Job summary
The Royal Marsden is vital in championing change and improving cancer care through research, innovation, education, and leading-edge practice. We are incredibly proud of our international reputation for pushing the boundaries and for our ground-breaking work ensuring our patients receive the best and latest cancer treatment and care.
We seek a Medical Laboratory Assistant to join the Clinical Genomics department. The department is in the Centre for Molecular Pathology and is part of the North Thames - Genomic Laboratory Hubs (GLH) one of seven national GLHs offering Cancer Genomic testing in England. The department provides a reference Molecular Diagnostics and Cytogenetics Service for solid tumours and haematological malignancies, as well as participating in clinical trials and translational research.The post holder will be required to rotate through the Clinical Genomics laboratories to perform technical support duties, including but not limited to, specimen reception, data entry, etc. The post holder will be expected to assist in training and support activities such as quality, equipment maintenance and audits. Attention to detail is essential, and the post holder must be able to work to high standards following defined protocols.
Main duties of the job
To provide the technical and administrative support required to maintain an efficient and high-quality genetics diagnostic laboratory service. Working with the laboratory's scientific and technical staff, the laboratory assistant technologist will provide pan-laboratory technical and administrative support.
The post holder must be able to take responsibility for working alone and as part of a team to achieve the necessary performance levels. The post-holder will be expected to work within Clinical Genomics Central Reception and all areas of Clinical Genomics (both Cytogenetics and Molecular Diagnostics) to perform laboratory support duties with minimal supervision. The major focus of the role will be on sample collection, data entry, sample sendaway, sample prioritisation and distribution working within the Clinical Genomics Central Reception.
In addition, the post holder will be required to rotate through the Clinical Genomics laboratories to perform laboratory support duties. Such duties will include specimen processing, data entry of requests, packaging samples to send away, equipment maintenance tasks and supporting scientists in providing a reliable and accurate diagnostic service. Attention to detail is essential, and the post holder must be able to work to high standards, following defined protocols and assist in the production of accurate and high-quality analytical results for the diagnosis and treatment of patients.
About us
The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust is a world-leading cancer centre. Our role is to offer our patients the best cancer care available anywhere in the world, and to continue to make a global contribution to finding better ways of diagnosing and treating cancer. We employ over 4,500 staff in a diverse range of careers including nursing, medical, science, radiography, pharmacy, occupational therapy, finance and administrative services. We have two hospitals - one in Chelsea, London, and one in Sutton, Surrey - as well as a Medical Daycare Unit in Kingston Hospital.
At The Royal Marsden, we deal with cancer every day, so we understand how valuable life is. When people entrust their lives to us, they have the right to demand the very best. That's why the pursuit of excellence lies at the heart of everything we do.
At the heart of the hospital is our dedicated team. We offer a stimulating and dynamic working environment, a wide range of staff benefits, learning and development opportunities and clear career pathways. There are opportunities to work flexibly across a range of areas and specialities and we welcome flexible working requests from point of hire to support employees work life balance. We are looking for employees who aspire to excellence, share our values and can play a crucial role in our on-going achievements.
Job description
Job responsibilities
For further information please refer to the job description and personal specification
To collect different types of biological samples from the main Pathology laboratories, minor procedures, theatres, and switchboard during the day, including late samples, and maintaining all relevant audit trails.
Specimen reception: receipt and checking of samples against request forms, liaising with clinical staff regarding labelling errors, identifying and taking appropriate action with high risk specimens and dealing with leaking/damaged samples. Sort samples for processing.
To prioritise samples according to SOPs and laboratory requirements.
To input patient-related data received from external referral hospitals, wards and clinical areas including test requests into IT systems.
The post holder will be expected to assist in data management relating to the technical aspects of the molecular service and therefore needs to be fully IT literate. In addition, the post holder will be required to support activities such as quality, including compliance with laboratory accreditation standards, audits, and clerical duties, and participate in the departments training programme.
The post holder will be expected to support and advise less experienced staff, such as trainees and students. Good communication and team working are essential. The range of tests available will be in continuous development, and the post-holder will be expected to work within all areas.
