The Synnovis Cancer Genetics laboratory at Guy's Hospital is part of the South East Genomics Laboratory Hub (SEGLH) and is the designated provider of adult solid tumour testing for the whole of the SEGLH geography. Large scale expansion and transformation of the service is underway to ensure equity of access to the NHSE National Genomic Test Directory for Cancer.
A vacancy has arisen for an AfC band 6 equivalent medical technical officer (MTO3) who will be the lead laboratory technician for a subsection of the service, providing leadership, support and technical advice with respect to routine service delivery, equipment maintenance and procurement. You will work closely with the technical team in a supervisory and trouble-shooting capacity and participate in the Duty Scientist rota. Specialist knowledge and experience of a wide variety of molecular processes such as DNA/RNA extraction, quantification, quantitative real-time PCR and NGS library preparation, is essential to enable effective troubleshooting, supervision and training.
The successful candidate will be responsible for the management of a sub section of the cancer genetics technical workload. The successful candidate will contribute to the clinical work of the Cancer Genetics team undertaking a broad range of technical laboratory activities such as extractions, sample processing, library preparation for manual and automated high-throughput sequencing for adult solid tumour testing and liquid biopsy testing, real time quantitative PCR for AML MRD and a variety of cytogenetic processes and there will be an opportunity to undertake some analytical work.
The Cancer Genetics team is comprised of around 50 administrative, scientific and technical staff within the cytogenetic and molecular genetic laboratories. Testing is provided for patients with a wide range of adult solid tumours and haematological malignancies, in order to provide diagnostic and prognostic information and inform treatment decisions. The service includes a substantial nationally and internationally renowned acute myeloid leukaemia (AML) minimal residual disease (MRD) monitoring service which has close links with the King's College NIHR clinical trials AML MRD unit. The laboratory is accredited according to UKAS 15189 standards and is an accredited training laboratory for the provision of the cancer genetic Scientific Training Programme (STP) and the Molecular Pathology of Acquired Disease Higher Specialist Training (HSST) programme.
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.
Technical Duties
Act as the lead technician for a sub-section of the Cancer Genetics Service, providing leadership and technical advice with respect to routine service delivery, equipment maintenance and procurement
Use laboratory information systems according to protocols
Undertake routine and complex sample preparation using accuracy and precision to correctly employ the procedures and protocols applicable to cancer genetics, including handling of patient information.
Laboratory duties include, but are not restricted to; setting up, harvesting, slide making and banding of liquid samples for G-banded and FISH analysis, de-paraffination of FFPE tissue sections for FISH, setting up and processing slides for FISH analysis, CD138+ selection of bone marrow samples using the Robosep machine, manual and/or robotic DNA and RNA extractions from a variety of human tissue types, preparing samples for molecular analysis using techniques such as Sanger sequencing, RT-PCR and Next Generation sequencing (NGS)
When appropriate accurately perform analysis of samples referred for Cancer Genetic analysis - this requires frequent and prolonged periods of concentration. Analytical techniques used will depend on individual competencies and training; analysis will include but is not restricted to FISH analysis of bone marrow/peripheral blood samples and FFPE tissue sections, G-banded analysis, mutation analysis by Sanger sequencing, RT-PCR for AML MRD and NGS analysis of solid tumour/ ctDNA samples
Undertake an appropriate proportion of the total workload of the Cancer Genetics section and take responsibility for accuracy of the work
Undertake accurate and precise data entry on the laboratory computer system, including drafting diagnostic reports under the supervision of senior staff
Provide cover for staff at the same or lower grade depending on the needs of the service
The post holder must communicate all problems and obtain help/advice from appropriate senior staff
Develop a close working relationship with the technical and scientific staff within Cancer Genetics and liaise with members of the other sections of the SEGLH as required
When necessary, prepare reagents and solutions used within the department
Liaise with the clinical scientists regarding technical matters, sample preparation and selection of further tests as required
Perform automated, semi-automated and manual processing of specimens which may require a high level of dexterity.
Prepare, process and analyse samples for clinical trials and research and development projects as and when required
Perform quality control measures to monitor analytical performance, take corrective action where applicable and report any failures to an appropriate member of staff
Set up equipment for use by other members of staff
Undertake preventative maintenance of automated analysers as and when required
Undertake troubleshooting of analytical instruments and automated analysers
Where appropriate attend and support clinics and satellite labs
Administrative duties
Line manage and/or supervise other technical staff at a lower grade
Supervise students or visiting members of staff working in Cancer Genetics as required
Assist in ensuring laboratory record keeping is accurate and in compliance with good work practices as required according to standards required by ISO15189
Undertake work file management to ensure all results are reported with agreed turnaround time
Effectively communicate with laboratory and medical staff to ensure that specimens are dealt with appropriately and in a timely fashion
Enter patient results onto laboratory computer system as and when required
Use information systems and both general and specialised computer software for data entry and for collection and interpretation of information to assist in the provision of laboratory services
General duties
Compliance with local and national policies for the safe secure and confidential processing, and storage of patient and other laboratory information
Maintain integrity and accuracy of laboratory database where appropriate
Be proactive in escalating any possible issues that may impact on service delivery to senior colleagues
Follow policies within own work area and propose changes to such policies
Responsible for the planning and organising own workload
Assist in training of other staff members
Maintain high scientific and quality standards
Participate in maintenance of quality to ISO15189 standards and be actively involved in quality improvement.
Participate in internal and external quality assurance programmes
Participate in audits and surveys as and when required
Ensure workplace and workbench areas are kept at laboratory standard
Build and maintain working relations with all members of staff and promote effective teamwork
Undertake mandatory training as required by Synnovis
Maintain and promote the professional image of Synnovis
Undertake an internal training programme including attendance at relevant meetings
Work within the remit of confidentiality when dealing with issues of a sensitive nature
Undertake a period of laboratory training and competence assessment
Participate in an annual appraisal cycle, and be assessed against the competences of the role
Maintain knowledge and skills as identified by the appraisal cycle
Observe and adhere to local and national health and safety policies
Key Working Arrangements
Work independently and within occupational and departmental policies, Standard Operating Procedures and codes of conduct
Special Working Conditions
Within the boundaries of the health and safety policy, may be required to undertake tasks which are repetitive or require mental or physical effort
Manual preparation and processing of specimens can frequently require post holder to remain in a restricted position for long periods of time
Preparation and processing and analysis of samples often require frequent long periods of concentration
Exposure to distressing or emotional circumstances are rare due to limited need for contact with patients
Exposure to hazardous environmental and chemical substances
Undertake frequent handling of biological specimens which have pathological risks
May be required to work shifts or provide out of hours cover as determined by departmental service need and as directed in individual contracts of employment
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.
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 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!
Applications are welcomed from applicants with a disability. We can make reasonable adjustments and offer support and advice in a variety of ways throughout the application process. All applicants are welcome to apply regardless of age, disability, gender, marital status, race, nationality or ethnic origin, religion, or sexual orientation. Equality of opportunity is our policy.
Our Bank workers enjoy competitive market rates and flexible contract assignments across all of our sites, dependant on your availability and location.
For our Permanent workforce we offer a competitive benefits package.
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