JOB DESCRIPTION
Job Title:
Senior Research Technician (Registered Clinical
Scientist)
Institute:
National Heart and Lung Institute
Section:
Cardiovascular Science
Job Family/Level:
Technical Services, Level 3b
Salary:
£33,590 - £41,540 per annum
Responsible to:
Dr Andrew Buckton, Lead Clinical Scientist
Key Working Relationships
(Internal):
Accountable to Dr Paul Barton,
Genetic Research Manager, works closely with
Genetics & Genomics Research & Diagnostic Lab
personnel
Key Working Relationships
(External):
Royal Brompton and Harefield NHS Foundation Trust
Location:
Royal Brompton Campus
Contract:
Full-time, fixed-term for 3 years
The Purpose of the Post
This is a key post to join an exciting and expanding team implementing next
generation DNA sequencing (NGS) for the genetic diagnosis of cardiomyopathy and
funded through a £1.4 million Health Innovation Challenge Fund award. As a
Registered Clinical Scientist, you will be required to perform a broad range of
molecular genetic investigations based on Next Generation DNA sequencing
(Illumina MiSeq platform), for the provision of an effective and high quality service.
You will have a major role in the development and implementation of NGS assays to
diagnostic laboratory standards. This will include: handling and extracting primary
specimens, performing target gene capture experiments, running NGS sequencers
and other analysers, result interpretation and reporting. You will supervise others
undertaking this work and deputise as team leader and associated responsibilities,
as required, in place of the Lead Clinical Scientist.
You will be required to use your initiative when performing these duties and when
undertaking independent work and to take any necessary measures to acquire,
improve and apply the expertise which is essential to provide an efficient service.
You will check and authorise laboratory data and communicate effectively at all
levels.
You will possess a highly professional attitude, a high level of scientific knowledge,
expertise and skill, and will assist in all of the day-to-day work of the laboratory. You
will have a firm understanding of Good Laboratory Practice (GLP) and be prepared to
follow Clinical Pathology Accreditation (CPA) and related standards. We hope to
achieve accredited laboratory status within the next 12 months and you will be
expected to contribute to the success of the medical laboratory’s accreditation
application.
Key Responsibilities
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To carry out a range of specialist tasks centred on both the development and
implementation of NGS methods for the investigation and diagnosis of
inherited cardiac conditions
To contribute to the development of new or improved techniques and
equipment related to both NGS processes and variant confirmation by Sanger
DNA sequencing and to review, design and optimise new tests or techniques
as required including writing and implementing new protocols and ensuring
completion of appropriate documentation
To check and authorise the validity of laboratory results by analysing and
interpreting test results in the context of the clinical referral, including setting
and monitoring technical standards
To provide a high level of technical expertise relevant to genetic analysis
including running of NGS and to act as deputy to the Lead Clinical Scientist
as required
To oversee the work of more junior members of staff including preparation of
work rotas and scheduling work priorities and providing technical supervision
to ensure work objectives are met
To plan and oversee day-to-day running of the laboratory and take lead
responsibility for laboratory safety matters including formulation and review of
risk and COSHH assessments, performing safety audits, the use of Q-Pulse
for record keeping, undertaking safety inductions and additional staff training,
as required, liaising with Institute and Trust Health and Safety personnel on a
regular basis
To participate in relevant management committees
Other responsibilities
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Process specimens sent to the laboratory, ensuring they are prioritised and
tested appropriately. To answer queries/questions regarding patient referrals
and ensure effective communication both within the laboratory, with clinical
colleagues, outside clinicians and other DNA laboratories, either verbally or
written
To actively participate in and contribute to the success of the forthcoming
accreditation inspection process. To include: the writing and updating of
SOPs, forms, quality documents, manuals and other documents
To ensure confidentiality at all times, only releasing confidential information
obtained during the course of employment to those acting in an official
capacity in accordance with the provisions of the Data Protection Act and its
amendments
Ensure accurate completion of documentation, records and reports
Advise and assist staff and students in the development, design, preparation,
construction, assembly and application of equipment, the setting up of NGS
experiments
Adapt and refine work practices and procedures
Ensure that equipment/apparatus is maintained, serviced and repaired as
required and to diagnose and rectify faults/problems with equipment and
procedures
Provide guidance and support to junior colleagues and students in the use of
