Medical Technical Officer (MTO1)

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

At Synnovis, we are currently shaping the future of pathology services by creating a world-leading Hub and Spoke pathology network with our NHS partners. A large part of this modernisation will involve moving 70% of our services to a purpose built, state of the art Hub laboratory in the heart of London. For now, the job you are applying for will be based at one of our hospital sites however, from 1 April 2024 our people and services will start to move to our Hub laboratory in Blackfriars, Southwark, SE1, with some work remaining in refurbished essential services laboratories across our hospital network, focusing on the rapid turnover of urgent tests. Please do ask your recruiting manager if you wish to find out more.

Duties and Responsibilities

The post holder will work across the cytogenetic and molecular genetic teams within Cancer Genetics as required – expectations will be tailored to individual experience and competencies. 

Technical duties

a.     Use laboratory information systems according to protocols

b.     Undertake routine and complex sample preparation using accuracy and precision to correctly employ the procedures and protocols applicable to cancer genetics, including handling of patient information. Laboratory duties include, but are not restricted to; manual and/or robotic DNA and RNA extractions from a variety of human tissue types, preparing samples for molecular analysis using techniques such as RT-PCR and Next Generation Sequencing (NGS), setting up and processing slides for FISH analysis

c.     Undertake an appropriate proportion of the total workload of the Cancer Genetics section and take responsibility for accuracy of the work undertaken

d.     Undertake accurate and precise data entry on the laboratory computer system under supervision of more senior staff

e.     Provide cover for staff at the same or lower grade depending on the needs of the section

f.      The post holder must communicate all problems and obtain help/advice from appropriate senior staff

g.     Develop a close working relationship with the other technical and scientific staff within Cancer Genetics and liaise as required with members of the other sections of the Genetics SDU

h.     Prepare reagents and solutions used within the department

i.       Liaise with other members of the team regarding technical matters, sample preparation and selection of further tests as required

j.       Perform automated, semi-automated and manual processing of specimens which may require a high level of dexterity

k.     Prepare and process samples for clinical trials and research and development projects as and when required

l.       Perform quality control measures to monitor analytical performance, take corrective action where applicable and report any failures to an appropriate member of staff

m.   Set up equipment for use by other members of staff

n.     Undertake preventative maintenance of automated analysers as and when required

o.     Undertake basic troubleshooting of analytical instruments and automated analysers under supervision of senior staff

p.     Following appropriate protocols file samples and keep laboratory records

q.     Dispose of excess and tested samples according to Health and Safety protocols

r.      Monitor stock levels within department and inform appropriate staff members of the need to order reagents and consumables

s.     Where appropriate attend and support clinics and satellite labs

Administrative duties

1. Assist in ensuring laboratory record keeping is accurate and in compliance with good work practices according to the UKAS ISO15189 standards
2. Undertake work file management to ensure all results are reported with agreed turnaround time
3. Effectively communicate with laboratory and medical staff to ensure that specimens are dealt with appropriately and in a timely fashion
4. Enter patient results onto laboratory computer system as and when required
5. Use information systems and both general and specialised computer software for data entry and for collection and interpretation of information to assist in the provision of laboratory services

General duties

1. Compliance with local and national policies for the safe secure and confidential processing, and storage of patient and other laboratory information
2. Maintain integrity and accuracy of laboratory database where appropriate
3. Be proactive in escalating any possible issues that may impact on service delivery to senior colleagues
4. Follow policies within own work area and propose changes to such policies
5. Responsible for the planning and organising own workload
6. Assist in training of more junior staff members by demonstration of own duties
7. Assist senior staff by maintaining high scientific and quality standards
8. Participate in maintenance of quality to UKAS ISO15189 standards and be actively involved in quality improvement.
9. Participate in internal and external quality assurance programmes
10. Participate in audits and surveys as and when required
11. Ensure workplace and workbench areas are kept at laboratory standard
12. Build and maintain working relations with all members of staff and promote effective teamwork
13. Undertake mandatory training as required by Synnovis
14. Maintain and promote the professional image of Synnovis
15. Undertake an internal training programme including attendance at relevant meetings
16. Work within the remit of confidentiality when dealing with issues of a sensitive nature
17. Undertake a period of laboratory training and competence assessment
18. Participate in an annual appraisal cycle, and be assessed against the competences of the role
19. Maintain knowledge and skills as identified by the appraisal cycle
20. To be personally responsible for the time management of multiple tasks and to respond to changing requirements of the laboratory by accommodating additional tasks and responsibilities as required. Complete other appropriate duties as directed by the technical leads.

Observe and adhere to local and national health and safety policies

Synnovis is a pathology partnership between SYNLAB UK and Ireland, and the NHS, including sites, Guy’s & St Thomas’s NHS Foundation Trust and King’s College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, to deliver and transform pathology services across South East London.

The partnership provides services to 1.7 million people living in South East London, as well as to hundreds of thousands of patients from outside the region who use local healthcare services.

The partnership provides diagnostics, testing and digital pathology for hospital trusts, GP services and other healthcare providers.

Guy’s and St Thomas’s Hospital Foundation Trust is a major emergency and specialist teaching Trust which has all the specialties associated with a fascinating and career defining case load including: Women’s Services, Fetal Medicine, Haematology, Oncology, Transplantation, and is also home to the Evelina Children’s Hospital and the Cancer Centre on the Guy’s site.

You will be close to the vibrant Borough Market and the South Bank, which are exceptional London locations; perfect places to work and relax next to such iconic venues as Big Ben, The London Eye and The Shard!