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Job summary

Main area
Health Science
Grade
NHS AfC: Band 6
Contract
Fixed term: 22 months (Limited external funding for time limited project)
Hours
  • Full time
  • Flexible working
37.5 hours per week
Job ref
391-RFL-7049391
Employer
Royal Free London NHS Foundation Trust
Employer type
NHS
Site
Royal Free hospital
Town
London
Salary
£44,806 - £53,134 per annum including London HCAS
Salary period
Yearly
Closing
16/04/2025 23:59

Employer heading

NHS

Band 6 Genomic Research Technician

NHS AfC: Band 6

Our trust has over 17,000 staff serving 2 million patients every year. It comprises Barnet Hospital, Chase Farm Hospital, the Royal Free Hospital, North Middlesex University Hospital and more than 30 services in the community.  This larger scale organisation provides an unprecedented opportunity for us to continue our pioneering work, particularly in finding ways to deliver even better care to our patients.

Our mission is to deliver world class care and expertise in our clinical services, underpinned by world class teaching and research and we will continue to measure our progress against our five governing objectives: excellent outcomes, excellent patient and staff experience, excellent value for taxpayers’ money, being safe and meeting our external duties, and building a strong organisation.

Everyone is welcome at Royal Free London NHS Foundation Trust. We're proud of our diversity and we continue to undertake new initiatives to advance equality for LGBT+, BME, gender equality, staff carers and people with disabilities and lived experiences to promote good relations and understanding between our staff.

Click here to view our video Welcome to the Royal Free


 

Job overview

We are seeking to appoint a Genomic Research Technician for a fixed term of 22 months (with potential for extension subject to funding) to undertake the technical and analytical duties in the provision of a high-quality genetics service at the NAC.

The main duties are to perform complex manual, semi-automated and fully automated laboratory investigations including (but not limited to) automated and manual DNA extraction and the Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) Library Preparation and operation of Illumina sequencing platforms. In addition, the post holder will have experience to develop, maintain and troubleshoot as needed and to support senior colleagues in the genetic section of the Jack O'Neil Laboratory. The postholder must have a high level of accuracy and reliability in defined routine, preparative, processing, analytical and associated procedures following documented laboratory protocols. Excellent Methodical and organised approach to work with attention to detail are essential.

Main duties of the job

  • Carrying out diagnostic assays using a wide range of molecular biology techniques, in particular the NGS Library Preparation and sequencing
  • Analyse and interpret DNA result and report these results at weekly MDT meetings
  • Maintenance of laboratory apparatus and equipment
  • Participation in developing new methodologies & technologies
  • Support and assistance senior staff in the genetic section of the Jack O'Neil Laboratory
  • Managing variable workloads and have the ability to manage several 'ongoing' cases simultaneously
  • Provide support and guidelines for planning of the workload
  • Have experience to develop, maintain and troubleshoot complex genomic investigations

Working for our organisation

Jack O’Neil Laboratory is a highly specialised laboratory using dedicated methodology for the diagnosis of amyloidosis and systemic autoinflammatory diseases and is central to the NHS England funded national highly specialised services based at the National Amyloidosis Centre.  Jack O’Neill Laboratory consists of a small team covering the following sections: specimen reception, molecular genetics, histopathology and proteomics.

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

The post holder will be expected to have a sound understanding and in depth experience in molecular genetic procedures in order to support a highly specialised team in the Jack O'Neil Laboratory.

  • Carrying out diagnostic assays using range of molecular biology techniques such as PCR, gel electrophoresis, Sanger sequencing and Next Generation Sequencing (NGS).
  • Operational experience of automated genetic analysers, monitoring of results and early identification of any diminished performance of technical assays
  • Experience in interpreting of DNA results and reporting at weekly MDT meetings
  •  Maintenance of laboratory apparatus and equipment 
  • Participation in developing new methodologies & technologies to enhance the services already provided. 
  • Offer technical support and training to junior and senior staff in Jack O'Neil Laboratory.
  • Assist the Jack O’Neill Laboratory management team in maintaining high scientific and quality standards.

  • Be responsible for validation and verification of new laboratory procedures before these are implemented into routine diagnostic work. 

  • To analyse and interpret test result and report at weekly MDT meetings
  • To assist in the diagnostic assay development
  • To provide pre- and post-analytical advice to clinical and laboratory staff from other hospitals for the specialist tests performed in the laboratory
  • To ensure staff complete and maintain relevant competency assessments as required for UKAS accreditation.

Person specification

Values

Essential criteria
  • Demonstrable ability to meet the Trust Values

Education & professional Qualifications

Essential criteria
  • Degree in Molecular Biology, Genetics, or related subject
  • Evidence of continuing personal development related to working in molecular biology/ genetic diagnostic lab
  • Registration or working towards registration with the Academy for Healthcare Science or equivalent

Experience

Essential criteria
  • Previous experience of using molecular genetics analytical techniques
  • Previous experience of supervising/training other staff
  • Experience with laboratory information and quality management systems, UKAS compliance
  • Experience in generating and interpretation of DNA results
  • Experience in developing new methodologies & technologies

Skills and aptitudes

Essential criteria
  • Good IT skills, including the Microsoft Office suite, file management and a willingness to keep skills up to date.
  • Ability to work under pressure while managing a variety of tasks.
  • Ability to problem solve and to work using own initiative.
  • Proactive, well organised and responsible
  • Precision and excellent attention to detail
  • Ability to work as part of a multidisciplinary team

Employer certification / accreditation badges

Nursing TimesApprenticeships logoNo smoking policyPositive about disabled peopleDisability confident employerTimewise PartnerCare Quality Commission - Requires improvementEnei MemberArmed Forces Covenant

Applicant requirements

The postholder will have access to vulnerable people in the course of their normal duties and as such this post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (Amendment) (England and Wales) Order 2020 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service to check for any previous criminal convictions.

Documents to download

Apply online now

Further details / informal visits contact

Name
Dorota Rowczenio
Job title
Principal Scientist
Email address
[email protected]
Telephone number
02074332761
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