Job summary
We have a 15-month fixed term vacacny for a Genetic Technologist.
The post-holder will be expected to perform a range of molecular genetic tests in accordance with Standard Operating Procedures. The role will include workflow management of a specific area under the supervision of Senior Genetic Technologists or Clinical Scientists, which may also include some supervision of junior staff, training and troubleshooting. Genetic Technologists also undertake both the analysis of test data and the reporting of routine results.The successful candidate will be able to demonstrate good communication, organisational and practical laboratory skills along with flexibility, efficiency and attention to detail in their work.
A reasonable amount of workplace-based experience in a UKAS accredited Genetics Laboratory (or similarly regulated environment) with direct practical experience of post-extraction molecular genetic techniques (e.g. PCR setup, Sanger sequencing, NGS, MLPA, Pyrosequencing) is essential, though full training in local procedures will be given.
We are currently working towards reconfiguring delivery of our services along patient care pathways and as such candidates may be expected to work across the whole range of services offered in the future.
Main duties of the job
Genetic Technologists/Analysts undertake technical, analytical and administrative duties that support the clinical scientists in the department. They take personal responsibility for their own work on a daily basis subject to the supervision of the section head. They participate in various rotational duties within the department including monitoring of work areas for health and safety and cleanliness.They process a wide range of pathological specimens for a broad range of inherited conditions according to standard operating procedures, and are competent in the use of patient databases, state of the art technologies and a variety of software packages, some of which are complex, for the analysis of data.They perform highly accurate and skilled analysis, with often unpredictable outcomes and requiring periods of concentration.They are expected to communicate complex technical, scientific and confidential information to colleagues within their department in electronic, written and verbal forms.Technologists/Analysts participate in the teaching and training load of the department through demonstration of own performance of appropriate standard operating procedures to other genetic technologists and trainee Clinical Scientists within the limits of their experience. They are also required to attend and participate in appropriate training seminars, and regular section and departmental meetings.
About us
Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust is one of the largest NHS teaching trusts in the country. It provides a wide range of general and specialist clinical services and is a base for medical education, training and research. Find out more here www.ouh.nhs.uk
The Trust comprises four hospitals - the John Radcliffe Hospital, Churchill Hospital and Nuffield Orthopaedic Centre in Headington and the Horton General Hospital in Banbury.
Our values, standards and behaviours define the quality of clinical care we offer and the professional relationships we make with our patients, colleagues and the wider community. We call thisDelivering Compassionate Excellenceand its focus is on our values of compassion, respect, learning, delivery, improvement and excellence. These values put patients at the heart of what we do and underpin the quality healthcare we would like for ourselves or a member of our family. Watch how we set out to deliver compassionate excellence via theOUH YouTube channel.
The Oxford Genetics laboratories are part of the Central & South Genomic Laboratory Hub (C&S GLH), one of 7 GLHs recently established to deliver NHS England's National Genomic Medicine Service. We provide a comprehensive range of cytogenetic, molecular cytogenetic and moleculargenetic investigations for both rare disease and acquired disorders (solid tumour and haematological malignancy).
Job description
Job responsibilities
Clinical Service1. Deliver the technical service of a section/subsection or designated area of work to nationally accepted standards (CPA or equivalent) with appropriate support to include the following:a. Follow standard operating procedures for the receipt, booking in,processing and analysis of samplesb. Review appropriate risk and COSHH assessments in areas relevant toown practise and abide by laboratory health and safety policiesc. Undertake basic troubleshooting for failed analysesd. Validate quality of technical analysis, repeat and perform subsequentinvestigations following discussions with more senior technologists orclinical scientists according to defined criteriae. Draft routine normal reports on the patient database according to defined templatesf. Arrange dispatch of different types of samples. Deal with queries relatingto the receipt and dispatch of samples, including products of conception(received for post-mortem examination), and other tissues.2. Establish, maintain, sub-culture and harvest cell cultures, or undertake DNA extraction, from a variety of biological specimens received which may be high risk (eg HIV, Hep C) and/ or derived from recognisable human or fetal parts, by all methods currently employed in the laboratory and to work safely under exposure to toxic substances which are hazardous to health.3. Identify unusual or failed results and bring them to the attention of senior technologist or scientists for further discussion4. Liaise with senior technical or scientific colleagues over availability of equipment, sample prioritisation, or requirement for supplementary cell cultures or chromosome preparations, when planning work schedules in designated areas of work, in accordance with laboratory protocols and under the supervision of the Section Head and/or Laboratory Director.5. Supply a high level of technical expertise in the investigative procedures involved and take a daily responsibility for his/her own work, subject to the supervision and direction of section head or other senior staff. Be adaptable to changing diagnostic workload pressures, by making independent day-to-day decisions about own workload. The post holder must communicate all problems with, and when necessary obtain help/advice from, appropriate senior staff
6. Attend, and actively participate in, team and laboratory meetings with opportunity to propose improvements in efficiency and changes to scientific and technical protocols and to contribute to the development and implementation of departmental policies within the limits of experience.
