Band 6 Genomic Research Technician

Our trust has over 17,000 staff serving 2 million patients every year. It comprises Barnet Hospital, Chase Farm Hospital, the Royal Free Hospital, North Middlesex University Hospital and more than 30 services in the community. This larger scale organisation provides an unprecedented opportunity for us to continue our pioneering work, particularly in finding ways to deliver even better care to our patients.

Our mission is to deliver world class care and expertise in our clinical services, underpinned by world class teaching and research and we will continue to measure our progress against our five governing objectives: excellent outcomes, excellent patient and staff experience, excellent value for taxpayers’ money, being safe and meeting our external duties, and building a strong organisation.

Everyone is welcome at Royal Free London NHS Foundation Trust. We're proud of our diversity and we continue to undertake new initiatives to advance equality for LGBT+, BME, gender equality, staff carers and people with disabilities and lived experiences to promote good relations and understanding between our staff.

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Job overview

We are seeking to appoint a Genomic Research Technician for a fixed term of 22 months (with potential for extension subject to funding) to undertake the technical and analytical duties in the provision of a high-quality genetics service at the NAC.

Excellent Methodical and organised approach to work with attention to detail are essential.

• Carrying out diagnostic assays using a wide range of molecular biology techniques, in particular the NGS Library Preparation and sequencing
• Analyse and interpret DNA result and report these results at weekly MDT meetings
• Maintenance of laboratory apparatus and equipment
• Participation in developing new methodologies & technologies
• Support and assistance senior staff in the genetic section of the Jack O'Neil Laboratory
• Managing variable workloads and have the ability to manage several 'ongoing' cases simultaneously
• Provide support and guidelines for planning of the workload
• Have experience to develop, maintain and troubleshoot complex genomic investigations

Working for our organisation

Jack O’Neill Laboratory consists of a small team covering the following sections: specimen reception, molecular genetics, histopathology and proteomics.

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

• Carrying out diagnostic assays using range of molecular biology techniques such as PCR, gel electrophoresis, Sanger sequencing and Next Generation Sequencing (NGS).
• Operational experience of automated genetic analysers, monitoring of results and early identification of any diminished performance of technical assays
• Experience in interpreting of DNA results and reporting at weekly MDT meetings
• Maintenance of laboratory apparatus and equipment
• Participation in developing new methodologies & technologies to enhance the services already provided.
• Offer technical support and training to junior and senior staff in Jack O'Neil Laboratory.
• Assist the Jack O’Neill Laboratory management team in maintaining high scientific and quality standards.
• Be responsible for validation and verification of new laboratory procedures before these are implemented into routine diagnostic work.
• To analyse and interpret test result and report at weekly MDT meetings
• To assist in the diagnostic assay development
• To provide pre- and post-analytical advice to clinical and laboratory staff from other hospitals for the specialist tests performed in the laboratory
• To ensure staff complete and maintain relevant competency assessments as required for UKAS accreditation.

Person specification

Values

• Demonstrable ability to meet the Trust Values

Education & professional Qualifications

• Degree in Molecular Biology, Genetics, or related subject
• Evidence of continuing personal development related to working in molecular biology/ genetic diagnostic lab
• Registration or working towards registration with the Academy for Healthcare Science or equivalent

Experience

• Previous experience of using molecular genetics analytical techniques
• Previous experience of supervising/training other staff
• Experience with laboratory information and quality management systems, UKAS compliance
• Experience in generating and interpretation of DNA results
• Experience in developing new methodologies & technologies

Skills and aptitudes

• Good IT skills, including the Microsoft Office suite, file management and a willingness to keep skills up to date.
• Ability to work under pressure while managing a variety of tasks.
• Ability to problem solve and to work using own initiative.
• Proactive, well organised and responsible
• Precision and excellent attention to detail
• Ability to work as part of a multidisciplinary team
• Covid-19 Vaccination

• AT* - Apprenticeship Training. Where AT* is entered next to the job title indicates that this vacancy is for an apprenticeship role.
• By applying for this role, you accept if successful, that your personal data may be transferred from the Trust to another NHS organisation where your employment transfers within the NHS. This is in accordance with the streamlining programme which aims at saving you time and improving efficiencies within the NHS when your employment transfers. Therefore we require you to complete your stat and Man e-learning modules prior to joining our organisation.
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