Job Description

We are looking for a highly motivated individual for the administrative role of Genomics Coordinator to join our comprehensive Synnovis Genomics laboratory, part of the South East Genomic Laboratory Hub (SEGLH), based at Guy's Hospital. This post will involve working within the Prenatal and Reproductive Genetics and Developmental Disorders teams to process test requests in the local laboratory information management system (LIMS), monitor and reply to emails regarding testing, support the coordination and administration of testing performed by external laboratories as well as other administrative tasks.



Successful applicants will be dedicated, enthusiastic and have good communication skills. The role requires consistent attention to detail and excellent organisational skills. Knowledge of genomics testing is preferable but not essential, as full training to perform the required tasks will be provided.



The successful candidate will be joining a large and fully integrated Department with close links to Clinical Services throughout Guy's and St Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust (GSTfT) and St George's Hospital Foundation Trust. With our partner laboratories, the GLH for the South East England region provides a comprehensive genomics service for a population of 8.4 million and is responsible for delivering genomic testing and reporting across the geography. Applications are invited from committed individuals.



This role requires daily onsite working.



The Genomics Coordinator will be required to act as a flexible administrative resource to support the Prenatal and Reproductive Genetics (PreRep) and Developmental Disorders (DevDis) Clinical teams.



The core activities requiring support from the Genomics Coordinator are outlined below:



Triage of PreRep and DevDis teams' genetic test requests, prior to authorisation by the Clinical Scientist;

o Activating appropriate genetic test workflows using the Laboratory Information Management System [LIMS]



o Assigning priority of testing



o Liaising with clinicians if necessary to ensure appropriate testing for patients



Monitoring of duty scientist email inboxes

o Liaising with Clinical Scientists and responding to queries where appropriate



Performing daily workload audits across both PreRep and DevDis sections. Coordinating the send-away of samples to other testing laboratories.

The post holder will be required to work autonomously, have good organisational abilities, excellent IT skills and good attention to detail. The post requires a good level of administrative experience and highly developed communication skills.



The South East Genomics Laboratory Hub (SEGLH)



SEGLH is one of seven hubs that are commissioned to provide genomics services within England and is itself responsible for delivering genomic testing across South East England with a population of approximately 8.4 million.



The SEGLH is led by the Synnovis Genomics laboratory based at Guy's & St Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust and is made up of a consortium of laboratory providers in the South London, Kent, Surrey and Sussex region.



Synnovis



Synnovis is a pathology partnership between SYNLAB UK and Ireland, and the NHS, including sites, Guy's & St Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust and King's College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, to deliver and transform pathology services across South East London.



The partnership provides services to 1.7 million people living in South East London, as well as to hundreds of thousands of patients from outside the region who use local healthcare services.



The partnership provides diagnostics, testing and digital pathology for hospital trusts, GP services and other healthcare providers.



Guy's and St Thomas' Hospital Foundation Trust



Guy's and St Thomas' Hospital Foundation Trust is a major emergency and specialist teaching Trust which has all the specialties associated with a fascinating and career defining case load including: Women's Services, Fetal Medicine, Haematology, Oncology, Transplantation, and is also home to the Evelina Children's Hospital and the Cancer Centre on the Guy's site.



You will be close to the vibrant Borough Market and the South Bank, which are exceptional London locations; perfect places to work and relax next to such iconic venues as Big Ben, The London Eye and The Shard!



Your development and learning



You will have a suite of learning opportunities available through The Synnovis Way Development programme, the Scientific Learning and Development Fund and the Synnovis Academy through which you can receive funding / support for advanced qualifications.



Through our Innovation Accelerator Fund, you can apply for finance to get that new innovative scientific project off the ground, and participate with the wider scientific community through symposiums, conferences and other peer group meetings



At Synnovis, we are currently shaping the future of pathology services by creating a world-leading Hub and Spoke pathology network with our NHS partners. A large part of this modernisation will involve moving 70% of our services to a purpose built, state of the art Hub laboratory in the heart of London. For now, the job you are applying for will be based at one of our hospital sites however, from 1 April 2024 our people and services will start to move to our Hub laboratory in Blackfriars, Southwark, SE1, with some work remaining in refurbished essential services laboratories across our hospital network, focusing on the rapid turnover of urgent tests. Please do ask your recruiting manager if you wish to find out more.



The main duties and responsibilities listed below are representative of the Genomics Coordinator role and its purpose within the PreRep and DevDis genomics services; they are not exhaustive and the post holder may be required to undertake additional or alternative administrative and managerial duties and responsibilities appropriate with the level of the post, to support the smooth running of the department.



Test assignment



Responsible for assigning appropriate laboratory genetic tests as requested on patient referral forms, escalating queries to a clinical scientist where required. Liaise with clinical teams to accurately assign testing, following up any incomplete referrals and missing documentation. Ensure accuracy of patient information in the LIMS to ensure efficient pathway progress.

Duty scientist email account monitoring



Respond in an accurate and timely manner to service queries (for example from service users, external laboratories, and SEGLH staff). Escalate queries to a Clinical Scientist where required.

Coordination of testing within other departments of SEGLH and at external laboratories



Support coordination of testing within other sections of the department and/or external laboratories where necessary. o Be on rota for the prenatal coordinator (PNC) role and be responsible for the administrative co-ordination of prenatal testing by external laboratories, this will include;

o Liaising with colleagues in the monogenics team at SEGLH, the clinical teams referring the testing as well as external laboratories performing the testing.



o Maintaining up to date records to track progress of sample testing.



o Answering administrative queries relating to testing where appropriate.



Data auditing



Perform daily audits to assess workload and inform Key Performance Indicators (KPIs). Liaise with technical and Clinical Scientist teams to ensure efficient processing of samples. Ensure accuracy of data within the LIMS.

Reporting of unsuitable samples



Using the LIMS to generate templated unsuitable reports for onward authorisation by Clinical Scientists.

Other



Contribute to the quality management of the laboratory;

o Escalate any errors as per local policy



o Identify improvements that can be made to workflows to reduce inefficiencies and delays



o Review and support development of standard operating procedures



Actively participate in department development as appropriate and participate in departmental meetings. Undertake any other duties appropriate with the grade, required to ensure the smooth and efficient running of the department. Undertake any training as required to complete the tasks associated with the job role.

General



The post holder may be required to carry out other duties in line with the grading of the post. The job description may be subject to change and, if so, this will take place in consultation with the post holder.



This role requires daily onsite working.



GSTT



Guy's and St Thomas' Hospital Foundation Trust is a major emergency and specialist teaching Trust which has all the specialties associated with a fascinating and career defining case load including: Women's Services, Fetal Medicine, Haematology, Oncology, Transplantation, and is also home to the Evelina Children's Hospital and the Cancer Centre on the Guy's site.



You will be close to the vibrant Borough Market and the South Bank, which are exceptional London locations; perfect places to work and relax next to such iconic venues as Big Ben, The London Eye and The Shard!