Genetic Technologist

A position has become available within the Molecular Diagnosis laboratory at King's College Hospital for a fixed term 1 year post as a Genetic Technologist, to support the development and implementation of long read nanopore sequencing in the laboratory. The laboratory is part of the South East Genomics Laboratory Hub and is a national reference centre for haemoglobinopathy diagnosis and a leader in the diagnosis of inherited red blood cell disorders. The laboratory offers targeted next generation sequencing for over 200 genes and has dedicated on site bioinformatics to support the service. All services offered are UKAS accredited.
The Molecular Pathology laboratory is a team of 23, comprising of clinical scientists, biomedical scientists and genetic technologists. This role will be split between working with the nanopore sequencing project team on development of this service, and supporting the wider team for service delivery.
The post holder will be required to have an understanding of all types of instrumentation in the lab and the work processes that are followed. The post holder will support senior staff in carrying out the laboratory work for the nanopore sequencing project, including liaising with staff in other departments, with the wider nanopore sequencing community, and with other members of the lab team. They will also be expected to support other staff to ensure continuous delivery of services where required. Any change that is implemented will need to be documented and recorded following UKAS standards. They will also be responsible for teaching and training lower grades of staff, in how to perform tests, analyse data and carry out tasks. The postholder will be required to have an understanding of quality management assisting the molecular section in audit and documentation.
They will also be responsible for assisting in troubleshooting of equipment and assays where appropriate, therefore good knowledge of molecular techniques is essential for the role. They will be required to ensure provision and maintenance of equipment and records to ISO15189 standards.
Processing samples for nanopore sequencing, supporting senior staff in the data analysis and compiling of results
Contribute to the provision of a comprehensive and appropriate diagnostic service to users through the performance of manual, semi-automated and fully-automated laboratory investigations.
Ensure all instrumentation in the laboratory is run, maintained and used appropriately.
Provide support for staff utilising highly specialised equipment, including assistance with maintenance and troubleshooting.
Ensure work is completed timely and to satisfactory standards, results are reported within the agreed turnaround times and in accordance with the relevant Standard Operating Procedure (SOP).
Review assess and initiate corrective action when Quality Control procedures indicate loss of performance
Review and revise laboratory SOP on a regular basis and advise the operations manager of any material changes
Participation in audits to highlight deficiencies in the pre-examination, examination and post-examination process.
Undertake laboratory instrument evaluation as directed by the laboratory managers and contribute to service development supported by evidence-based practice
Participate in the training of others in the areas in which the postholder has been assessed as competent.
Actively assisting in all aspects of quality management system, ensuring compliance with the standards of ISO15189
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.
Communication
Participate in laboratory staff meetings and contribute to effective communication within the department relating to service issues, training needs and process changes
Service issues resolved in a timely manner or referred to the appropriate operations manager or lead scientist
Communicate any event, which may cause service delivery failure, or other issues/problems that may affect the laboratory or Molecular Pathology to the operations manager or lead scientist
Provide and receive complex information relating to the clinical condition and treatment of patients and/or the results and interpretation of diagnostic tests to and from work colleagues or users of the service
Prioritise and plan own workload within a given time period and communicate own work priorities within the team. Demonstrate flexibility in carrying out own work priorities within the team context
Liaise with users of the service as necessary, with direction of enquiries to the appropriate member of staff
Assist in developing and maintaining a customer-oriented work environment
Maintain courteous and professional conduct at all times with staff, patients and visitors
Liaise with medical and labo