Trainee Clinical Scientist

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Full time
Location: London
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Job offered by: Synnovis Analytics
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Job summary

The Synnovis Cancer Genetics laboratory at Guy's Hospital is part of the South East Genomics Laboratory Hub (SEGLH) and is the designated provider of adult solid tumour testing for the whole of the SEGLH geography. Large scale expansion and transformation of the service is underway to ensure equity of access to the NHSE National Genomic Test Directory for Cancer.

Main duties of the job

Your main duties will be to provide analytical support within the cancer team for haemato-oncology and solid tumour referrals.

A sound knowledge of laboratory genetics and experience of working within a cancer genetic team is essential; an in-depth knowledge of cancer genomics is required.

Excellent communication skills are necessary in order to work effectively with other staff both within Cancer Genetics at Guy's Hospital and the wider SEGLH team.

About us

The Synnovis Genetics Laboratory at Guy's is the designated hub laboratory for the SEGLH Network led by Guy's and St Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust (GSTFT). The Cancer Genetics team is comprised of around 50 administrative, scientific and technical staff within the cytogenetic and molecular genetic laboratories. Testing is provided for patients with a wide range of adult solid tumours and haematological malignancies, in order to provide diagnostic and prognostic information and inform treatment decisions. The service includes a substantial nationally and internationally renowned acute myeloid leukaemia (AML) minimal residual disease (MRD) monitoring service which has close links with the King's College NIHR clinical trials AML MRD unit. A weekly team-led seminar series and a monthly GLH wide journal club are available for all staff in order to facilitate learning and continual professional development (CPD).

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 responsibilities

Service Delivery Participation in all aspects of the Cancer genetics workload, including solid tumour NGS and AML MRD analysis, interpretation, reporting and administration. Accurately perform complex analysis of samples referred for Cancer analysis - this requires frequent and prolonged periods of concentration. Analytical techniques used will depend on individual competencies and training; duties could include G-band, FISH, NGS and AML MRD analysis of cancer samples. Provision of highly specialised scientific advice and technical support to users of the diagnostic Cancer Genetics service and to other scientific and technical staff.

Quality and Management Participate in the preparation and implementation of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and in the review of these documents. Ensure that work is carried out in line with Standard Operating Procedures and Departmental policy. Ensure the Departmental Health and Safety Policy is adhered to, and undertake the risk assessment of procedures as appropriate.

Education and Training Assist in the training of students and junior technicians. Encourage and support junior staff to develop their full potential for the benefit of the laboratory service and their careers. Promote the teaching and training of scientific, medical and technical staff and to collaborate in the effort to keep staff abreast of advances in human genetics.

General duties Participate in working parties and liaison groups as necessary. Strictly adhere to local laboratory and Department of Health and Safety regulations and Codes of Practice. Demonstrate awareness of and compliance with Health and Safety regulations, Data Protection, and SOPs. Participate in laboratory and clinical audits. Ensure workplace and workbench areas are kept to laboratory standards. Undertake mandatory training as required by Synnovis. Maintain and promote the professional image of Synnovis. Participate in the PPR cycle and be assessed against objectives relevant to the role of a clinical scientist. Participate in multidisciplinary team meetings when required.

Key Working Arrangements Work independently and autonomously rather than under direct supervision of more senior staff. Guidance is available from the Cancer Genetics operational management team as and when required.

Special Working Conditions Frequently undertake repetitive tasks involving the use of VDU resulting in prolonged periods of sitting in a restricted position. Monitor exposure to hazardous environmental and chemical substances. Undertake investigations of biological specimens which have adverse pathological risks associated with them. Frequent exposure to unpleasant working conditions due to the variety of specimens processed including tumour biopsies and bodily fluids. May be required to work shifts or provide out of hours cover as determined by service need and as directed in individual contracts of employment.

Person Specification

Qualifications

Essential First or second-class honours degree in a pure or applied scientific subject or Healthcare Science. Evidence of continuing professional development (CPD). Desirable Higher degree in biological science. Willing to work towards higher levels of education. Experience

Essential Demonstrable specialist diagnostic cancer genetics experience gained by working in a team specialising in somatic cancer genetic analysis. Experience of analysing cancer genetic samples using a range of techniques for molecular genetic and/or cytogenetic analysis. Ability to troubleshoot practical issues arising within the cancer genetics laboratory. Desirable Experience of mutation analysis using appropriate PCR and Sanger sequencing methodologies. Experience of fluorescence in situ hybridisation (FISH) analysis of formalin fixed paraffin embedded (FFPE) tissue sections. Able to perform karyotype analysis by G-banding. Experience of NGS data analysis and accompanying sequence variant interpretation. Experience of writing clinical diagnostic reports for patients referred for cancer cytogenetic and/or molecular genetic testing. Skills & Knowledge

Essential Ability to sit in a restricted position for prolonged periods e.g. at a microscope. Comprehensive theoretical knowledge of haematology/oncology and/or adult solid tumour genetics. Ability to clearly communicate scientific and organizational information both in written and verbal form. Experience of interpreting results for cancer genetic analysis. Knowledge and application of Quality Control and compliance with ISO15189 standards. Accuracy and attention to detail. Good IT skills and knowledge of common computing packages. Able to organise, prioritise and manage complex activities with a methodical approach to work. Desirable Experience of clinical and technical validation of new tests. Demonstrable supervisory work within a genetics laboratory. An effective team member and leader. Disclosure and Barring Service Check

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions. Certificate of Sponsorship

Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. #J-18808-Ljbffr

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