The successful applicant must have relevant A levels, including a science subject, and have experience working in a relevant laboratory. Experience in cytogenetic and molecular diagnostics techniques is desirable. Please note total weekly working hours are 37.5 hours, however in line with the NHSE requirements for the delivery of the Cancer Test Directory, the Clinical Genomics department will operate an extended working hours service, the post holder will be required to participate in a shift system on a rotational basis.
Job description
Job responsibilities
For further information please refer to the job description and personal specification
To collect different types of biological samples from the main Pathology laboratories, minor procedures, theatres, and switchboard during the day, including late samples, and maintaining all relevant audit trails.
Specimen reception: receipt and checking of samples against request forms, liaising with clinical staff regarding labelling errors, identifying and taking appropriate action with high risk specimens and dealing with leaking/damaged samples. Sort samples for processing.
To prioritise samples according to SOPs and laboratory requirements.
To input patient-related data received from external referral hospitals, wards and clinical areas including test requests into IT systems.
The post holder will be expected to assist in data management relating to the technical aspects of the molecular service and therefore needs to be fully IT literate. In addition, the post holder will be required to support activities such as quality, including compliance with laboratory accreditation standards, audits, and clerical duties, and participate in the departments training programme.
The post holder will be expected to support and advise less experienced staff, such as trainees and students. Good communication and team working are essential. The range of tests available will be in continuous development, and the post-holder will be expected to work within all areas.
The successful applicant must have relevant A levels, including a science subject, and have experience working in a relevant laboratory. Experience in cytogenetic and molecular diagnostics techniques is desirable. Please note total weekly working hours are 37.5 hours, however in line with the NHSE requirements for the delivery of the Cancer Test Directory, the Clinical Genomics department will operate an extended working hours service, the post holder will be required to participate in a shift system on a rotational basis.
Person Specification
Education/Qualifications
Essential
- Minimum of GCSEs (or equivalent) in English, Mathematics, and Science (Grade C/4 or above)
- Evidence of further education in a scientific discipline (e.g., A-levels or BTEC in science-related subject)
Desirable
- Degree or equivalent in a biological science
- Evidence of ongoing Continuing Professional Development (CPD)
Experience
Essential
- Experience of data entry and use of Laboratory Information Management Systems (LIMS)
- Basic understanding of genetics and molecular biology
Desirable
- Experience with handling biological samples
- Experience working in a laboratory or technical healthcare environment
- Awareness of Health and Safety, COSHH, and waste disposal regulations
- Experience with sample triage, processing, and sendaway
- Experience mentoring or training junior staff
Skills & Abilities
Essential
- Excellent attention to detail and high level of accuracy
- Strong organisational and time management skills
- Ability to work under pressure and manage conflicting priorities
- Ability to follow complex procedures and protocols precisely
- Effective written and verbal communication
- Ability to work independently and within a team
- Ability to handle sensitive/confidential data appropriately
- Competent in the use of MS Office applications (Word, Excel, Outlook)
Person Specification
Education/Qualifications
Essential
- Minimum of GCSEs (or equivalent) in English, Mathematics, and Science (Grade C/4 or above)
- Evidence of further education in a scientific discipline (e.g., A-levels or BTEC in science-related subject)
Desirable
- Degree or equivalent in a biological science
- Evidence of ongoing Continuing Professional Development (CPD)
Experience
Essential
- Experience of data entry and use of Laboratory Information Management Systems (LIMS)
- Basic understanding of genetics and molecular biology
Desirable
- Experience with handling biological samples
- Experience working in a laboratory or technical healthcare environment
- Awareness of Health and Safety, COSHH, and waste disposal regulations
- Experience with sample triage, processing, and sendaway
- Experience mentoring or training junior staff
Skills & Abilities
Essential
- Excellent attention to detail and high level of accuracy
- Strong organisational and time management skills
- Ability to work under pressure and manage conflicting priorities
- Ability to follow complex procedures and protocols precisely
- Effective written and verbal communication
- Ability to work independently and within a team
- Ability to handle sensitive/confidential data appropriately
- Competent in the use of MS Office applications (Word, Excel, Outlook)
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).
