Job summary

We have an exciting opportunity for a highly motivated and experienced technical lead to join our comprehensive Genetics Service at the South East Genomics Laboratory Hub, based at Guy's Hospital.

The successful candidate will be jointly responsible for the day to day management of the Monogenics Technical team. They will have extensive knowledge and experience in a broad range of molecular genetic techniques including DNA extraction, PCR, MLPA, NGS and Sanger sequencing. In addition they will have experience of supervising and managing a team of technical staff. They will work closely with the other Technical Leads, demonstrating excellent analytical, communication and organisational skills.

Main duties of the job

The successful applicant will be a dedicated and enthusiastic individual with substantial knowledge of molecular genetics techniques and experience of analysing and reporting results. The post holder will manage a team of technical staff and be responsible for both laboratory organisation and a number of technical processes. The post holder will work with lead scientists, lab managers and other technical leads within the Monogenics Team and across the Department to ensure quality service provision. Applicants should have exceptional communication skills, demonstrate initiative, support continual quality improvement and prioritise workload. The role requires consistent attention to detail and excellent organisational skills.

This is a rare opportunity for an experienced technician to step into a management and service improvement role; applications are encouraged from technicians with significant knowledge and experience of a clinical genomics diagnostic laboratory who wish to develop their skills and explore new challenges.

Further details can be found in the Job Description and enquiries are welcome.

About us

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.

Job description

Job responsibilities

Duties and Responsibilities

a. To be responsible for the line-management of the technical team comprising MLA and MTO2 staff.

b. Responsible for performing regular formal equipment audits to ensure all equipment operates to the required high standards at all times, to help ensure continuity of operation.

c. To ensure members of the Laboratory fully comply with practice and protocols for equipment as detailed in the Laboratory Quality Management system.

d. Responsible for managing and maintaining the laboratorys equipment inventory.

e. To participate at high technical and managerial levels in the evaluation, validation, and implementation of new equipment in the laboratory.

f. To organise the training of Technical laboratory staff in the processes employed by the Monogenics laboratory and to assess and monitor staff competency in these areas of work.

g. To be responsible for managing the Laboratorys team of Technicians to ensure that appropriate stock levels are maintained for all consumables and laboratory reagents, by the timely placement of orders and preparation of reagents.

Professional/clinical activities

a. To perform a range of specialised molecular biology tests such as NGS, Sanger sequencing, genotype analysis and quantitative dosage analysis (MLPA), for purposes of mutation screening of a whole gene(s) and testing for specific mutations. This includes all stages of the process from the preparation of DNA samples, performing the test, analysing and interpreting the results, entering the data on the database and report writing. Interpretation of results and report writing for unusual or complicated cases to be done in association with a senior member of staff. The post holder should aim to complete all work within the target reporting times. Whenever a target reporting time cannot be achieved the case should be discussed with a senior member of staff. Some of this work is performed via a weekly rota, and may include the possibility of some weekend and Bank holiday cover, if required.

b. If required, back-up for extraction of DNA from blood and other human tissue samples and associated administration duties including rotas.

c. Performing a preliminary check and interpretation of genotypic data generated by colleagues in the diagnostic DNA laboratory.

d. Back-up for collection of blood samples from specimen reception and associated administration duties including rotas, as required.

e. Preparation of solutions and reagents and maintaining detailed records of such.

f. Organisation and completion of work in an orderly manner before taking annual leave. Annual leave is not to be taken at the same time as the back-up person for the duties(s) covered.

g. Adherence to ACGS and other relevant best practice guidelines.

h. Strict adherence to the guidelines in the Standard Operating Procedures for avoiding sample mix-up. This includes the use of checklists at all appropriate stages of a procedure and performing appropriate sample checks and signing checklists for colleagues when required

i. Preparing and maintaining up to date versions of the Standard Operating Procedures for the duties assigned.

j. Strict adherence to the laboratory and departmental safety regulations and quality manual.

k. Participation in research and development to improve the efficiency of existing diagnostic tests and set up new diagnostic services. Keeping accurate and legible records of all tests and experiments

l. Participation in external and internal quality control programmes.

Education and Development

a. To participate in Continuing Professional Development activities in order to maintain up to date knowledge and skills.

b. To participate in an annual appraisal with a senior member of the Monogenics Laboratory.

c. Perform other duties as appropriate to the grade as requested by the Technical Laboratory Manager.

Administrative

a. Assist in ensuring laboratory record keeping is accurate and in compliance with good work practices as required for ISO15189

b. Undertake work file management to ensure all results are reported with agreed turnaround time

c. Effective communication with laboratory and medical staff to ensure that specimens are dealt with appropriately and in a timely fashion

d. Enter patient results onto laboratory computer system as and when required

e. Handle telephone enquiries from service users and where required communicate test results as per departmental protocol

f. To use information systems, specialist and general software, in data entry and the collection and interpretation of information to assist in the provision of laboratory services

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, Guys & St Thomas NHS Foundation Trust and Kings College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, to deliver and transform pathology services across South East London.

The partnership provides services to 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.

Guys 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: Womens Services, Fetal Medicine, Haematology, Oncology, Transplantation, and is also home to the Evelina Childrens Hospital and the Cancer Centre on the Guys 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!

Person Specification

Qualifications

Essential

BSc in relevant scientific discipline or equivalent

Desirable

AHCS registration as a practitioner or working towards entrance on to the register

Experience

Essential

Experience of handling of clinical samples Practical experience in a range of molecular genetic techniques in a diagnostic setting Practical experience of DNA extraction Supervisory and/ or managerial experience

Desirable

Previous work within a genetics diagnostics laboratory and ISO15189 standards NGS experience Experience of working with a multidisciplinary team

Skills and Knowledge

Essential

Numerate and literate with good command of spoken and written English Excellent communication skills, with the ability to communicate information accurately Ability to work systematically and under pressure in a busy environment Ability to work independently using initiative as well as collaboratively as part of a team Accuracy and attention to detail Awareness of health & safety issues Ability to plan and prioritise allocated work