basic equipment and techniques
Advise on the pricing and purchasing of equipment and consumables
following consultation with other appropriate staff members
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Communicate and liaise with the wider body of staff within Imperial College
and the Royal Brompton Hospital as well as external users, consultants and
suppliers
To assist with the general housekeeping of the department by liaising with the
other laboratory staff
To collaborate with other members of staff where joint operation is necessary
to achieve optimal use of resources, particularly when using high value
reagents
To participate in the training and supervision of scientists, clinicians, students
and visitors to the lab
To participate in the maintenance of all manual and computerised records of
the department
To take all necessary measures to acquire, improve and apply the scientific
skills and expertise necessary to perform the duties of the job at a high level
of quality and reliability
To disseminate relevant information from external meetings and own work to
the staff of the laboratory and communicate interesting findings to the
scientific world in the form of papers/posters
To participate in internal and external quality control procedures and to abide
by all Codes of Practice, Safety Regulations, Standard Operating Procedures
of the department and the service
To attend relevant workshops and conferences as necessary
To develop contacts within the College and the wider community
To undertake such duties as may be required from time to time as are
consistent with the responsibilities of the grade and the needs of the service
To partake in the annual performance review process
To observe and comply with all College policies and regulations, including the
key policies and procedures on Confidentiality, Conflict of Interest, Data
Protection, Equal Opportunities, Financial Regulations, Health and Safety,
Imperial Expectations (for new leaders, managers and supervisors),
Information Technology, Private Engagements and Register of Interests, and
Smoking.
To undertake specific safety responsibilities relevant to individual roles, as set
out on the College Website Health and Safety Structure and Responsibilities
page
(http://www3.imperial.ac.uk/safety/policies/organisationandarrangements).
Job descriptions cannot be exhaustive and the post-holder may be required to
undertake other duties, which are broadly in line with the above key
responsibilities.
Imperial College is committed to equality of opportunity and to eliminating
discrimination. All employees are expected to adhere to the principles set out
in its Equal Opportunities in Employment Policy, Promoting Race Equality
Policy and all other relevant guidance/practice frameworks.
IMPERIAL COLLEGE LONDON
PERSON SPECIFICATION
Applicants are required to demonstrate that they possess the following attributes.
Education and Qualifications
Essential
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BSc or Masters degree in a Biological Science or equivalent relevant science
based qualification
Current registration as a Clinical Scientist with Health and Care Professions
Council
Evidence of active participation in continuing professional development
Desirable
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PhD in a Biological Science or other relevant subject area
Clinical Scientist registration within the area of Molecular Diagnostics,
Molecular Genetics or Cytogenetics.
Knowledge
Essential
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Considerable experience in a CPA-accredited molecular biology laboratory
Good general molecular or molecular biology skills
Good communication and interpersonal skills
Ability to work as part of a team
Well organised and methodical with a scientific mind
Previous experience of laboratory Health and Safety
Desirable
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First hand experience in next generation DNA sequencing
Experience in a human molecular genetics laboratory
Direct experience in development, validation and implementation of new
diagnostic services
Previous user experience of WinPath LIMS
Previous experience of Q-Pulse for quality management software
Competencies, Skills and Abilities
These are the 7 principles that Imperial leaders, managers and supervisors are
expected to follow:
1) Champion a positive approach to change and opportunity
2) Communicate regularly and effectively within, and across, teams
3) Consider the thoughts and expectations of others
4) Deliver positive outcomes
5) Encourage inclusive participation and eliminate discrimination
6) Support and develop staff to optimise talent
7) Work in a planned and managed way
In addition you will demonstrate
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Good basic knowledge of genetics
Sound technical knowledge of modern molecular technologies
Conscientious and reliable
Ability to follow detailed protocols/information accurately
Responsible attitude to own work
Proven competence in teaching skills and promoting effective learning
Ability to exercise initiative
Ability to relate appropriately to others
Ability to work towards ensuring equal opportunities objectives are met
Excellent laboratory skills
Excellent organisational skills