evaluation of specifications and tenders for new equipment.

6.7 Special Duties and Responsibilities

• The post holder will act as technical lead for a specified area of work under the supervision of technical leads, including management of workload, equipment and procedures.
• BGL staff and visitor technical training as required.
• Development of automation and new procedures as required.

The post holder may be required to rotate to lead other technical sections within BGL following appropriate training and experience.

Person Specification

Education / Qualifications

Essential

• Degree in biological science or equivalent

Desirable

Essential

• Enrolled on or eligible for enrolment on to accredited voluntary Genetic Technologists register, HCPC registered Biomedical Scientist or equivalent

Work Experience

Essential

• Evidence of extensive experience of laboratory work in an NHS diagnostic genetics laboratory, encompassing a range of practical laboratory techniques and experience with relevant automated equipment.
• Experience of training technical and/or other staff
• Experience of managing technical and/or other staff
• Experience of managing reagent and consumables supplies to appropriate levels and within financial control

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities

Essential

• Ability to evaluate, use, maintain and troubleshoot specialist laboratory equipment in use in the department.
• Knowledge of health and safety issues pertinent to laboratory work.
• Excellent IT skills including knowledge of software and web-based applications.
• Excellent technical skills covering a wide range of laboratory procedures currently in use in the department.
• Knowledge of Quality Assurance relevant to a diagnostic Genetics laboratory.
• Ability to evaluate and implement new technologies.

Other

Disclosure and Barring Service Check: This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and a Disclosure check is required.

Certificate of Sponsorship: Applications from job seekers who require skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website.

From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants may need to provide a criminal records certificate from countries of residence as described in guidance on overseas applicants.

Employer details

Employer name: North Bristol NHS Trust

Address: Southmead Hospital, Bristol, BS10 5NB

Employer's website: northbristol nhs trust website