About this role
Job summary
We are seeking highly motivated Scientific Support Technologists with experience working in molecular laboratories to support our expanding sequencing-based diagnostic services in Microbiology and Virology.
Our department provides specialist tests to diagnose infections in our patients and for patients in hospitals across the UK. These are sequencing-based tests using Illumina short-read sequencing, ONT long-read sequencing and Sanger sequencing. Services include untargeted metagenomics for respiratory, central nervous system and ocular infections in critically ill patients, as well as targeted and broad-range PCR for bacterial and fungal pathogens.
This is an excellent opportunity to work as part of a very experienced and dedicated team to gain extra skills and knowledge of paediatric microbiology and sequencing, including NGS (Next Generation Sequencing).
This is a vibrant, progressive, well equipped and ISO:15189 accredited laboratory.
Main duties of the job
You will follow Standard Operating Procedures to perform the laboratory work to support these services, including nucleic acid extraction, quality control steps such as Qubit and Tapestation, sequencing library preparation and loading of sequencing instruments.
You are expected to have worked in a molecular diagnostic or academic laboratory, with well-developed and accurate pipetting skills. An eye for detail and working in an organised manner is crucial to this role, as well as the ability to work within expected time frames to ensure timely results for patients.
About us
We are committed to recruiting the best person for the job through a fair, open and consistent process that is free from bias and discrimination.
We are working towards becoming an anti-racist organisation. This means creating a workplace where every colleague feels seen, heard and valued, and where racism in any form has no place. Our anti-racism commitment is backed by action through our Anti-Racism Statement and action plan, developed in collaboration with our REACH staff network.
We actively challenge discrimination, dismantle barriers and embed equity across all aspects of our workforce, including recruitment, progression and development. All applicants will receive equal consideration regardless of race, ethnicity, nationality, religion or belief, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, disability, health condition or employment history.
We particularly welcome applications from ethnically diverse communities, people with disabilities or long-term health conditions, and LGBTQ+ community members. We are proud to be a Disability Confident Employer, a member of the Business Disability Forum, and a Stonewall Diversity Champion.
Our staff networks, including REACH, PRIDE, ENABLED and Women's Networks, are active and executive supported. These employee-led networks play a vital role in shaping an inclusive culture at GOSH and are open to all colleagues.
Together, we are building a culture where inclusion is not optional - it is essential.
Job description
Job responsibilities
A detailed job description and main responsibilities are described in detail int the Job Description document. Molecular laboratory experience is essential.
Person Specification
GOSH Values
Essential
- GOSH Values
Academic/Professional qualification/Training
Essential
- Biological Science or Genetics undergraduate degree (or equivalent)
Experience/Knowledge
Essential
- Highly developed pipetting skills
- Experience of nucleic acid extraction
- Experience of PCR set-up
- Experience of NGS library preparation (e.g. Illumina, Nanopore)
- Experience processing biological specimens
- Knowledge regarding molecular microbiology techniques I/A (e.g. PCR, sequencing) and understanding of scientific and clinical terms
- Experience working with laboratory equipment
- Experience working in a scientific laboratory (NHS, academia or industry)
Desirable
- Experience of quantitation of nucleic acid (e.g. Tapestation, Qubit, nanodrop)
- Experience of Sanger Sequencing
- Previous experience of working in an NHS laboratory
- Experience in culture-based techniques
- Previous participation in UKAS ISO:15189 laboratory accreditation
- Experience with laboratory information management systems e.g. EPIC
- Experience training others
Skills/Abilities
Essential
- Careful, meticulous attention to detail
- Organised approach to work and time management
- Able to communicate effectively both verbally, by email and by appropriate documentation
- Able to follow and give instructions clearly
- Able to train others
- Able to concentrate for long periods of time, adapt to changing priorities and work under pressure
- Computer skills including excel
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.
Certificate of Sponsorship
Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).
From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).
Employer details
Employer name
Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children NHS Foundation Trust
Address
Great Ormond Street Hospital
London
WC1N 3JH
United Kingdom
Employer's website
https://www.gosh.nhs.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)