Job summaryThe 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 (https://www.royalmarsden.nhs.uk/royal-marsden-partnership-create-state-art-house-liquid-biopsy-testing-facility) 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.About usThe 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.Job descriptionJob responsibilitiesFor further information on this role, please see the attached detailed Job Description and Person Specification:To book in samples (internal and external to the hospital) using clinical information provided, maintaining paper and electronic data records.To update the laboratory database and manual records of clinical requestsTo use molecular genetics software packages for the collection of dataSpecimen reception: receipt and checking of samples against request forms, liaising with clinical staff regarding labelling errors, identifying and taking appropriate action with high risk specimens and dealing with leaking/damaged samples.Data entry: Using the LIMS and laboratory database to book in samples (internal and external to the hospital) using clinical information provided, maintaining paper and electronic data recordsTo provide provisional interpretation of analyses and to initiate any necessary remedial action under the direction of the Clinical Scientist.COSHH and waste disposal: to be able to handle and dispose of all waste (chemical, clinical, sharps and domestic) appropriately and safely, following Trust / ICR and national regulations.Person SpecificationSkills and AbilitiesEssentialAbility to express themselves clearlyAbility to write clearly and conciselyAbility to use in-house IT systemsAbility to use Microsoft software or equivalentEducational qualification in mathematicsPersonal QualitiesEssentialEvidence of professional developmentSelf confidant, contributes to laboratory meetingsAble to work unsupervisedFlexible approach to workSpecific ExperienceEssentialBSc degree in Biological Sciences/GeneticsEvidence of training related to specific area or instrumentsAt least 2 years experience of laboratory work, including need for attention to detail and record keepingAble to understand / follow SOPsAble to perform basic trainingDesirableBasic knowledge of genetics including role of DNA/RNA and chromosomesDisclosure and Barring Service CheckThis 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 SponsorshipApplications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).Employer detailsEmployer nameThe Royal Marsden NHS Foundation TrustAddressThe Royal Marsden Hospital SuttonSuttonSM2 5PTEmployer's websitehttps://www.royalmarsden.nhs.uk/working-royal-marsden (Opens in a new tab)