Genetic Technologist

An exciting opportunity has arisen for a Genetic Technologist to join the Clinical Genomics department. The department is located in the Centre for Molecular Pathology and is one of seven national Genomic Laboratory Hubs offering Cancer Genomic testing in England. The department provides a reference Molecular Diagnostics and Cytogenetics Service for solid tumours and haematological malignancies, as well as participating in clinical trials.

We are seeking an enthusiastic Genetic Technologist to contribute to the provision of a timely and efficient ISO 15189 accredited Clinical Genomics Service. The post holder will undertake molecular diagnostic testing and analysis, this requires detailed theoretical and practical knowledge of the work area. The range of tests available will be in continuous development and the post-holder will be responsible for the validation and verification of new techniques and tests, including the provision of NGS and ddPCR for molecular diagnostics in haematological and solid tumours.

The successful applicant must have a relevant BSc degree in Biological Sciences/Genetics. They must have in depth post-graduate experience in molecular diagnostics techniques. Voluntary registration with The Science Council (RSci) is desirable but not essential.

The post holder will undertake technical, analytical and administrative duties required to support the scientific teams in the provision of an effective and high quality molecular diagnostics service to patients. This will require detailed theoretical and practical knowledge. They will be responsible for carrying out analytical molecular diagnostics investigations. There will be occasions when the post holder takes sole responsibility for their work.

The range of tests available will be in continuous development and the post-holder will be responsible for the validation and verification of new techniques and tests, including the provision of NGS and ddPCR for molecular diagnostics in haematological and solid tumours. They will collaborate and plan complex activities with other members of the team to achieve an effective and reliable service. The post holder will be expected to assist in training of new staff members and visitors as well as to contribute to IT development and data management relating to the technical aspects of the molecular service In addition the post holder will be required to support activities such as quality, including compliance with laboratory accreditation standards, equipment maintenance and participate in the departments training programme.

The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust is a world-leading cancer centre. Our role is to offer our patients the best cancer care available anywhere in the world, and to continue to make a global contribution to finding better ways of diagnosing and treating cancer. We employ over 4,500 staff in a diverse range of careers including nursing, medical, science, radiography, pharmacy, occupational therapy, finance and administrative services. We have two hospitals - one in Chelsea, London, and one in Sutton, Surrey - as well as a Medical Daycare Unit in Kingston Hospital.

At The Royal Marsden, we deal with cancer every day, so we understand how valuable life is. When people entrust their lives to us, they have the right to demand the very best. That's why the pursuit of excellence lies at the heart of everything we do.

At the heart of the hospital is our dedicated team. We offer a stimulating and dynamic working environment, a wide range of staff benefits and learning and development opportunities. We are looking for employees who aspire to excellence, share our values and can play a crucial role in our on-going achievements.

For further information on this role, please see the attached Job Description and Person Specification.
- To be responsible for own work and that of junior members of staff under the direction of senior scientific staff/clinical scientist. This will include all aspects of the clinical scientific & technical work, staff, equipment and quality system.
- To ensure the timely and efficient provision of core and technologically complex analytical/diagnostic services, including but not limited to PCR, RQ-PCR, sequencing, NGS and ddPCR.
- To take day to day responsibility for the quality of technical and analytical work produced.
- To ensure that clinical requests are met according to agreed policies on availability of tests and priorities in accordance with user guide.
- To ensure that work is carried out in line with Standing Operational Procedures and/or Departmental policy.
- To monitor quality control of all the tests performed.
- To assist in the preparation of SOPs and other documentation.
- To assist with the day-to-day working of the laboratory.
- Maintain reagent records, both paper and electronic, as part of section stock control system.
- To provide cover for routine lab tasks including DNA/RNA preparation, maintenance of solutions, reagents and chemical