Job Description

The Genetics department is looking for an enthusiastic, highly motivated R&D Genetics Technologist to join our comprehensive Genetics Service at the South East Genomic Laboratory Hub (SEGLH), based at Guy's Hospital. You will support the development of new tests aligned to the NHSE Genetics Test Directory.



We are recruiting to a post within the Monogenics technical team which provides testing of single gene disorders, including WGS.



The ideal candidate will be a quick learner and good team player. This role will give you the job satisfaction that comes from knowing that no two days are the same. The successful candidate will be involved in the development of new tests and assessment of new technologies. Practical experience in a broad range of genetic techniques as well as previous experience in a diagnostic laboratory is desirable.



The post holder is expected to maintain professional competency and dexterity in precision based tasks and maintain the levels of concentration required to maintain quality service.



The post holder will be part of a developing Monogenics R&D Team whose role is to:



Assess new technology and equipment

Develop new tests

Support the transfer of new tests into routine diagnostic service by writing appropriate documentation and providing training to the diagnostic laboratory staff

Troubleshoot existing tests and equipment



Approximately 90% of this individual's time will be devoted to these roles, while the remaining 10% will be to support routine diagnostic tests as required in the Monogenics Laboratory.



The post holder is expected to work independently and also under the supervision of the existing R&D Tech Lead. They are also expected to work with t he technical and scientific teams closely to deliver a high-quality laboratory diagnostic service. Excellent communication skills are required to work effectively with other team members.



For the diagnostic tests, they will perform semi-automated and manual processing of specimens which requires a high level of dexterity as well as analysis and report writing which requires exceptional attention to detail.



They will also ensure quality control measures are carried out to monitor analytical performance, take corrective action where applicable and report any failures to a senior member of staff.



The post holder will ensure standards as required by the ISO15189 are maintained.



The Genetics laboratories are part of Synnovis Analytics and are located within the Guy's Hospital site. The Genetics department is made up of more than 120 staff and 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 region provides a comprehensive genomics service for a population of 8 million which includes specialist germline and cancer tests and a class-leading whole exome sequencing service. The laboratory works collaboratively with other pathology disciplines and research groups such as GSTfT Biomedical Research Centre and Genomics Innovation Unit and the GSTfT Assisted Conception Unit for Preimplantation Genetic Diagnosis.



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.



Experience of handling clinical samples and use of pipettes is essential.

The post holders will be responsible for:

The post holder will develop new tests to the point of service entry to include complete validation and verification according to ISO15189 standards.

The new testing methods may include DNA extraction from a variety of sources, PCR based assays for molecular genetics disease, MLPA, Next Generation Sequencing assays and other technologies as applicable.

The post holder will be required by the Genetics management team to support the day to day running of the laboratory; including being involved in managing DNA extraction from a variety of sources, DNA processing for receipt and export, PCR based assays for molecular genetics disease, MLPA, Next Generation Sequencing assays and Pre-Implantation Diagnosis assays.

The post holder will be responsible for the training of staff on specified equipment held by the laboratory, and will participate in evaluation, validation, and implementation of new tests and equipment.

They will perform automated, semi-automated and manual processing of specimens which may require a high level of dexterity.

Analysis and reporting of results requiring exceptional attention to detail.

They will also ensure quality control measures are carried out to monitor analytical performance, take corrective action where applicable and report any failures to a senior member of staff.

Adherence to the laboratory standard operating procedures.

Strict adherence to the laboratory and Departmental Health & Safety regulations and Codes of Practice.

Undertaking work to ensure that all results are reported within agreed turnaround times and resolve any problems associated with incomplete results.



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.

All employees are entitled to:

Contributory pension scheme

Generous annual leave entitlement

Ground breaking personal development opportunities



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