Genetic Technologist (Band 5)

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Job OverviewBristol Genetics Laboratory, South West Genomics Laboratory Hub ( SWGLH) Southmead Hospital, BristolGenetic Technologist - Band 5 - PermanentAn exciting opportunity has arisen for a Genetic Technologists (Band 5), to join our large, friendly and well-equipped laboratory, which provides a comprehensive laboratory diagnostic genetics service. Successful applicants will be required to work as part of a team and undertake scientific and technical duties covering a wide range of analytical techniques under the supervision of senior technical and scientific staff.

Bristol Genetics Laboratory is part of the South West Genomic Laboratory Hub (SW GLH) which is provided by a partnership between North Bristol NHS Trust and the Royal Devon and Exeter Foundation Trust to deliver centralised genomic analysis for patients with cancer and rare disease throughout the South West regionThe successful candidate will be expected to work either 30 or 37½ hours per week full-time (or part-time hours as arranged) between 07: 00 – 20: 00 either Monday - Friday or Tuesday - Saturday including participation in out of hours working on weekends and bank holidays on a rota basis.

Exact working pattern will be confirmed on offer of employment. The interview for this position will be an assessment centre format. It will be face to face to allow us to assess practical skills, remote interviews will not be accepted. To understand more about Pathology at North Bristol, check out our video. Main duties of the jobSuccessful applicants will be required to work as part of a team and undertake scientific and technical duties covering a wide range of analytical techniques under the supervision of senior scientific and technical staff.

This may involve working in a technical team undertaking both technical and analytical tasks or within the scientific teams undertaking purely analytical tasks. The candidate may assist in providing technical support in order to introduce new developments in disease diagnosis, under supervision from technical and scientific staff. The candidate will also undertake clerical and administrative duties as required to support the service. Applicants will be expected to possess a degree in a relevant science-based subject including experience of laboratory work. Registration as a Genetic Technologist or equivalent is desirable and successful applicants will be expected to work towards registration.

BGL is committed to the provision of high quality staff training at all levels. Working for our organisationNorth Bristol NHS Trust is one of the largest healthcare trusts in the South West of England. We provide hospital and community healthcare to people living in Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire. Our vision is that by enabling our teams to be the best that they can be, we will provide exceptional healthcare, personally delivered. NBT CARES.

It’s a very simple statement; one which epitomises how everybody across our organisation goes the extra mile to ensure our patients get the best possible care. Caring – because it underpins everything we do for our patients and the way we care for one another. Ambitious – because it signals that we always want to improve what we do on behalf of our patients and one anotherRespectful – because every individual has an important role to playSupportive – because we’re a team and deliver togetherNorth Bristol NHS Trust values all people as individuals.

We aim to be an anti-discriminatory organisation and are committed to building a team that represents a variety of backgrounds, perspectives, and skills. We welcome applicants from all underrepresented groups. Staff benefits include access to on-site, tax-free childcare through the Childcare Salary Sacrifice Scheme, an excellent package of pension benefits through the NHS Pension Scheme and teams dedicated to providing our staff with physical, psychological and financial support. For our complete list of staff benefits please visit our website.

Detailed Job Description And Main ResponsibilitiesSee full Job Description attachedStaffTo assist in the supervision, training and teaching of trainee and other junior staff as directed by Scientific staff. LaboratoryTo provide technical support for the laboratory under the direction of senior genetic technologists and/or the Head of Section. To perform genetic analyses on patients referred for a wide range of genetic disorders as directed by a registered clinical scientist, to enable reporting time targets to be met. To receive and process samples submitted to the Department in accordance with laboratory policies and protocols.

To analyse/interpret on a first line basis the results of tests for which he/she is responsible, recording results on worksheets, on result sheets in patient files, and on the laboratory database. To carry out technical developments in conjunction with scientific staff, to introduce new techniques into the diagnostic service, so that new tests can be made available. To provide technical support for research and development projects as required. To personally organise allocated work. To maintain a high level of professional competence in the performance of all tests and investigations carried out in the section.

To accurately prepare, maintain and document adequate supplies of reagents and consumables. To be responsible for the day to day maintenance and cleanliness of the equipment with which he/she is working. To participate in quality assurance procedures, including maintenance records and corrective actions. Assist in the development and review of these as required. CommunicationTo communicate with other members of the technical and scientific teams to provide effective cover for work. IM&TTo assist, as is necessary, in recording and maintaining all necessary manual and computerised records of the Department.

To use automated analysis equipment and software packages ProfessionalTo participate in continued professional development, by attending in-house or external training sessions as appropriate, and maintaining personal training records as required.

To take all necessary steps to achieve and maintain Registration on the voluntary register and on Health Professions register for genetics technologists when available Person specificationEducation/QualificationsEssential criteriaDegree in relevant science subject or equivalentWork ExperienceEssential criteriaGood practical skills in laboratory geneticsDesirable criteriaExperience of staff training and supervisionExperience of automated laboratory equipment relevant to geneticsKnowledge Skills And ExperienceEssential criteriaGood Organisational Skills/Good Communication SkillsGood technical knowledge of methods currently used in laboratory geneticsEvidence of good IT skills and experience with laboratory software systemsAwareness of quality assurance relevant to geneticsAbility to manage stock levels of consumables and reagentsIf you apply for this vacancy and have not received a communication from North Bristol NHS Trust within three weeks of the closing date, please assume that on this occasion your application has been unsuccessful.

Please note that North Bristol NHS Trust does not reimburse travel expenses relating to interview attendance. If you feel you meet the requirements of the Disability Act / Two Ticks scheme and require further support/advice, please contact us on tel 0117 414 1151. North Bristol NHS Trust are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. The successful applicant(s) will normally commence at the minimum of the scale unless they have previous NHS service at the same band. Progression through the scale is by annual increments.

At North Bristol Trust (NBT), we know diverse and inclusive environments lead to happier and healthier teams and improved patient care and outcomes. We are committed to equality of opportunity, to being fair and inclusive, and to being a place where we all belong. We therefore particularly encourage applications from candidates who are currently underrepresented in NBT’s workforce at Band 8a and above. These include people from Black, Asian and minority ethnic backgrounds, disabled people and LGBTQIA+ people. Please note that stringent pre-employment checks are undertaken on all successful applicants prior to commencement in post.