Job summary
We are looking for a motivated individual with an interest in working in laboratory diagnostic genetics and we invite applications from individuals educated to HND or NVQ level 4 in Biological Science, with a strong interest in genetics, to work as a junior genetic technologist. This role will mainly involve sample reception, DNA extraction and the use of some genetic laboratory techniques to provide technical support to our diagnostic work. This will include basic laboratory housekeeping tasks and administration tasks. Some practical laboratory experience is essential; however, full competence-based training will be given. 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.
The CGGL currently performs over 7000 tests per annum employing scientific, technical and bioinformatics staff in service delivery and research. The laboratory is a UKAS accredited medical laboratory.
Main duties of the job
- To perform the role following documented laboratory protocols
- To deal with telephone enquiries
- To maintain accurate records
- To participate in an annual appraisal
- To provide routine testing and support activities following standard
- To receive and book-in a range of pathological specimens for genetic testing
- To process specimens to an appropriate point
- Extraction of DNA and RNA from a range of sample types
- Preparation of DNA and RNA for a range of testing procedures
- Maintenance and management of a blood and DNA bank
- Performing a range of molecular techniques
- To prepare reagents and media
- To participate in internal and external quality procedures
- To participate in any out of hours cover as required by the service
- To participate in clinical audit projects
- To maintain the laboratory inventory
- To be responsible for general laboratory housekeeping
- To work with the lab team to ensure adherence to the standards required of ISO15189:2012 accreditation for medical laboratories
- To follow a technical training programme for this grade
- To maintain a portfolio of continuing professional development activities.
- To safely handle contained or controlled biological materials
- To safely handle hazardous chemicals
- To comply with the visual display regulations
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.
Organisational Values:
Our values help us to define and develop our culture, what we do and how we do it. It is important that you understand and reflect these values throughout your employment with the Trust.
Job description
Job responsibilities
Applications are invited for a Junior Genetic Technologist based in the Clinical Genetics and Genomics Laboratory in the Royal Brompton Hospital.
To undertake the technical duties of a Junior Genetic Technologist to support the scientific teams in the provision of an effective and high-quality genetics diagnostic service to patients. The main duties are to undertake sample reception, sample booking-in, basic laboratory housekeeping tasks and some administration tasks where necessary.
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 post holder is working. To train other staff in tasks where necessary.
To collaborate with other members of the laboratory and department in all matters necessary to achieve the maximum efficiency of the service.
To be responsible for the continuing professional development and overallperformance of all staff in the Clinical Genetics and Genomics Laboratory.
To play a role in the continuous development of the Trust as a member of the Clinical Genetics and Genomics Laboratory.
Job description
Job responsibilities
Applications are invited for a Junior Genetic Technologist based in the Clinical Genetics and Genomics Laboratory in the Royal Brompton Hospital.
To undertake the technical duties of a Junior Genetic Technologist to support the scientific teams in the provision of an effective and high-quality genetics diagnostic service to patients. The main duties are to undertake sample reception, sample booking-in, basic laboratory housekeeping tasks and some administration tasks where necessary.
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 post holder is working. To train other staff in tasks where necessary.
To collaborate with other members of the laboratory and department in all matters necessary to achieve the maximum efficiency of the service.
To be responsible for the continuing professional development and overallperformance of all staff in the Clinical Genetics and Genomics Laboratory.
To play a role in the continuous development of the Trust as a member of the Clinical Genetics and Genomics Laboratory.
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 computer skills
- Methodical and organised approach to work with attention to detail
- Able to follow protocols accurately
SKILLS & ABILITIES
Essential
- Experience of some molecular biology techniques
- Basic knowledge of technical and scientific biological aspects
- Basic knowledge of laboratory health and safety
Desirable
- Experience of aseptic technique
- Experience of dealing with telephone enquiries
- Experience of laboratory Quality Management systems
PERSONAL QUALITIES
Essential
- Willingness to work within and as a team
- Able to deal with routine work
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 computer skills
- Methodical and organised approach to work with attention to detail
- Able to follow protocols accurately
SKILLS & ABILITIES
Essential
- Experience of some molecular biology techniques
- Basic knowledge of technical and scientific biological aspects
- Basic knowledge of laboratory health and safety
Desirable
- Experience of aseptic technique
- Experience of dealing with telephone enquiries
- Experience of laboratory Quality Management systems
PERSONAL QUALITIES
Essential
- Willingness to work within and as a team
- Able to deal with routine work
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).
