The Genetics department is looking for enthusiastic, highly motivated Associate Practitioners to join our comprehensive Genetics Service at the South East Genomic Laboratory Hub (SEGLH), based at Guy’s Hospital. You will support the continued provision of service and development of new tests aligned to the NHSE Genetics Test Directory.
We are recruiting to 3 year fixed term posts in the Monogenics team.
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 perform a variety of routine genetic diagnostic tests. An interest in genetics, practical experience in 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 undertake a range of laboratory and housekeeping duties as appropriate, making use of the laboratory robotics equipment. They will work as part of a team, comprising of MLAs and Genetic Technologists who are line managed by Senior Technical staff.
The technical and scientific teams work closely to deliver a high-quality laboratory diagnostic service. Excellent communication skills are required to work effectively with other team members.
They will perform semi-automated and manual processing of specimens, including DNA/ RNA extraction, PCR and Sanger Sequencing which requires a high level of concentration and dexterity.
They will also ensure quality control measures are carried out to monitor analytical performance, take corrective action where applicable and report any failures to senior members 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 ACCE competencies 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.
Job Summary
This role supports the delivery of genomic investigations as part of the Laboratory teams in Synnovis. Reporting to Technical Lead, you will hold a variety of responsibilities to ensure the successful delivery of pathology services, in line with our corporate objectives.
Duties and Responsibilities
You will hold a variety of accountabilities in the laboratory environment. These will include, but are not limited to:
Handle and manage samples, in line with standard operating procedures (SOPs) and assessed competencies.
Perform tasks, operate and troubleshoot laboratory equipment within all safety standards and according to local SOPs relevant to your area.
Prepare specimens and perform manual, semi-automated and fully-automated laboratory investigations within training parameters and where appropriate under supervision.
Perform and interpret genomic tests by participating in regular daily workloads, under the supervision of an appropriate Technical Lead in your area.
Safely handle, use and dispose of biological specimens including infectious material or hazardous chemicals according to laboratory and health and safety protocols.
Participate in quality management activities including inspections and audits, as required.
Perform specimen reception duties as required by the service including checking details, receiving and logging patient requests on to the LIMS.
Process referral specimens, receive samples dispatched from other laboratories and prepare samples for despatch to other laboratories or hospitals.
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!
