Job responsibilities
JOB PURPOSE/SUMMARY
Responsible for assisting the laboratory service manager in all aspects of laboratory activity related to technical work and staffing
The post holder will work closely with the Quality Manager in maintaining and developing all aspects of service quality.
To manage an assured wet lab service delivering pre-processing of samples from receipt through to DNA and RNA extraction, cell culturing to agreed quality standards and highly specialised, new and novel downstream testing.
To manage a highly specialised technical service delivering a group of services to the research and diagnostic community.
To manage and supervise and train staff within the group on a day-to-day basis.
To take responsibility under guidance from the laboratory services manager for all day to day and week to week delivery of the diagnostic services.
To provide a proportion of technical training, support, cover and documentation within the department and externally.
The reconfiguration of Genetic Laboratory service provision in England is supporting the creation of a world class resource in the use of genomics and genetic technologies within the NHS. It is based around the consolidation of services in to a network of Genomic Laboratory Hubs (GLHs) to create a genomic laboratory service infrastructure for the NHS in England.
NEY GLH comprises of a partnership arrangement between several organisations (Leeds Teaching Hospitals Trust, Sheffield Childrens Hospital FT, Newcastle Upon Tyne Hospitals FT and Sheffield Teaching Hospitals FT).
Key responsibilities of NEY GLH:
o Consolidate services to deliver significant efficiencies
o Operate within a national testing network
o Operate a coherent informatics infrastructure
o Sample collection, processing and logistics
o Technical and analytical platforms
o Bioinformatics, annotation and validation
o Clinical interpretation, reporting and returning of results
o Quality management and assurance of both processes and data
o Plan & develop workforce for now and the future
o Organisational governance and partnership arrangements
o Promotion of research and innovation
NEY GLH will work across defined geographies to:
o Work with other GLHs to form a national network of genomic laboratories providing a coordinated national genomic laboratory service, which will be part of the planned NHS Genomic Medicine Service.
o Participate in regular meetings convened by NHS Englands Genomic Unit as part of the national network.
o Deliver genomic testing, as outlined in the National Genomic Test Directory.
o Provide the genomic testing service for national specialist testing within prescribed GLHs of the national network, and will work with the relevant clinicians and genomic MDTs.
o Be responsible for establishing and maintaining local networks of any subcontracted laboratories and designated providers for cancer genomic testing providing a coordinated and comprehensive service to deliver standardised outcomes, ongoing consolidation, quality improvement, and adoption of new technologies under a suitable operating infrastructure and partnership agreement.
o Consolidate the existing specialist genetic laboratories into state of the art, high throughput, high quality and standardised laboratories through the delivery of the majority of genomic tests running through a single laboratory based in Leeds.
o Operate enhanced working practices to ensure genomic testing services are available to support the delivery of seven day services, and ensure that genomic technology platforms are fully optimised.
o Be responsible for ensuring quality and the ongoing review of opportunities to further consolidate networked services, based on technological advances, the changing evidence base for genomic testing and the National Test Directory.
o Be accountable to NHS Englands Genomics Unit within an agreed governance and operational framework that will oversee the test repertoire, co-ordinate the provision new national specialised testing services, monitor performance and finance.
PRINCIPAL DUTIES & AREAS OF RESPONSIBILITY
Responsibilities
The post holder will be responsible for all day-to-day aspects of management of technical staff within the laboratory and will play an active role in recruitment of such staff.
To gain new knowledge through experience, formal study and participation in relevant training schemes.
To keep up to date with new technologies within the field of Genomic medicine and participate in the research and development of new services and process changes to aid in the continued development of the Genetics service both within the central lab, the wider GLH and NHSE.
To be a leading member of a team providing an assured clinical technical service provided by the laboratory including developmental aspects, liaison with internal and external staff and troubleshooting with regards to the service.
To work independently when and as required by the service and follow departmental SOPs and policies, using experience and training to make assessments and judgements regarding the investigations and test results, based on current practice, national and local guidelines, patient specific details and laboratory findings.
To be able to focus for lengths of time on one project or analysis but also be able to work flexibly and be available to answer urgent queries as needed.
The post holder will coordinate Quality management, Health and Safety and Training and Development duties within the technical lab including organisation and implementation of a technical audit calendar and policies and proposes and assesses impact of changes to practices for the wet lab in accordance with best practice guidelines and accreditation.
Responsible for ensuring the maintenance and proper use of laboratory equipment.
Responsible for reviewing and updating relevant SOPs and other laboratory documentation.
Develop and implement policies for own area of responsibility and work with other teams to ensure they do not impact negatively on other areas and participate in the development of policies that impact on own area of responsibility.
To demonstrate and apply a high level of understanding and expertise of the scientific and technical principles involved in the delivery of the service which includes analysis, interpretation of results and resolving complex quality issues.
To have a high level of understanding of the processes within the technical laboratory and be able to use their understanding and experience to effectively and efficiently diagnose and resolve problems.
To supervise the management of all diagnostic samples within the laboratory, including the processing of biological samples.
To oversee and deliver a variety of highly specialised techniques involving the use of complex and costly equipment and reagents (>£30K).
In partnership with the Laboratory Management and Practitioner/Technologists, to be responsible for the accuracy, timeliness and appropriateness of a variety of routine and non-routine specialist genetic tests.
To organise and manage a variety of highly specialised technical processes including the WGS service and the sending of samples both routine and urgent to areas both within the GLH and external agencies and providing accurate advise and support in the delivery of these services.
In consultation with the laboratory services manager, to liaise with other laboratory departments in relation to delivery of services at a local and regional level to ensure that the service is maintained and developed appropriately.
To be confident and proficient to be able to exchange specialist information with colleagues at a regional and national level and also from other disciplines.
To ensure that any problems or issues that arise are rapidly identified and dealt with or reported to the laboratory service manager if they cannot be overcome immediately.
Analysis and interpretation of patient samples to produce Genetic test results. The post holder will undertake diagnostic testing and ensure that the results of such testing are provided in a timely and effective manner.
The post holder will participate in an annual Personal Development Review process as well as all necessary mandatory training.
Together with the Laboratory Management team, to have responsibility for research, development and validation of new methods and technology important for the service.
To participate in internal and external quality control procedures and to abide by all Codes of Practice, Safety Regulations, Protocols and Operational Policies of the department and the service at a level in excess of that required by UKAS.
Liaising with external agencies such as equipment manufacturers and engineers, suppliers of consumables.
Meeting commercial representatives and developing good working relationships with these representatives for the ongoing development of the wet of the wet lab services and research goals.
Managerial
In consultation with the Laboratory services manager
The post holder will provide day-to-day line management of senior technical staff within the Laboratory, and be able to deal with staff compassionately. This will include participation in recruitment and selection, sickness absence, grievance, disciplinary, appraisal and managing poor performance as required.
To deputise for the Laboratory services manager in matters relating to wet laboratory services as required.
To supervise and manage the wet laboratory service to agreed standards, providing appropriate advice and support to the Scientists and Practitioners/Technologists where needed.
Be responsible for the instruction and supervision of students and technical staff within the department and members of other professional groups who may wish to work in the department, to gain experience of genetic techniques or undertake research projects.
