Technical Lead (Mto3)

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 responsible for the development of new tests and implementation of new laboratory equipment and processes within the Synnovis Genetics Department. 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/ or managing a team of technical staff. They will work closely with the other Technical Leads, demonstrating excellent analytical, communication and organisational skills.
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 work under the direction of the R&D Lead in developing new tests to the point of service entry. This will include validation and verification according to ISO15189 standards. The post holder will also work with lead scientists, lab managers and other Technical Leads 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.
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 within service development and improvement.
Further details can be found in the Job Description and enquiries are welcome.
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.
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.
Duties and Responsibilities
The post holder will develop new tests to the point of service entry to include complete validation and verification according to ISO15189 standards.
The new testing methods may include DNA extraction from a variety of sources, PCR based assays for molecular genetics disease, MLPA, Next Generation Sequencing assays and other technologies as applicable.
The post holder will if required by the Genetics management team be required to support the day to day running of the laboratory; including being involved in managing DNA extraction from a variety of sources, DNA processing for receipt and export, PCR based assays for molecular genetics disease, MLPA, Next Generation Sequencing assays and Pre-Implantation Diagnosis assays.
The post holder will be responsible for the training of staff on specified equipment held by the laboratory, and will participate in evaluation, validation, and implementation of new tests and equipment.
Professional/clinical activities
To develop new tests as indicated by the R&D Lead and other Genetics Operations Leads as well as improve the efficiency of existing tests.
Keeping accurate and legible records of all tests and experiments
To perform a range of indicated molecular biology tests for purposes of screening for gene variants and testing for specific variants, as required. 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.
Extraction of DNA from prenatal samples such as chorionic villus and amniotic fluid as required.
Back-up for extraction of DNA from blood and other human tissue samples and associated administration duties including rotas, as required.
Back-up for collection of blood samples from specimen reception and associated administration duties including rotas, as required.
Preparation of solutions and reagents and maintaining detailed records of such, as required.
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.
Adherence to ACGS and other relevant best practice guidelines.
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
Preparing and maintaining up to date versions of the Standard Operating Procedures for the duties assigned.
Strict adherence to the laboratory and departmental safety regulations and quality manual.
Participation in external and internal quality control programmes.
Education and Development
To participate in Continuing Professional Development activities in order to maintain up to date knowledge and skills, and maintain membership of the AHCS Genetic Technologists’ Register.
To participate in an annual appraisal with a senior member of the Laboratory and be assessed against competences of the role.
Perform other duties as appropriate to the grade as requested by the Operations Lead.
Administrative
Assist in ensuring laboratory record keeping is accurate and in compliance with good work practices as required for ISO15189 standards.
Undertake work file management to ensure all results are reported with agreed turnaround time
Effective communication with laboratory and medical staff to ensure that specimens are dealt with appropriately and in a timely fashion
Enter patient results onto laboratory computer system as and when required
Handle telephone enquiries from service users and where required communicate test results as per departmental protocol
Liaise with GP surgeries, hospital clinics and other departments within Pathology
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
General
Compliance with local and national policies for the safe secure and confidential processing, and storage of patient and other laboratory information
Maintain integrity and accuracy of laboratory database where appropriate
Be proactive in escalating any possible issues that may impact on service delivery to senior colleagues
Follows policies within own work area and proposes changes to such policies
Responsible for the planning and organisation of own workload
Assist in the training and supervision of more junior staff members by demonstrating own duties
Assist senior staff in maintaining high scientific and quality standards
Ensure standards as required by the ISO15189 are maintained and where possible improved upon.
Participate in audits and surveys as and when required
Ensure workplace and workbench areas are kept at laboratory standard
Build and maintain working relations with all members of staff, and promote effective teamwork
Undertake mandatory training as required by Synnovis
To maintain and promote the professional image of Synnovis
Undertake an internal training programme including attendance at relevant seminars
Work within remits of confidentiality when dealing with issues of a sensitive nature
Undertake a period of laboratory training and competence assessment
Synnovis is a pathology partnership between SYNLAB UK and Ireland, and the NHS, including sites, Guy’s & St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust and King’s College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, to deliver and transform pathology services across South East London.
The partnership provides services to 1.7 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.
Guy’s 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: Women’s Services, Fetal Medicine, Haematology, Oncology, Transplantation, and is also home to the Evelina Children’s Hospital and the Cancer Centre on the Guy’s 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!