Laboratory Management7. Prepare reagents and media used in the processing and testing of samples, and safely handle toxic substances that are hazardous to health (e.g. PHA, colchicine8. Undertake appropriate duties to fulfil quality control programs, including recording of appropriate data according to operating procedures, validation and verification of new reagents and protocols.9. Identify biological materials for safe disposal or storage, according todepartmental protocols. Dispose of hazardous chemicals and biohazard waste10. Undertake stock-control and ordering of routine reagents and consumables as required11. Take day to day responsibility for use of, daily maintenance, monitoring and care of instrumentation within the laboratory (to include safety, performance and temperature of equipment e.g. biological safety cabinets, incubators, fridges and freezers).
Staff12. Participate in the teaching and training of new members of staff or lessexperienced employees in own work area by demonstrating own work activities and routine practice.13.Advice other technologists and less experienced staff in areas such as sample processing, basic troubleshooting, organisation of work, setting up of instrumentation.
Research and Service Development14.Assist clinical scientists in research and development projects which meet the overall objectives of the department.
Personal Development15. Participate in and attend in house training at postgraduate level for thedevelopment and maintenance of skills, knowledge and expertise required for the post (eg scientific and technical literature reviews, seminars, presents own work on relevant topics)
Informatics/Bioinformatics16.Be proficient in the use of Microsoft office applications to prepare occasional written and oral presentations (eg powerpoint presentations, word documents). Design and manipulate excel spread sheets to analyse and present data.17.Be proficient in the use of state of the art software packages for the analysis of DNA samples
18.Collate results from a range of tests and enter complex analytical data onto computer databases, including the laboratory information management system (LIMS).
General19.Abide by all Operational Policies applicable to the Department20.Co-operate with management and safety representatives in matters connected with the Health and Safety at Work Act of Practice for safety in laboratories21.Take responsibility for the accuracy of his/her own work, and undertake an appropriate proportion of the total workload of the Department. The post holder will collaborate with all other staff, to be an effective team member, and achieve optimal use of resources22.Participate in internal quality control and internal and external quality assessment procedures23.Work within the section/subsection to ensure achievement of and adherence to the standards required of an accredited laboratory, in close liaison with the Quality manager and under the direction of the section head and laboratory director.24.Participate in the preparation of the department for accreditation.25.Implement laboratory record keeping processes and assist with retrieval and presentation of data as required26.Take responsibility with others for the maintenance of stocks of reagents and consumables to ensure the proper functioning of the laboratory and efficient use of resources. Ensure that all equipment is used appropriately and safely and that any faults are reported for immediate rectification27.Take responsibility with others for the daily maintenance of complexinstrumentation systems within the laboratory28.Participate in regular performance review and personal development planning29.Maintain confidentiality of information about patients, staff and other health service business in accordance with Data Protection Act of 1984.30.Participate in out of hours duties, if required, in line with the Department Out of Hours Policy31.Work such hours as required for the effective and timely performance of his/her duties, as specified in the terms of the contract of employment32.Undertake any other duties commensurate with experience and job role as a result of changes to the service as agreed by the Consultant Head of Laboratory or Trust and reviewed as part of the annual staff appraisal
Job description
Job responsibilities
Clinical Service1. Deliver the technical service of a section/subsection or designated area of work to nationally accepted standards (CPA or equivalent) with appropriate support to include the following:a. Follow standard operating procedures for the receipt, booking in,processing and analysis of samplesb. Review appropriate risk and COSHH assessments in areas relevant toown practise and abide by laboratory health and safety policiesc. Undertake basic troubleshooting for failed analysesd. Validate quality of technical analysis, repeat and perform subsequentinvestigations following discussions with more senior technologists orclinical scientists according to defined criteriae. Draft routine normal reports on the patient database according to defined templatesf. Arrange dispatch of different types of samples. Deal with queries relatingto the receipt and dispatch of samples, including products of conception(received for post-mortem examination), and other tissues.2. Establish, maintain, sub-culture and harvest cell cultures, or undertake DNA extraction, from a variety of biological specimens received which may be high risk (eg HIV, Hep C) and/ or derived from recognisable human or fetal parts, by all methods currently employed in the laboratory and to work safely under exposure to toxic substances which are hazardous to