Job summary
We have a vacancy for a Band 5 Scientific Support Officer to join the St George's Genomics Service.
We are looking for an enthusiastic and highly motivated individual to join our friendly and sociable team. You should have a good technical and scientific understanding of genomics, particularly of NGS and Sanger based technologies. Experience and knowledge of genetic variant analysis and interpretation would be a distinct advantage. Organisational ability, attention to detail, and being able to demonstrate an ability to work in a team are essential. The position will be based in the genomics section of the laboratory which provides a broad range of interpretation and reporting rare disease services to the South East GLH. Training will be available as required. The laboratory is committed to supporting continuing professional development. Flexible working arrangements are available.
The lab functions as part of the South East Genomics Laboratory Hub delivering core genomics services across the SW London region. The team works closely with the other laboratories within the network and in accordance with the governance structure of the SE GLH. The accredited genomics service offers a range of genomic services primarily based on NGS technologies including the nationally commissioned whole genome sequencing service. The service is ISO15189:2012 accredited and participates in national and international External Quality Assessment Schemes.
Main duties of the job
The post holder will undertake a range of 'dry' working molecular genetic duties and responsibilities including management, assessment and processing of genomic data, interpretation of basic results and possibly reporting of simple findings. They will liaise with the clinical scientist team in the provision of an effective and high quality service to patients. They will participate in any required further training and will take measures necessary to acquire, improve and apply the skills and expertise needed for routine preparative, analytical and associated genetic procedures. The post holder will be personally responsible for their own work subject to the supervision and direction by the clinical scientist team or senior scientist team. The post holder will be expected to use their initiative in carrying out duties and responsibilities, which will require independent work.
About us
The postholder is expected to have a clear understanding of how this post contributes to the achievement of the trust vision of:
A thriving Foundation Trust at the heart of an integrated healthcare system. One that delivers improved patient care at a community, hospital and specialist setting, supported by a unique and nationally recognised programme of research, education and employee engagement. We expect all our staff to share the values that are important to the Trust, being Excellent, Kind, Responsible & Respectful, and behave in a way that reflects these.
St George's University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust is committed to safeguarding children and vulnerable adults and expects that all staff will share in this commitment. The Trust is clear that all staff have a responsibility to be aware of children and adult safeguarding policies andprocedures and that each member of staff, clinical and non-clinical, will attend child or adult safeguarding training that is provided at an appropriate level to suit their role. The Trust has the additional expectation that all staff will be able to identify concerns and know what action totake.
Job description
Job responsibilities
- To assist in the day to day running of the genetics diagnostic service by following the appropriate procedures and protocols.
- To receive, manage, store, process and analyse genomic data for genetic investigation within the appropriate timescale in line with the dry working infrastructure of the SE GLH. To undertake a range of basic investigatory procedures as required for the specific services undertaken.
- To take responsibility for own work and to undertake an appropriate proportion of the total workload of the team with specific responsibility for one or more designated test categories. To rotate round the different service sections in order to provide cover for other staff and learn the complexities of all services.
- To report results to the service lead or other designated individual and to communicate results to clinical and other colleagues, including the interpretation and report writing of scientific data.
- To participate in the maintenance of all manual and computerised records of the laboratory and department including audit data.
- To take all necessary measures to acquire, improve and apply the scientific skills and expertise necessary to perform the duties of the job at a high level of quality and reliability. This will include private study and participation in lectures, seminars, meetings and courses for further training as required or directed.
- To participate in CPD activities and keep up to date through self-learning.
- To participate in internal and external quality control procedures and to abide by all Codes of Practice, Safety Regulations and Standard Operating Procedures of the department and the services.
- To participate in the application of improved or new laboratory and operational methods and undertake research and development projects as required. To optimise and improve existing analytical techniques used in the laboratory on an on-going basis.
**Please see the attached supporting job description and person specification document, which contains more information about the role and requirements. Please ensure your application refers to the job description and person specification**
Job description
Job responsibilities
- To assist in the day to day running of the genetics diagnostic service by following the appropriate procedures and protocols.
- To receive, manage, store, process and analyse genomic data for genetic investigation within the appropriate timescale in line with the dry working infrastructure of the SE GLH. To undertake a range of basic investigatory procedures as required for the specific services undertaken.
- To take responsibility for own work and to undertake an appropriate proportion of the total workload of the team with specific responsibility for one or more designated test categories. To rotate round the different service sections in order to provide cover for other staff and learn the complexities of all services.
- To report results to the service lead or other designated individual and to communicate results to clinical and other colleagues, including the interpretation and report writing of scientific data.
- To participate in the maintenance of all manual and computerised records of the laboratory and department including audit data.
- To take all necessary measures to acquire, improve and apply the scientific skills and expertise necessary to perform the duties of the job at a high level of quality and reliability. This will include private study and participation in lectures, seminars, meetings and courses for further training as required or directed.
- To participate in CPD activities and keep up to date through self-learning.
- To participate in internal and external quality control procedures and to abide by all Codes of Practice, Safety Regulations and Standard Operating Procedures of the department and the services.
- To participate in the application of improved or new laboratory and operational methods and undertake research and development projects as required. To optimise and improve existing analytical techniques used in the laboratory on an on-going basis.
**Please see the attached supporting job description and person specification document, which contains more information about the role and requirements. Please ensure your application refers to the job description and person specification**
Person Specification
Work Experience
Essential
- 2 years experience in genetics laboratory
- Experience of molecular genetic techniques in particular NGS
Desirable
- Molecular genetic data interpretation and clinical report generation
- Bioinformatics
Qualifications and training
Essential
- Good science degree in relevant biological science
Desirable
Knowledge
Essential
- Broad knowledge of the field of clinical genetic science with a particular focus on DNA sequencing applications
- Knowledge of up to date genetic technology and the application to diagnostic genetics.
- Ability to interpret scientific data and critically appraise results.
Desirable
- Aware of bioinformatics for NGS interpretation
- Aware of reporting requirements for genetics test results
Skills
Essential
- Team working skills
- Communication, organisational and presentation skills
Desirable
- Computer skills and familiarity with data analysis packages
Person Specification
Work Experience
Essential
- 2 years experience in genetics laboratory
- Experience of molecular genetic techniques in particular NGS
Desirable
- Molecular genetic data interpretation and clinical report generation
- Bioinformatics
Qualifications and training
Essential
- Good science degree in relevant biological science
Desirable
Knowledge
Essential
- Broad knowledge of the field of clinical genetic science with a particular focus on DNA sequencing applications
- Knowledge of up to date genetic technology and the application to diagnostic genetics.
- Ability to interpret scientific data and critically appraise results.
Desirable
- Aware of bioinformatics for NGS interpretation
- Aware of reporting requirements for genetics test results
Skills
Essential
- Team working skills
- Communication, organisational and presentation skills
Desirable
- Computer skills and familiarity with data analysis packages
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.
