Genetic Technologist

The Oxford Genetics laboratories, comprising the Oxford Regional Genetics Laboratories (ORGL) and the Oxford Molecular Haematology Laboratory (OMHL), are part of the Central & South Laboratory Hub (GLH), one of 7 GLHs recently established to deliver NHS England’s National Genomic Medicine Service. We provide a comprehensive range of cytogenetic, molecular cytogenetic and molecular genetic investigations for both rare disease and acquired disorders (solid tumour and haematological malignancy).
The laboratory has a vacancy for a Band 4 Genetic Technologist based at the ORGL (Churchill Hospital). We are currently
communication and organisational skills, and the manual dexterity to perform laboratory processes, along with flexibility, efficiency and attention to detail in their work.
Some experience of practical laboratory work is essential, though full training will be given.

Assistant Genetic Technologist/Analysts provide technical, analytical and

They process a wide range of pathological specimens for a broad range of inherited conditions according to standard operating procedures, and are competent in the use of patient databases, state of the art technologies and a limited number of software packages, some of which are complex, for the analysis of data. They perform highly accurate and skilled analysis, which may have unpredictable outcomes and which require periods of concentration.
They are expected to communicate technical, scientific and confidential information to colleagues within their department in electronic, written and verbal forms.
Assistant Technologists/Analysts participate in the teaching and training load of the department staff within the limits of their experience.

The Trust comprises of four hospitals - theJohn Radcliffe Hospital,Churchill HospitalandNuffield Orthopaedic Centrein Headington and theHorton General Hospitalin Banbury.

Duties & responsibilities
Clinical Service

1. Deliver the technical service of a section/subsection or designated area of work to nationally accepted standards (CPA or equivalent) with appropriate supervision to include the following:
a. Follow standard operating procedures for the receipt, booking in,
processing and analysis of samples

b. Review appropriate risk and COSHH assessments in areas relevant to
own practise and abide by laboratory health and safety policies
c. Undertake basic troubleshooting for failed analyses
d. Validate quality of technical analysis, repeat and perform subsequent
investigations following discussions with more senior technologists or
clinical scientists according to defined criteria
e. Arrange dispatch of different types of samples. Deal with queries relating
to the receipt and dispatch of samples, including products of conception
(received for post-mortem examination), and other tissues.
2. Establish, maintain, sub-culture and harvest cell cultures, or undertake DNA extraction, from a variety of biological specimens received which may be high risk (eg HIV, Hep C) and/ or derived from recognisable human or fetal parts, by all methods currently employed in the laboratory and to work safely under exposure to toxic substances which are hazardous to health.
3. Identify unusual or failed results and bring them to the attention of senior technologist or scientists for further discussion
4. Liaise with senior technical or scientific colleagues over availability of equipment, sample prioritisation, or requirement for supplementary cell cultures or chromosome preparations, when planning work schedules in designated areas of work, in accordance with laboratory protocols and under the supervision of the Section Head and/or Laboratory Director.

6. Attend, and actively participate in, team and laboratory meetings with opportunity to propose improvements in efficiency and changes to scientific and technical protocols and to contribute to the development and implementation of departmental policies within the limits of experience.

Laboratory Management
7. Undertake appropriate duties to fulfil quality control programs, including recording of appropriate data according to operating procedures, validation and verification of new reagents and protocols.
8. Safely handle and store chemicals of a volatile or hazardous nature including carcinogens and neurotoxic agents. Dispose of hazardous chemicals and biohazard waste.
9. Take day to day responsibility for use of, daily maintenance, monitoring and care of instrumentation within the laboratory (to include safety, performance and temperature of equipment e.g. biological safety cabinets, incubators, fridges and freezers).
Staff
10. Participate in the teaching and training of new members of staff or less
experienced employees in own work area by demonstrating own work activities and routine practice.

Research and Service Development
11.Assist clinical scientists in research and development projects which meet the overall objectives of the department.

Personal Development
12. Attend relevant i