health.3. Identify unusual or failed results and bring them to the attention of senior technologist or scientists for further discussion4. Liaise with senior technical or scientific colleagues over availability of equipment, sample prioritisation, or requirement for supplementary cell cultures or chromosome preparations, when planning work schedules in designated areas of work, in accordance with laboratory protocols and under the supervision of the Section Head and/or Laboratory Director.5. Supply a high level of technical expertise in the investigative procedures involved and take a daily responsibility for his/her own work, subject to the supervision and direction of section head or other senior staff. Be adaptable to changing diagnostic workload pressures, by making independent day-to-day decisions about own workload. The post holder must communicate all problems with, and when necessary obtain help/advice from, appropriate senior staff
6. Attend, and actively participate in, team and laboratory meetings with opportunity to propose improvements in efficiency and changes to scientific and technical protocols and to contribute to the development and implementation of departmental policies within the limits of experience.
Laboratory Management7. Prepare reagents and media used in the processing and testing of samples, and safely handle toxic substances that are hazardous to health (e.g. PHA, colchicine8. Undertake appropriate duties to fulfil quality control programs, including recording of appropriate data according to operating procedures, validation and verification of new reagents and protocols.9. Identify biological materials for safe disposal or storage, according todepartmental protocols. Dispose of hazardous chemicals and biohazard waste10. Undertake stock-control and ordering of routine reagents and consumables as required11. Take day to day responsibility for use of, daily maintenance, monitoring and care of instrumentation within the laboratory (to include safety, performance and temperature of equipment e.g. biological safety cabinets, incubators, fridges and freezers).
Staff12. Participate in the teaching and training of new members of staff or lessexperienced employees in own work area by demonstrating own work activities and routine practice.13.Advice other technologists and less experienced staff in areas such as sample processing, basic troubleshooting, organisation of work, setting up of instrumentation.
Research and Service Development14.Assist clinical scientists in research and development projects which meet the overall objectives of the department.
Personal Development15. Participate in and attend in house training at postgraduate level for thedevelopment and maintenance of skills, knowledge and expertise required for the post (eg scientific and technical literature reviews, seminars, presents own work on relevant topics)
Informatics/Bioinformatics16.Be proficient in the use of Microsoft office applications to prepare occasional written and oral presentations (eg powerpoint presentations, word documents). Design and manipulate excel spread sheets to analyse and present data.17.Be proficient in the use of state of the art software packages for the analysis of DNA samples
18.Collate results from a range of tests and enter complex analytical data onto computer databases, including the laboratory information management system (LIMS).
General19.Abide by all Operational Policies applicable to the Department20.Co-operate with management and safety representatives in matters connected with the Health and Safety at Work Act of Practice for safety in laboratories21.Take responsibility for the accuracy of his/her own work, and undertake an appropriate proportion of the total workload of the Department. The post holder will collaborate with all other staff, to be an effective team member, and achieve optimal use of resources22.Participate in internal quality control and internal and external quality assessment procedures23.Work within the section/subsection to ensure achievement of and adherence to the standards required of an accredited laboratory, in close liaison with the Quality manager and under the direction of the section head and laboratory director.24.Participate in the preparation of the department for accreditation.25.Implement laboratory record keeping processes and assist with retrieval and presentation of data as required26.Take responsibility with others for the maintenance of stocks of reagents and consumables to ensure the proper functioning of the laboratory and efficient use of resources. Ensure that all equipment is used appropriately and safely and that any faults are reported for immediate rectification27.Take responsibility with others for the daily maintenance of complexinstrumentation systems within the laboratory28.Participate in regular performance review and personal development planning29.Maintain confidentiality of information about patients, staff and other health service business in accordance with Data Protection Act of 1984.30.Participate in out of hours duties, if required, in line with the Department Out of Hours Policy31.Work such hours as required for the effective and timely performance of his/her duties, as specified in the terms of the contract of employment32.Undertake any other duties commensurate with experience and job role as a result of changes to the service as agreed by the Consultant Head of Laboratory or Trust and reviewed as part of the annual staff appraisal
Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential
- BSc (Hons) in a relevant biological science (i.e. including a human genetics component).
