Genetic Technologist

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

The post holder is expected to:

To be responsible for the timely delivery and reporting of genetic analyses.

Rotate through and become competent in discrete areas of Liver Molecular Genetics (LMG) and Molecular Neuropathology (MNL) as required.

To be personally responsible for the time management of multiple tasks as described in the job description and to respond to the changing requirements of laboratory by accommodating additional tasks and responsibilities as required.

Maintain and routinely operate the complex analytical equipment used within MMS services to ensure its accurate function; verify the results obtained in preparation for issue to MMS service users.

To ensure laboratory records are maintained

To demonstrate and apply a thorough understanding of the technical, scientific and clinical principles involved in the delivery of the genetics service for which the job-holder has responsibility. This will include trouble-shooting of assays and techniques both existing and in development.

Safely collect, receive, record and dispose of samples intended for MMS.

Replenish supplies and resources used in analysis and for maintaining equipment and databases in MMS.

Continually feedback information on all the above to peers and senior colleagues.

Participate in regular review and audit of the operational aspects of MMS services, updating practices, policies and their documentation; regularly participate in learning activities including research and development.

Adhere to ISO:15189 standards and actively participate in the quality management system

Specific Duties and Responsibilities

Clinical

The post holder is expected to:

Process samples as required during the complete cycle of analysis by MMS clinical services;

Undertake analytical investigations for MMS clinical services in a timely manner and according to standard operating procedures

Validate results accordingly in preparation for issue to referrers;

Communicate efficiently with referrers and other service providers, orally or in writing, enabling the timely collection and processing of appropriate samples, the performance of pertinent tests and the issue of accurate results and interpretative advice; be aware of their own limitations in terms of the knowledge and information available to them when communicating with referrers and service providers;

Assist in monitoring the quality of MMS clinical services and in maintaining quality to nationally agreed standards; e.g. UKAS and EQA. 

Technical and Scientific 

The post holder is expected to:

Be responsible for organising and performing specific laboratory work (which may rotate among other laboratory staff), and be prepared to perform basic laboratory duties if necessary

Extraction of DNA and RNA from blood and other human tissue samples using an automated DNA extractor, and manual protocols, as required.

Amplification of DNA sequences using the polymerase chain reaction (PCR).

Detection of PCR and sequencing products using a multi-capillary, fluorescent sequencer.

Perform mutation detection techniques such as SSP-PCR, qPCR, automated fluorescent sequencing, and Next Generation Sequencing.

Analyse data, recording and transcribing results relating to test requests using MMS laboratory information management systems in an accurate and professional manner and maintaining patient confidentiality;

Undertake preventive maintenance of MMS equipment and troubleshoot and resolve malfunctions;

Prepare reagents required for laboratory investigations;

Technically validate results of MMS analytical tests, and maintain assay, instrument and laboratory function in relation to quality outcomes;

Coordinate and prioritise their own work in conjunction with the requirements and demands of other service providers, working with guidance but minimal and decreasing supervision as their experience grows

Periodically undertake research and development activities required for the advance of the clinical service and their own development;

Communicate effectively with MMS colleagues on the development of new policies and procedures and their implementation;

Monitor and replenish stocks of laboratory supplies essential for sustaining MMS clinical service delivery. 

Professional Responsibilities

The post holder is expected to:

Be professionally and legally accountable for their own results within the MMS clinical service;

Maintain an active programme of continuing professional development and records of this activity, regularly attend training courses and programmes, and local and external lectures and tutorials, enabling awareness of developments in the discipline of genetics;

To comply with good working practices as required for assuring the standards expected by external assessors e.g. UKAS, CTIMP

Participate as an appraise in the annual staff assessment scheme and in the setting of annual goals and personal development plans – and to progress towards achieving these aims;

Participate in clinical and organisational audit and governance procedures by collecting, analysing and presenting data;

After demonstrating competency, participate in the supervision and training of less experienced staff members in laboratory activities and practices;

Administration.

The post holder is expected to:

Maintain stocks of reagents required for delivery of the MMS clinical services; maintain the currency of databases and documentation underpinning quality outcomes;

Contribute to the maintenance of a safe, clean and tidy work environment;

Perform other tasks required periodically for the operation of the MMS services.