About this role
Job summary
The Royal Marsden has a vital role in championing change and improvement in cancer care through research and innovation, education and leading-edge practice. We are incredibly proud of our international reputation for pushing the boundaries and for our ground breaking work ensuring our patients receive the very best and latest in cancer treatment and care.
An exciting opportunity has arisen for an Associate Practitioner to join the Clinical Genomics department. The department is located in the Centre for Molecular Pathology and is one of seven national Genomic Laboratory Hubs offering Cancer Genomic testing in England. The department provides a reference Molecular Diagnostics and Cytogenetics Service for solid tumours and haematological malignancies, as well as participating in clinical trials.
The post holder will be required to rotate through the Clinical Genomics laboratories to perform technical duties, including but not limited to; specimen reception, data entry, DNA/RNA/ctDNA extraction. The post holder will be expected to assist in training and support activities such as quality, equipment maintenance and audits. Attention to detail is essential and the post holder must be able to work to high standards following defined protocols.
Main duties of the job
The post holder will support scientific teams in the provision of a timely and efficient accredited Clinical Genomics Service. The post holder must be able to take responsibility for working alone and as part of a team to achieve necessary performance levels. The post-holder will be expected to work within Cancer Diagnostics Central Reception and all areas of Clinical Genomics (both Cytogenetics and Molecular Diagnostics) to perform laboratory support duties, with minimal supervision. The major focus of the role will be in sample collection, data entry, sample prioritisation and distribution working within the Cancer Diagnostics Central Reception. The specimen reception is open from 8.30am to 5.30pm and so the post holder will be required to participate on a shift system on a rotational basis to provide this cover.
About us
The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust is a world-leading cancer centre. Our role is to offer our patients the best cancer care available anywhere in the world, and to continue to make a global contribution to finding better ways of diagnosing and treating cancer. We employ over 4,500 staff in a diverse range of careers including nursing, medical, science, radiography, pharmacy, occupational therapy, finance and administrative services. We have two hospitals - one in Chelsea, London, and one in Sutton, Surrey - as well as a Medical Daycare Unit in Kingston Hospital.
At The Royal Marsden, we deal with cancer every day, so we understand how valuable life is. When people entrust their lives to us, they have the right to demand the very best. That's why the pursuit of excellence lies at the heart of everything we do.
At the heart of the hospital is our dedicated team. We offer a stimulating and dynamic working environment, a wide range of staff benefits, learning and development opportunities and clear career pathways. There are opportunities to work flexibly across a range of areas and specialities and we welcome flexible working requests from point of hire to support employees work life balance. We are looking for employees who aspire to excellence, share our values and can play a crucial role in our on-going achievements.
Job description Job responsibilities
For further information please refer to the job description and personal specification
To collect different types of biological samples from the main Pathology laboratories, minor procedures, theatres and switchboard during the day, including late samples, and maintaining all relevant audit trails.
To receive and check samples from referral hospitals, laboratories and wards. To verify ID against request form and liaise with appropriate staff where errors or omissions exist. To log samples on the audit trail.
To safely deal with high risk samples according to policy.
To prioritise samples according to SOPs and laboratory requirements
The successful applicant must have a relevant A levels including a science subject and have experience working in a relevant laboratory. Experience in cytogenetic and molecular diagnostics techniques is desirable. Please note: total weekly working hours are 37.5 hours, however in line with the NHSE requirements for the delivery of the Cancer Test Directory, the Clinical Genomics department will operate an extended working hours service, the postholder will be required to participate in a shift system on a rotational basis.
Person Specification
Education/Qualifications Essential
Good general education including A-levels, with at least one science subject Recognised qualifications in Maths and English
Desirable
BSc in Biological Science or equivalent Knowledge of theory & practice of laboratory techniques
Experience Essential
Experience working in a relevant laboratory or healthcare setting Awareness and understanding of handling biological samples Experience using Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) Knowledge of laboratory techniques and practices Awareness of laboratory health & safety procedures and COSHH
Desirable
Knowledge of molecular and cytogenetic techniques (e.g., DNA/RNA extraction, FISH, slide preparation) Experience working in a UKAS-accredited diagnostic laboratory
Skills & Abilities Essential
High level of attention to detail and accuracy Manual dexterity for technical tasks Strong data entry and IT skills, including use of LIMS and Microsoft Office Ability to follow written instructions and protocols Good verbal and written communication skills Able to prioritise and manage own workload
Desirable
Understands the relationship between laboratory work and patient care Basic understanding of quality systems (e.g., ISO 15189, UKAS) and data integrity
Personal Qualities Essential
Reliable, enthusiastic, and proactive Ability to work independently and as part of a team Demonstrates initiative within role boundaries Willing to respond flexibly to service demands Ability to prioritise tasks and organise daily work
Disclosure and Barring Service Check This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.
Employer details Employer name The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust
Address The Royal Marsden Sutton
Sutton
SM2 5PT
United Kingdom
Employer's website https://www.royalmarsden.nhs.uk/working-royal-marsden (Opens in a new tab)