Job summary
Employer heading
Associate Practitioner
NHS AfC: Band 4
Job overview
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.
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 post holder will be required to participate in a shift system on a rotational basis.
Main duties of the job
The post holder will be expected to assist in data management relating to the technical aspects of the molecular service and therefore needs to be fully IT literate. In addition the post holder will be required to
support activities such as quality, including compliance with laboratory accreditation standards, equipment maintenance, audits, clerical duties and participate in the departments training programme. The post
holder will be expected to support and advise less experienced staff, such as trainees, students and MLA’s. Good communication and team working are essential. The range of tests available will be in continuous
development and the post-holder will be expected to work within all areas.
Working for our organisation
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.
Detailed job description and main responsibilities
For further information on this role, please see the attached detailed Job Description and Person 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.
Person specification
Skills
Essential criteria
- Ability to write clearly
- Evidence of intermediate IT skills and data entry accuracy
- GCSE in Mathematics
- Ability to collect & distribute biological samples across the Sutton hospital site
Desirable criteria
- Knowledge of medical terminology
Personal Qualities
Essential criteria
- Ability to undertake a support role
- Able to follow written instructions including SOPs
- Attention to detail & accuracy
Experience
Essential criteria
- Good education to include A levels, including a science subject
- A recognised qualification in Maths & English
- Willing to undergo relevant training
- Experience of working within a relevant laboratory
- Experience & knowledge of duties required to support senior staff gained by experience in a similar role
- Able to understand and follow SOPs
- Awareness that role involves handling of biological samples and willingness to be trained in this area
- Awareness of and ability to follow laboratory H&S practice for handling pathological specimens or willingness to undergo training in this area
- Good understanding of task prioritisation & demonstration of practice
- Basic understanding of quality management & experience of delivering good quality of service
Desirable criteria
- BSc degree in Biological Science
- Knowledge of theory & practice of laboratory techniques
Documents to download
Further details / informal visits contact
- Name
- Emma Poyastro-Pearson
- Job title
- Operations Manager
- Email address
- [email protected]
If you have problems applying, contact
- Address
-
Recruitment Support Team
- Telephone
- 01629 690825
List jobs with The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust in Health Science Services or all sectors