Genetic Technologist

Genetic Technologist - Cytogenetics Laboratory - SE-HMDS at King's College Hospital

This is an excellent opportunity for an enthusiastic individual wanting to work in an advanced laboratory environment as part of a specialist cytogenetics team; delivering a comprehensive genomics service for patients with known or suspected haematological malignancies.

This role bridges both analytical and technical duties; you will be responsible for performance of routine and complex analyses, quality control, operational improvement, and preventative maintenance. This role is also responsible for troubleshooting and providing technical guidance to others when needed to ensure the efficient day-to-day running of a large Clinical Cytogenetics service.

The successful applicant will join a dynamic team in the Cytogenetics Laboratory based at King's College Hospital, which is an integral part of the South East Haematological Malignancy Diagnostic Service (SE-HMDS), within the South East NHS Genomic Laboratory Hub (GLH).

Within the SE-HMDS cytogenetics laboratory as the post holder, you will have pre-analytical, analytical and post analytical duties.

Your pre-analytical duties will include the processing of samples, predominantly bone marrow and peripheral blood for cytogenetic preparations. This includes:
Culture set-up

Cell harvesting and fixation.

Slide processing for both G-banded chromosome (karyotype) analysis and FISH analysis.

FISH probe hybridization

Your analytical duties will include competency assessed initial analyses of FISH and karyotype assays.

Your post analytical duties will include the storage of cytogenetic cell suspensions and disposal of clinical waste.

You will also assist with and support in the validation and maintenance of equipment used in the section. You will oversee the reagent stocks and consumables for the section. The ability to multitask is key to this role, along with an orientation toward teamwork and leadership.

The individual will offer a helpful and professional service to all visitors and telephone callers and will assist under the direction of senior colleagues in the provision of a high quality service. Ongoing training, continuing professional development (CPD) and evidence of lab competence must be maintained as required.

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.

**Main responsibilities**:
Performing a range of laboratory procedures that require prolonged concentration and attention to detail.

Performing cytogenetic analyses that require prolonged concentration and attention to detail.

Undertake the collection, reception, booking in and preparation of samples for analysis with attention to detail in matching specimens with request forms and numbering specimens and forms.

Ensure quality of work by performing pre
- and post
- analytical process checks including initial scanning of results for technical validity.

Perform all work in accordance with Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and Health and Safety Regulations.

Understand the importance of accurate communication of complex information.

Perform role as part of the team to ensure that the Cytogenetics and SE-HMDS turnaround times are met.

Please see the job description for a comprehensive list of duties for this role.

Synnovis is a pathology partnership between SYNLAB UK and Ireland, and the NHS, including sites, Guy’s & St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust and King’s College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, to deliver and transform pathology services across South East London.

The partnership provides services to 1.7 million people living in South East London, as well as to hundreds of thousands of patients from outside the region who use local healthcare services.

The partnership provides diagnostics, testing and digital pathology for hospital trusts, GP services and other healthcare providers.

King’s College Hospital Foundation Trust is one of the UK’s leading NHS Foundation Trusts in specialist teaching. King’s has various divisions including Neurosciences, Haematology, Cancer and Cardiovascular sciences, where there are unlimited opportunities to develop and perfect your career.

Over the last 170 years, King’s has delivered nothing but world class service to all its patients from deprived communities as well as some of the wealthiest in London.