Job Title

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. As part of the department expansion, an opportunity has arisen for a Medical Technical Officer with good interpersonal skills and a committed team member to join the Clinical Genomics department. The Clinical Genomics laboratory at the Royal Marsden is part of the North Thames Genomic Laboratory Hub (NT GLH), one of seven national Genomic Laboratory Hubs offering Cancer Genomic testing in England. The department is located in the Centre for Molecular Pathology in Sutton. The Centre for Molecular Pathology is a state-of-the-art facility bringing together translational science and molecular diagnostics. It is one of the few specialised laboratories in molecular diagnostics of cancer in Europe. The department provides a reference Molecular Diagnostics and Cytogenetics Service for solid tumours and haematological malignancies, as well as participating in clinical trials and collaborating with the industry (to provide cutting-edge genomic technologies to support personalised cancer treatment. Main duties of the jobThe post holder will undertake technical duties required to support scientific teams in the provision of an effective and high quality molecular diagnostics service to patients. They will be responsible for carrying out analytical molecular diagnostics investigations, with minimal supervision. The range of tests available will be in continuous development and the post-holder will be expected to work within all areas of the department. Analytical investigations will include, but not limited to, Next Generation Sequencing, fragment analysis, ddPCR and gene expression analysis in haematological and solid tumours. The key working relationships will be with clinicians, oncologists and histopathologists responsible for treating patients as well as with other Pathology disciplines and liaising with staff throughout the Trust. The post holder will be expected to assist in training of junior members of the team and visitors as well as to contribute to data management relating to the technical aspects of the molecular service. In addition the post holder will be required to support activities such as quality, including compliance with laboratory accreditation standards, equipment maintenance, audits and participate in the departments training programme. Working for our organisationThe 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 responsibilitiesFor further information please refer to the job description and personal specification To be responsible for own work, which will include all aspects of the clinical scientific & technical work, staff, equipment and quality system. To ensure the timely and efficient provision of core and technologically complex analytical/diagnostic services, including but not limited to PCR, RQ-PCR, ddPCR, NGS and fragment analysis. To take day to day responsibility for the quality of technical and analytical work produced. To ensure that clinical requests are met according to agreed policies on availability of tests and priorities in accordance with user guide. To ensure that work is carried out in line with Standing Operational Procedures and/or Departmental policy. The post holder will undertake technical duties required to support scientific teams in the provision of an effective and high quality service to patients. The post holder must be able to take responsibility for working alone and as part of a team to achieve necessary performance levels. They will be responsible for carrying out analytical molecular diagnostics investigations, with minimal supervision. Analytical investigations will include, but not limited to, Next Generation Sequencing, fragment analysis, ddPCR and gene expression analysis in haematological and solid tumours. The post holder will be expected to assist in training of junior members of the team and visitors as well data management relating to the technical aspects of the 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 and participate in the departments training programme. Good communication and team working are essential. The successful applicant must have a relevant BSc degree in Biological Sciences/Genetics. They must have experience in molecular diagnostics techniques. 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. This will be implemented as a phased approach dependent on service requirements; the post holder will be required to participate in a shift system on a rotational basis where necessary to ensure the service meets NHSE requirements. The Trust encourages and supports continuing professional and personal development and Pathology runs a CPD Club. Staff benefits include child care facilities, some accommodation, car parking at Sutton and various sports and social activities. Person specificationQualificationsBSc in Biological Sciences, Genetics, or related discipline Basic understanding of DNA/RNA and molecular genetics Awareness of health 'safety and COSHH procedures in labs Understanding of UKAS, IQA/EQA standards ExperienceProven laboratory experience in molecular diagnostics or a related field Ability to follow SOPs and document results accurately Experience handling clinical samples and using LIMS Experience with DNA/RNA extraction (manual and automated) Participation in audits or quality improvement initiatives Hands -on experience with techniques such as PCR, qPCR, NGS, fragment analysis SkillsHigh 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 Experience training junior staff. Competent in basic troubleshooting and problem - solving Personal QualitiesFlexible and adaptable to changing priorities Ability to work independently and as part of a team Demonstrates initiative within role boundaries Enthusiastic and committed to patient -focused service Willingness to learn and participate in CPD The Royal Marsden values diversity and is committed to the recruitment and retention of underrepresented minority groups. We particularly welcome applications from Black, Asian and minority ethnic candidates, LGBTQ+ candidates and candidates with disabilities. As a Disability Confident Employer, we are working to create a workplace that enables all staff to reach their full potential. We are committed to this because we know that greater diversity and inclusion will lead to an even greater positive impact for the people we serve. Due to the high volumes of applications we receive, we reserve the right to close any adverts before the published closing date once we have received a sufficient number of applications. We advise you to submit your application as early as possible to prevent disappointment. All applicants will be contacted by email to the address supplied on your application. Applicants are advised to check their email accounts regularly and to ensure that email filters are set to allow our emails. Flu Vaccination – What We Expect of our Staff At The Royal Marsden we have an immune compromised patient population who we must protect as much as we can against the flu virus. Each year, seasonal flu affects thousands of people in the UK. Occurring mainly in winter, it is an infectious respiratory disease capable of producing symptoms ranging from those similar to a common cold, through to very severe or even fatal disease. The wellbeing of our staff and patients is of the upmost importance to us, and it is the expectation of The Royal Marsden that all patient-facing staff have an annual flu vaccination, provided free of charge by the Trust. Employer certification / accreditation badges #J-18808-Ljbffr