Desirable
- Academy for Healthcare Science (AHCS) registered as a genetic technologist or working towards registration.
- ACC/CMGS Certificate of Competence in Genetic Technology.
Experience
Essential
- A reasonable amount of workplace-based, post-graduate laboratory experience either in a diagnostic environment or a forensic DNA testing laboratory or commercial/research laboratory.
- Practical experience of molecular biology and/or cytogenetic techniques.
- Post-graduate practical experience of results analysis, e.g. Sanger Sequencing, PCR-based fragment analysis, aCGH, Chromosome analysis, etc.
- Post-graduate use and maintenance of equipment for PCR set up, sequencing etc.
- Experience of Microsoft office and spreadsheets.
Desirable
- Previous experience in a NHS Genetics diagnostic laboratory.
- Experience of working towards UKAS accreditation and ISO:15189 standards.
- Experience of using laboratory databases and LIMS.
- Experience of analytical procedures, automated equipment and automated systems of work.
Special knowledge
Essential
- Theoretical and practical knowledge of molecular genetic techniques including PCR, sequencing and/or fragment analysis and/or cell culture and cytogenetic techniques.
Desirable
- Undergraduate level knowledge of human genetics e.g. simple patterns of inheritance, genome organisation, molecular basis of inherited disease.
- Knowledge and experience of IT systems and software packages relating to complex automated diagnostic equipment and processes.
Skills
Essential
- Ability to work according to good laboratory practice.
- Ability to follow standard operating procedures accurately.
- Ability to keep accurate written and computerised records.
- Good level of attention to detail
- Good planning and organisational skills
- Good co-ordination skills and manual dexterity
- Good interpersonal and written and verbal communication skills.
Special attributes
Essential
- Interested in laboratory technology.
- Ability to cope with pressures of work.
- Good team player.
- Flexible approach to work.
- Able to cope with distressing situations (e.g. receipt/handling of abnormal fetus)
Desirable
- Capable of prolonged concentration and attention to detail in carrying out microscopic chromosome analysis
Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential
- BSc (Hons) in a relevant biological science (i.e. including a human genetics component).
Desirable
- Academy for Healthcare Science (AHCS) registered as a genetic technologist or working towards registration.
- ACC/CMGS Certificate of Competence in Genetic Technology.
Experience
Essential
- A reasonable amount of workplace-based, post-graduate laboratory experience either in a diagnostic environment or a forensic DNA testing laboratory or commercial/research laboratory.
- Practical experience of molecular biology and/or cytogenetic techniques.
- Post-graduate practical experience of results analysis, e.g. Sanger Sequencing, PCR-based fragment analysis, aCGH, Chromosome analysis, etc.
- Post-graduate use and maintenance of equipment for PCR set up, sequencing etc.
- Experience of Microsoft office and spreadsheets.
Desirable
- Previous experience in a NHS Genetics diagnostic laboratory.
- Experience of working towards UKAS accreditation and ISO:15189 standards.
- Experience of using laboratory databases and LIMS.
- Experience of analytical procedures, automated equipment and automated systems of work.
Special knowledge
Essential
- Theoretical and practical knowledge of molecular genetic techniques including PCR, sequencing and/or fragment analysis and/or cell culture and cytogenetic techniques.
Desirable
- Undergraduate level knowledge of human genetics e.g. simple patterns of inheritance, genome organisation, molecular basis of inherited disease.
- Knowledge and experience of IT systems and software packages relating to complex automated diagnostic equipment and processes.
Skills
Essential
- Ability to work according to good laboratory practice.
- Ability to follow standard operating procedures accurately.
- Ability to keep accurate written and computerised records.
- Good level of attention to detail
- Good planning and organisational skills
- Good co-ordination skills and manual dexterity
- Good interpersonal and written and verbal communication skills.
Special attributes
Essential
- Interested in laboratory technology.
- Ability to cope with pressures of work.
- Good team player.
- Flexible approach to work.
- Able to cope with distressing situations (e.g. receipt/handling of abnormal fetus)
Desirable
- Capable of prolonged concentration and attention to detail in carrying out microscopic chromosome analysis
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).
