Job summary
We invite applications from individuals educated to at least HND or NVQ level 4 in Biological Science, with a strong interest in genetics, to work as a genetic technologist. This role will mainly involve laboratory wet-work using molecular genetic laboratory techniques including (but not limited to) library preparation for Next Generation sequencing as well as Sanger sequencing, MLPA and ddPCR. The role will also include sample reception, DNA and RNA extraction, basic laboratory housekeeping tasks, and administration tasks to provide support to our diagnostic work. There will also be an opportunity to prepare simple diagnostic reports and gain some experience in variant assessment. Some practical relevant laboratory experience is essential; however, full competence-based training will be provided. We are very much committed to continuous development and provide opportunities for participation in service research and development, training courses and journal clubs/seminars.
Applicants should have good interpersonal and computing skills, be capable of working under pressure to tight deadlines, and be able to work collaboratively within a multidisciplinary team. They should have good organisational skills, be able to work methodically with great attention to detail and have a strong interest in driving and improving the quality of diagnostic services. Applicants will be expected to take part in various quality management tasks, including audit.
Main duties of the job
- To be responsible to Senior Genetic Technologists and Clinical Scientists.
- To perform the role following documented laboratory
- To collaborate with all other members of staff
- To deal with telephone enquiries
- To maintain accurate section records
- To participate in an annual appraisal
- To participate in clinical audit projects
- To be involved in the evaluation of new/replacement equipment
- To follow procedures documented in the laboratory's written SOPs
- To be involved in training new members of technical staff and students
- To work with the team to ensure achievement and adherence to the standards required of ISO15189:2012 accreditation
- To receive and book-in a range of pathological specimens
- Extraction of DNA and RNA from a range of sample types
- Measuring of DNA and RNA concentration to high accuracy
- PCR and Sanger sequencing
- Preparation of DNA libraries for Next-Generation sequencing
- MLPA and ddPCR for copy number analysis
- Perform a range of molecular techniques both manually and using automated technology
- To interpret simple abnormal results and to prepare reports
- To prepare and measure out reagents and media
- To inform of any incidents and errors
- To participate in out of hours cover as required
- To follow a technical training programme for this grade
- To attend any training days or courses considered appropriate to the position
About us
The Royal Brompton & Harefield Hospitals are part of Guy's and St. Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust, with the Heart and Lung Clinical Care Group forming the largest heart and lung centre in the UK and among the largest in Europe. We are a partnership of specialist hospitals which are known throughout the world for our expertise, standard of care and research success. The Clinical Genetics and Genomics Laboratory is also part of the NHSE South East Genomic Laboratory hub and is one of four cardiac and one of three respiratory laboratories, delivering the specialist testing nationally.
The Clinical Genetics and Genomics Laboratory in the Royal Brompton has generated deep expertise in cardiovascular (CV) and respiratory genetics through a large programme of work over the last 7 years and has established infrastructure, expertise and variant repositories on site. The CGGL has developed sophisticated bioinformatic tools and pipelines for the analysis and reporting of different types of sequence data and is actively involved in research to develop new technologies. The diagnostic service collaborates closely with the National Heart and Lung Institute (NHLI), Imperial College London.
Job description
Job responsibilities
- To undertake the technical and analytical duties of a Genetic Technologist to support the scientific teams in the provision of an effective and high-quality genetics diagnostic service to patients and referring clinicians. The main duties are to undertake molecular genetic technique including (but not limited to) automated and manual DNA and RNA extraction from a range of sample types, basic PCR-based techniques, Sanger Sequencing, Next Generation Sequencing Library Preparation, MLPA and ddPCR.
- To maintain a high level of accuracy and reliability in defined routine, preparative, processing, analytical and associated procedures following documented laboratory protocols.
- Specific duties will depend on the area in which the Technologist is working. Genetic Technologists rotate between different areas.
- All duties are undertaken under the supervision of Senior Genetic Technologists/Clinical Scientists following standard protocols, with advice available from peers.
- To collaborate with other members of the laboratory and department in all matters necessary to achieve the maximum efficiency of the service.
Job description
Job responsibilities
- To undertake the technical and analytical duties of a Genetic Technologist to support the scientific teams in the provision of an effective and high-quality genetics diagnostic service to patients and referring clinicians. The main duties are to undertake molecular genetic technique including (but not limited to) automated and manual DNA and RNA extraction from a range of sample types, basic PCR-based techniques, Sanger Sequencing, Next Generation Sequencing Library Preparation, MLPA and ddPCR.
- To maintain a high level of accuracy and reliability in defined routine, preparative, processing, analytical and associated procedures following documented laboratory protocols.
- Specific duties will depend on the area in which the Technologist is working. Genetic Technologists rotate between different areas.
- All duties are undertaken under the supervision of Senior Genetic Technologists/Clinical Scientists following standard protocols, with advice available from peers.
- To collaborate with other members of the laboratory and department in all matters necessary to achieve the maximum efficiency of the service.
Person Specification
EDUCATION & QUALIFICATIONS
Essential
- HND or NVQ level 4 qualification (or equivalent) in Biological Science
Desirable
- Genetics component included in course
- Bachelor degree in biological science
EXPERIENCE & KNOWLEDGE
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
SKILLS & ABILITIES
Essential
- Practical laboratory skills
- Experience of some molecular biology techniques (at least PCR-based techniques)
- Experience in Sanger analysis
- Ability to maintain high levels of concentration and accuracy over long periods of time
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
PERSONAL QUALITIES
Essential
- Basic knowledge of technical and scientific biological aspects
- Basic knowledge of laboratory health and safety
Desirable
- A strong interest and some knowledge of genetics
Person Specification
EDUCATION & QUALIFICATIONS
Essential
- HND or NVQ level 4 qualification (or equivalent) in Biological Science
Desirable
- Genetics component included in course
- Bachelor degree in biological science
EXPERIENCE & KNOWLEDGE
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
SKILLS & ABILITIES
Essential
- Practical laboratory skills
- Experience of some molecular biology techniques (at least PCR-based techniques)
- Experience in Sanger analysis
- Ability to maintain high levels of concentration and accuracy over long periods of time
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
PERSONAL QUALITIES
Essential
- Basic knowledge of technical and scientific biological aspects
- Basic knowledge of laboratory health and safety
Desirable
- A strong interest and some knowledge of genetics
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).
