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Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust

Senior Genetic Technologist

Information:

This job is now closed

Job summary

An exciting opportunity has arisen for a full time Senior Genetic Technologist to join the team in the Oxford Genetics Laboratories. We are seeking an enthusiastic, self-motivated individual with significant experience of working as a Genetic Technologist in a diagnostic laboratory and would ideally have achieved ACHS registration as a Genetic Technologist. The candidate should have a keen interest in team building and process improvement, and be able to work with senior staff to establish resilient sample workflows that can sustain the changes in test repertoire under the new Genomic Medicine Services. The ability to adapt to changes in the GMS across England is essential.

The successful candidate is expected to oversee a team of technologists delivering processes related to somatic cancer, including both solid tumour and haemato-oncology. Signifiant experience of relevent molecular genetic techniques, including the ability to deliver training, troubleshoot processes are essential, as is experience of working within an appropriate Quality Managment System.

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

Senior Genetic Technologists undertake technical, analytical and administrative duties that support the clinical scientists in the department. They take personal responsibility for their own work and supervise a technical subsection of the laboratory on a daily basis subject to the supervision of Senior Technologist staff, which includes performing line management duties for junior technical staff.

They are expected to maintain practical competence in their area of work which will involve the processing of a wide range of pathological specimens for a broad range of genomic tests according to standard operating procedures. Senior Technologists participate in the teaching and training load of the department, in line with the limits of their experience. They will be 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 and contribute to the quality management system by participating in SOP review, audit and other appropriate tasks. 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.

Details

Date posted

02 January 2024

Pay scheme

Agenda for change

Band

Band 6

Salary

£35,392 to £42,618 a year per annum pro rata

Contract

Permanent

Working pattern

Full-time

Reference number

321-CSS-5511177-B6-A

Job locations

Oxford Genetics Laboratories, John Radcliffe Hospital

Oxford

OX3 9DU


Job description

Job responsibilities

Clinical Service

1. 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 samples

b. Review appropriate risk and COSHH assessments in areas relevant to own practise and abide by laboratory health and safety policies

c. Undertake troubleshooting for failed analyses

d. Validate quality of technical analysis, repeat and perform subsequent investigations following discussions clinical scientists according to defined criteria

e. Draft routine reports on the patient database according to defined templates

f. Arrange dispatch of different types of samples. Deal with queries relating to 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 scientists for further discussion

4. Liaise with other 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 Management

7. Prepare reagents and media used in the processing and testing of samples, and safely handle toxic substances that are hazardous to health (eg PHA, colchicine

8. 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 to departmental protocols. Dispose of hazardous chemicals and biohazard waste

10. Undertake stock-control and ordering of routine reagents and consumables as required

11. 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).

Staff

12. Take responsibility, with other band 6 Genetic technologists, for the day to day supervision of the technical team including line management, monitoring workload, absence cover and production of rotas to ensure adequate service delivery

12. Participate in the teaching and training of new members of staff or less experienced employees in own work area by demonstrating own work activities and routine practice.

13. Advise other technologists and less experienced staff in areas such as sample processing, basic troubleshooting, organisation of work, setting up of instrumentation.

14. Take responsibility for delivery, co-ordination and monitoring of the technical training programme.

15. Maintain accurate and up to date records of technical staff training and identification and scheduling of further training requirements

17. Take responsibility for delivery, co-ordination and monitoring of the technical CPD programme

18. Participate in the recruitment and selection of staff, as required by the Head of Service

Equipment Management

19. Identify new or replacement equipment required, liaise with commercial companies and obtain quotes and assist in the preparation of business cases for procurement of equipment.

20. Oversee the delivery and installation of new equipment.

21.Take responsibility for organising maintenance contracts to ensure appropriate level of cover and response times.

22. Organise visits of contractors for routine maintenance and repair of equipment as required.

23. Maintain departmental equipment register in accordance with local and accreditation requirements.

Research and Service Development

24. Assist clinical scientists in research and development projects which meet the overall objectives of the department.

Personal Development

25. Participate in and attend in house training at postgraduate level for the development and maintenance of skills, knowledge and expertise required for the post (e.g. scientific and technical literature reviews, seminars, presents own work on relevant topics)

Informatics/Bioinformatics

26. Be proficient in the use of Microsoft office applications to prepare occasional written and oral presentations (e.g. powerpoint presentations, word documents). Design and manipulate excel spread sheets to analyse and present data.

27. Be proficient in the use of state of the art software packages for the analysis of DNA samples

28. Collate results from a range of tests and enter complex analytical data onto computer databases, including the laboratory information management system (LIMS).

General

29. Abide by all Operational Policies applicable to the Department

30. Co-operate with management and safety representatives in matters connected with the Health and Safety at Work Act of Practice for safety in laboratories

31. 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 resources

32. Participate in internal quality control and internal and external quality assessment procedures

Job description

Job responsibilities

Clinical Service

1. 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 samples

b. Review appropriate risk and COSHH assessments in areas relevant to own practise and abide by laboratory health and safety policies

c. Undertake troubleshooting for failed analyses

d. Validate quality of technical analysis, repeat and perform subsequent investigations following discussions clinical scientists according to defined criteria

e. Draft routine reports on the patient database according to defined templates

f. Arrange dispatch of different types of samples. Deal with queries relating to 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 scientists for further discussion

4. Liaise with other 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 Management

7. Prepare reagents and media used in the processing and testing of samples, and safely handle toxic substances that are hazardous to health (eg PHA, colchicine

8. 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 to departmental protocols. Dispose of hazardous chemicals and biohazard waste

10. Undertake stock-control and ordering of routine reagents and consumables as required

11. 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).

