Band 4 Associate Practitioner

The Cytogenetics and Molecular Haematology Department operates as part of the Specialist Integrated Haematological Malignancies Diagnostic Service (SIHMDS) providing a cancer genomics service for Barts Health NHS Trust and external hospitals in London and Essex. The department works closely with the other disciplines within the SIHMDS including Immunophenotyping, Haematology and Histopathology to offer a fully integrated reporting service. The department is located within state-of-the-art facilities and offers a comprehensive repertoire of testing including genomic analysis of solid tumours and haematological disorders, minimal residual disease monitoring, chimerism studies, chromosome analysis and FISH. The department has a strong background in training and is accredited with the NSHCS to provide STP and HSST training together a commitment to train and develop staff of all grades. Barts Health NHS Trust is one of the partner organisations within the North Thames Genomic Laboratory Hub and works closely with other organisations within the region to bring genomics to the forefront of healthcare. Main duties of the job To be an efficient, flexible member of the Cytogenetics and Molecular Haematology department providing a high quality service to Barts Health NHS Trust. To work with Clinical Scientists, Biomedical Scientists and Medical Laboratory Assistants in the provision of a comprehensive and effective Cytogenetics and Molecular Haematology service for Barts Health NHS Trust, as directed by the Head of the Department. To participate in efficient sample processing and technical workflow in the laboratory, under the supervision of a Clinical Scientist. To maintain effective records of all activities and procedures, and to contribute towards the maintenance of the laboratory's quality management system., The full job description provides an overview of the key tasks and responsibilities of the role, and the person specification outlines the qualifications, skills, experience, and knowledge required. For both documents, please view the attachment/s below. Person Specification Communication Essential

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
Desirable
• Able to present scientific data at meetings to peers and management
  
  Ability to work in a high-pressured environment, To be an efficient, flexible member of the Cytogenetics and Molecular Haematology department providing a high quality service to Barts Health NHS Trust. To work with Clinical Scientists, Biomedical Scientists and Medical Laboratory Assistants in the provision of a comprehensive and effective Cytogenetics and Molecular Haematology service for Barts Health NHS Trust, as directed by the Head of the Department. To participate in efficient sample processing and technical workflow in the laboratory, under the supervision of a Clinical Scientist. To maintain effective records of all activities and procedures, and to contribute towards the maintenance of the laboratory's quality management system. A-levels including at least one science
Desirable
• BSc in Biological Sciences or equivalent
Experience Essential
• Proven experience of working in a genomics laboratory
• Experience of DNA and RNA extraction
• Experience of cell culture and aseptic technique
Desirable
• Experience of DNA and RNA extraction
• Involvement in clinical audit, quality assurance and writing standard operation procedures (SOPs)
• Experience of FISH techniques
• Involvement in clinical audit, quality assurance and writing standard operation procedures (SOPs)
• Experience of using a Laboratory Information Management System (preferably WinPath)
Knowledge Essential
• Basic knowledge of theoretical and practical aspects of genomics
• Sound knowledge of Health and safety/COSHH regulations
Desirable
• Knowledge of acquired genetic diseases and the application of genomics to the diagnosis of disease
Skills Essential
• Practical skills used in a genomics laboratory including extraction techniques and pipetting
• Excellent attention to detail
• Comprehensive PC skills specifically databases (including Access), software packages, Microsoft Excel and e-mail.
• Ability to manage own time
• Ability to multitask and prioritise workload
Personal and people development Essential
• Team player
Desirable
• Experience of training staff
Person Specification Communication Essential
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
Desirable
• Able to present scientific data at meetings to peers and management
Specific requirements Essential
• Ability to work in a high-pressured environment
Qualifications Essential
• To be an efficient, flexible member of the Cytogenetics and Molecular Haematology department providing a high quality service to Barts Health NHS Trust. To work with Clinical Scientists, Biomedical Scientists and Medical Laboratory Assistants in the provision of a comprehensive and effective Cytogenetics and Molecular Haematology service for Barts Health NHS Trust, as directed by the Head of the Department. To participate in efficient sample processing and technical workflow in the laboratory, under the supervision of a Clinical Scientist. To maintain effective records of all activities and procedures, and to contribute towards the maintenance of the laboratory's quality management system. A-levels including at least one science
Desirable
• BSc in Biological Sciences or equivalent
Experience Essential
• Proven experience of working in a genomics laboratory
• Experience of DNA and RNA extraction
• Experience of cell culture and aseptic technique
Desirable
• Experience of DNA and RNA extraction
• Involvement in clinical audit, quality assurance and writing standard operation procedures (SOPs)
• Experience of FISH techniques
• Involvement in clinical audit, quality assurance and writing standard operation procedures (SOPs)
• Experience of using a Laboratory Information Management System (preferably WinPath)
Knowledge Essential
• Basic knowledge of theoretical and practical aspects of genomics
• Sound knowledge of Health and safety/COSHH regulations
Desirable
• Knowledge of acquired genetic diseases and the application of genomics to the diagnosis of disease
Skills Essential
• Practical skills used in a genomics laboratory including extraction techniques and pipetting
• Excellent attention to detail
• Comprehensive PC skills specifically databases (including Access), software packages, Microsoft Excel and e-mail.
• Ability to manage own time
• Ability to multitask and prioritise workload
Personal and people development Essential
• Team player
Desirable
• Experience of training staff
  
  The NHS East and South East London Pathology Partnership is an arms-length organisation providing pathology services to Barts Health NHS Trust, Homerton University Hospital NHS Foundation Trust and Lewisham and Greenwich NHS Trust. The Pathology Partnership is hosted by Barts Health.
The Pathology Partnership is based on well-established models for pathology networks, with the Royal London Hospital becoming the main hub laboratory for the network and Essential Service Laboratories (ESL) as a minimum at all other Hospital sites. Pathology is made up of the following services - Blood Sciences including Haematology, Blood Transfusion and Biochemistry; Infectious Diseases including Microbiology and Virology; Cellular Pathology including Histopathology, non-gynae Cytology and mortuary services; Immunology; Cytogenetics and Molecular Haematology; Immunophenotyping; Clinical Transplantation and Retinoblastoma. The 2020/21 total operating costs across the Partnership were c. £126m per annum with a workforce establishment of circa. 822 WTE. We strive to live by our WeCare values and are committed to promoting inclusion, where every staff member has a sense of belonging. We value our differences and fully advocate, cultivate and support an inclusive working environment. We particularly welcome applications from Black, Asian and minority ethnic candidates as they are underrepresented within Barts Health at this band