Job summary
An exciting opportunity has arisen in the Molecular Pathology Diagnostic Service (MPDS) at University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust for a suitably qualified and experienced Genetic Technologist to join our team in a permanent role. MPDS is one of the largest solid tumour genetic-profiling centre's in Europe, processing around 24,000 samples a year. The service provides a range of molecular pathology tests including protein expression, gene mutation, methylation and amplification, and chromosome translocation. The service also provides a circulating tumour DNA service for EGFR mutation analysis. Services are provided for wide range of regional and supra-regional Trusts, being a referral centre, and as such there will be an opportunity to also participate in research and development.
The department has huge expertise in various technologies including real time PCR, pyrosequencing, FISH, immunohistochemistry and next generation sequencing (NGS). The post holder will be joining a dedicated team including scientists, technicians, and molecular pathologists. The Directorate has undergone exciting changes in recent years with the on-going alignment of processes and equipment across the four hospital sites. The laboratories are UKAS accredited to ISO 15189 standards and IBMS accredited for training. We support Continuous Professional Development. Encouragement is given to attend and participate in both internal and external lectures / seminars.
Main duties of the job
The post holder will provide technical support in the delivery and development of the molecular pathology diagnostic service through organisation of rota's, troubleshooting, stock management, validation/verification, result analysis, training and competency assessments.
We are looking for a well-motivated, individual with a good range of technical skills and keen to contribute to the continued success of the service. Whilst previous experience of working within a molecular pathology or genetics setting is desirable it is not essential but candidates should be able to demonstrate technical ability and skills that are applicable to or transferable to the area of molecular pathology. Demonstrable understanding of how to maintain high quality standards within a laboratory setting is essential.
About us
We are recognised as one of the leading NHS Foundation Trusts in the UK. Our vision is to Build Healthier Lives, and we recognise that we need incredible staff to do this.
Our commitment to our staff is to create the best place for them to work, and we are dedicated to:
Investing in the health and wellbeing of our staff, including a commitment of offering flexible working where we can;Offer our staff a wide variety of training and development opportunities, to support their personal and career development objectives.
UHB is committed to ensuring that our staff are treated fairly and feel that they belong, by creating a kind and inclusive environment. This is about equity of opportunity; removing all barriers, including discrimination and ensuring each individual member of staff reach their true potential, achieve their ambitions and thrive in their work. This is more than words. We are taking action. Our commitment to an inclusive culture is embedded at all levels of the organisation where every voice is heard, driven by our diverse and active staff networks, and at Board level by the Fairness Taskforce led by our CEO. We nurture a culture which empowers staff to challenge discriminatory behaviours and to enable people to bring their 'whole self' to a kinder, more connected and bold place to work.
University Hospitals Birmingham is a Smoke-Free premises hospital.
Job description
Job responsibilities
*Please Note : For a detailed job description for this vacancy, please see attached Job Description*
Job description
Job responsibilities
*Please Note : For a detailed job description for this vacancy, please see attached Job Description*
Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential
- * Educated to degree level in Genetics, Biomedical Sciences, or related subjects
Desirable
- * Professional registration such as with HCPC or VRC is of interest but not essential
Experience
Essential
- * Practical laboratory experience.
- * Basic knowledge of theoretical and practical aspects of molecular genetics
- * Good written and verbal skills.
- * Good computer skills, involving the use of Microsoft Office including Excel, ability to master new programmes and laboratory analytical software after appropriate training.
- * Manual dexterity.
- * Methodical and organised approach to work with attention to detail.
- * Able to work accurately when under pressure.
- * Capable of prolonged periods of concentration.
- * Able to follow protocols accurately
Desirable
- * Previous experience in molecular genetic techniques, including Sanger sequencing, ddPCR and NGS Library Preparation.
- * Experience with automated liquid handling systems
- * A strong interest and some knowledge of genetics.
Additional Criteria
Essential
- * Practical laboratory skills
- * Experience of some molecular biology techniques (at least PCR-based techniques)
- * Ability to maintain high levels of concentration and accuracy over long periods of time
- * Able to work within a team.
- * Able to deal with routine work.
- * Flexible approach to work.
- * To recognise and adhere to limits of own responsibility.
- * Able to work across all UHB sites as required
Desirable
- * Previous experience in Sanger sequencing and NGS Library Preparation
- * Ability to identify thresholds of passing/failing results.
- * Experience in troubleshooting test failures.
- * Experience of dealing with telephone enquiries.
- * Experience of laboratory Quality Management systems.
- * Experience in training and supervising others.
- * Willingness and desire to learn new techniques and analytical methods.
Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential
- * Educated to degree level in Genetics, Biomedical Sciences, or related subjects
Desirable
- * Professional registration such as with HCPC or VRC is of interest but not essential
Experience
Essential
- * Practical laboratory experience.
- * Basic knowledge of theoretical and practical aspects of molecular genetics
- * Good written and verbal skills.
- * Good computer skills, involving the use of Microsoft Office including Excel, ability to master new programmes and laboratory analytical software after appropriate training.
- * Manual dexterity.
- * Methodical and organised approach to work with attention to detail.
- * Able to work accurately when under pressure.
- * Capable of prolonged periods of concentration.
- * Able to follow protocols accurately
Desirable
- * Previous experience in molecular genetic techniques, including Sanger sequencing, ddPCR and NGS Library Preparation.
- * Experience with automated liquid handling systems
- * A strong interest and some knowledge of genetics.
Additional Criteria
Essential
- * Practical laboratory skills
- * Experience of some molecular biology techniques (at least PCR-based techniques)
- * Ability to maintain high levels of concentration and accuracy over long periods of time
- * Able to work within a team.
- * Able to deal with routine work.
- * Flexible approach to work.
- * To recognise and adhere to limits of own responsibility.
- * Able to work across all UHB sites as required
Desirable
- * Previous experience in Sanger sequencing and NGS Library Preparation
- * Ability to identify thresholds of passing/failing results.
- * Experience in troubleshooting test failures.
- * Experience of dealing with telephone enquiries.
- * Experience of laboratory Quality Management systems.
- * Experience in training and supervising others.
- * Willingness and desire to learn new techniques and analytical methods.
Disclosure and Barring Service Check
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.
Applications from job seekers who require current 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 (Opens in a new tab).
From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).
Additional information
Disclosure and Barring Service Check
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.
Applications from job seekers who require current 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 (Opens in a new tab).
From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).