Staff

12. Take responsibility, with other band 6 Genetic technologists, for the day to day supervision of the technical team including line management, monitoring workload, absence cover and production of rotas to ensure adequate service delivery

12. Participate in the teaching and training of new members of staff or less experienced employees in own work area by demonstrating own work activities and routine practice.

13. Advise other technologists and less experienced staff in areas such as sample processing, basic troubleshooting, organisation of work, setting up of instrumentation.

14. Take responsibility for delivery, co-ordination and monitoring of the technical training programme.

15. Maintain accurate and up to date records of technical staff training and identification and scheduling of further training requirements

17. Take responsibility for delivery, co-ordination and monitoring of the technical CPD programme

18. Participate in the recruitment and selection of staff, as required by the Head of Service

Equipment Management

19. Identify new or replacement equipment required, liaise with commercial companies and obtain quotes and assist in the preparation of business cases for procurement of equipment.

20. Oversee the delivery and installation of new equipment.

21.Take responsibility for organising maintenance contracts to ensure appropriate level of cover and response times.

22. Organise visits of contractors for routine maintenance and repair of equipment as required.

23. Maintain departmental equipment register in accordance with local and accreditation requirements.

Research and Service Development

24. Assist clinical scientists in research and development projects which meet the overall objectives of the department.

Personal Development

25. Participate in and attend in house training at postgraduate level for the development and maintenance of skills, knowledge and expertise required for the post (e.g. scientific and technical literature reviews, seminars, presents own work on relevant topics)

Informatics/Bioinformatics

26. Be proficient in the use of Microsoft office applications to prepare occasional written and oral presentations (e.g. powerpoint presentations, word documents). Design and manipulate excel spread sheets to analyse and present data.

27. Be proficient in the use of state of the art software packages for the analysis of DNA samples

28. Collate results from a range of tests and enter complex analytical data onto computer databases, including the laboratory information management system (LIMS).

General

29. Abide by all Operational Policies applicable to the Department

30. Co-operate with management and safety representatives in matters connected with the Health and Safety at Work Act of Practice for safety in laboratories

31. 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 resources

32. Participate in internal quality control and internal and external quality assessment procedures

Person Specification

Qualifications

Essential

  • BSc (Hons) in a relevant biological science (i.e. including a human genetics component).

Desirable

  • Academy for Healthcare Science (AHCS) registration as a genetic technologist
  • ACC/CMGS Certificate of Competence in Genetic Technology

Experience

Essential

  • Significant workplace-based, post-graduate laboratory experience of genetic testing in a NHS diagnostic laboratory at band 5 or above.
  • Significant practical experience of a range of genetic techniques including use and maintenance of relevant equipment and troubleshooting.
  • Experience of working towards UKAS accreditation and ISO:15189 standards
  • Experience of using laboratory databases and LIMS.
  • Experience of training others in laboratory techniques

Desirable

  • Experience of managing/supervising others
  • Experience of validation/verification of new technologies or processes.
  • Experience of change management.

Special Knowledge

Essential

  • Knowledge and experience of IT systems and software packages relating to complex automated diagnostic equipment and processes

Skills

Essential

  • Good level of attention to detail.
  • Good interpersonal, written and communication skills.
  • Evidence of working to Good Laboratory Practice

Special Attributes

Essential

  • Interested in laboratory technology.
  • Flexible approach
  • Personal resilience
  • Ability to build and maintain an effective team
Person Specification

Qualifications

Essential

  • BSc (Hons) in a relevant biological science (i.e. including a human genetics component).

Desirable

  • Academy for Healthcare Science (AHCS) registration as a genetic technologist
  • ACC/CMGS Certificate of Competence in Genetic Technology

Experience

Essential

  • Significant workplace-based, post-graduate laboratory experience of genetic testing in a NHS diagnostic laboratory at band 5 or above.
  • Significant practical experience of a range of genetic techniques including use and maintenance of relevant equipment and troubleshooting.
  • Experience of working towards UKAS accreditation and ISO:15189 standards
  • Experience of using laboratory databases and LIMS.
  • Experience of training others in laboratory techniques

Desirable

  • Experience of managing/supervising others
  • Experience of validation/verification of new technologies or processes.
  • Experience of change management.

Special Knowledge

Essential

  • Knowledge and experience of IT systems and software packages relating to complex automated diagnostic equipment and processes

Skills

Essential

  • Good level of attention to detail.
  • Good interpersonal, written and communication skills.
  • Evidence of working to Good Laboratory Practice

Special Attributes

Essential

  • Interested in laboratory technology.
  • Flexible approach
  • Personal resilience
  • Ability to build and maintain an effective team

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.

Certificate of Sponsorship

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.

Certificate of Sponsorship

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).

Employer details

Employer name

Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust

Address

Oxford Genetics Laboratories, John Radcliffe Hospital

Oxford

OX3 9DU


Employer's website

https://www.ouh.nhs.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)

Employer details

Employer name

Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust

Address

Oxford Genetics Laboratories, John Radcliffe Hospital

Oxford

OX3 9DU


Employer's website

https://www.ouh.nhs.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)

Employer contact details

For questions about the job, contact:

Lead Genetic Technologist

Kate Gibson

kate.gibson@ouh.nhs.uk

01865225319

Details

Date posted

02 January 2024

Pay scheme

Agenda for change

Band

Band 6

Salary

£35,392 to £42,618 a year per annum pro rata

Contract

Permanent

Working pattern

Full-time

Reference number

321-CSS-5511177-B6-A

Job locations

Oxford Genetics Laboratories, John Radcliffe Hospital

Oxford

OX3 9DU


Supporting documents

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