Important Job Application Information

Thank you for your interest in NHS Tayside vacancies.

Please see below Job Description/Specification and General Conditions of Service.

Your Application Form must be completed in full. Please note copies of Curriculum Vitae, Qualifications and Course Certificates will not be accepted at this stage.

Please return your completed Application Form to [email protected] (quoting the Post Reference Number in the subject box) or to the postal address given on the General Conditions of Service.

All completed applications are held in Human Resources until the closing date. After the closing date a panel will meet to prepare an interview shortlist. Once this decision has been made, all shortlisted applicants will be emailed to invite them to attend for interview. It is important that you check your emails regularly, including your spam/junk box.

This process takes approximately six weeks. Therefore, if you have not been contacted regarding interview within six weeks of the closing date, your application has been unsuccessful and you will receive no further correspondence from Human Resources.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:-

Find out more about living and working in Tayside at: www.dundeecity.gov.uk www.angus.gov.uk www.pkc.gov.uk

Job Description 1. JOB IDENTIFICATION Job Title Genetic Technologist (Healthcare Sci- ence Practitioner) Department(s)/Location Genetics/Ninewells Number of Job Holders 3 2. JOB PURPOSE

Genetic Technologists as Healthcare Science Practitioners are responsible for undertaking a broad range of testing procedures so that the Service can meet contracted reporting times. The current post has been designed to promote translational research and development (R &D) in haematological malignancies and has two components. Working closely with Senior Genetic Technologists and Scientists, the post-holder will utilise broad theoretical and practical know- ledge to develop and validate new laboratory techniques in diagnostic genetics. The post-holder will also work with Clinical Academics based in the University of Dundee Division of Cancer to undertake pre-clinical drug development in haematological malignancies focussing on chronic lymphocytic leukaemia. The post will require supervisory skills when directing the activities of students undertaking laboratory research projects.

3. ORGANISATIONAL POSITION

Organisational summary of the East of Scotland Regional Genetic Laboratory

Laboratory Director Laboratory Director

Consultant Clinical ConsultantScientists Clinical Scientists

Laboratory Manager Senior Clinical Scientists Quality Manager Laboratory Manager Senior Clinical Scientists Quality Manager

HCS Clinical Scientists PractitionersHCS Clinical Scientists Practitioners

HCS HCS HCS Assistants AssociatesHCS Assistants Associates

4. SCOPE AND RANGE  Undertakes under supervision, research and development projects in haematological malignancies including pre-clinical drug development.  Provides technical and scientific expertise in diagnostic genetics relevant to haematolo- gical malignancies.  Uses a broad range of theoretical, practical and technical knowledge that is often spe- cialised.  Applies theoretical and practical knowledge and experience to solve often complex prob- lems.  Plans and manages their own workload in response to the demands of the Service.  Plans and undertakes a range of routine and complex tests using standard operating procedures.  Analyses and records test results and makes decisions about the quality of results.  Manages and uses highly complex laboratory equipment and reagents and is respons- ible for training others.  Suggests, develops and implements new procedures and equipment in collaboration with more senior technical colleagues.  Plans and undertakes troubleshooting and process optimisation in collaboration with more senior technical colleagues.  Helps implement regulatory guidance and standards within the Service.  May provide basic supervision and support to more junior members of the laboratory. 5. MAIN DUTIES/RESPONSIBILITIES

The main duties of the post-holder are:

 Assist in research and development activities including bio-banking of blood and marrow specimens from patients with haematological malignancies particularly myelodysplastic syn- dromes, acute myeloid leukaemia and chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (20% WTE).  Undertake pre-clinical drug development on the small molecule sirtuin inhibitor Tenovin-6 in chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL) under the supervision of Dr Sudhir Tauro in the Divi- sion of Cancer, University of Dundee (80% WTE). An associate contract from the University of Dundee will be offered to the post-holder.  Plan their own workload and help supervise the work of more junior members of the technic- al team.  Work in close collaboration with Senior Technical staff and the Laboratory Manager.  Maintain computerised records of analyses undertaken and the results of investigations us- ing the laboratory database.  Access appropriate on-line software and databases to facilitate data analysis.  Work safely with toxic substances hazardous to health and help promote safe working prac- tices within the Service.  Maintain an accurate record of all work undertaken and preserve the confidentiality of the pa- tient and any associated clinical information and potentially sensitive results of genetic test- ing.  Access appropriate software and databases to facilitate data analysis.  Maintain, service and oversee the use of highly specialised and expensive laboratory equip- ment used in diagnostic testing.  Provide detailed technical advice on the correct and appropriate use of laboratory equip- ment.  Liaise with representatives from suppliers of laboratory equipment and reagents.  Plan and undertake troubleshooting to rectify technical problems with equipment or pro- cesses in collaboration with a Senior Technologist.  Participate in the training and supervision of junior staff members, and undergraduate stu- dents under the direction of the Training Lead.  Provide scientific and technical advice to other healthcare science colleagues.  Write and review Standard Operating Procedures as directed by the Quality Manager.  Take part in Continuing Professional Development activities (e.g. attending directorate sem- inars, journal clubs, attending local/national meetings and conferences, periodic literature re- views and hospital training sessions) to acquire new knowledge and skills for service and personal development.  Follow Health and Safety and COSHH regulations, protocols and policies of the laboratory.

Induction Standards & Code of Conduct Your performance must comply with the national “Mandatory Induction Standards for Healthcare Support Workers 2009” and with the Code of Conduct for Healthcare Support Workers. 6. COMMUNICATIONS AND RELATIONSHIPS

Internal Communications In the course of their job, the post-holder will:  Communicate and liaise with other technical and scientific colleagues within Genetics and other laboratory disciplines eg Pathology and Haematology.  Communicate with clinicians and other healthcare professionals concerning sample details and technical requirements. There may be barriers to understanding where the healthcare professional does not comprehend detailed technical issues.  Provide detailed technical advice to colleagues in other laboratory disciplines.  Undertake the training and supervision of more junior laboratory staff.  Present complex data and information at internal and external meetings as part of continuing professional development.

External Communications In the course of their job, the post-holder may:  Communicate with colleagues from laboratories out-with NHS Tayside regarding detailed technical issues.  Meet with company representatives to discuss technical issues associated with laboratory reagents and equipment.  Deal with enquiries from users across a broad range of technical issues.

7. KNOWLEDGE, TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE REQUIRED TO DO THE JOB

Essential  Honours degree in an appropriate biological science (for example having covered biology, genetics, cell biology, molecular biology or biochemistry as components of the degree) or at least SVQ Level 4 equivalent knowledge and experience.  Partial fulfilment of the AHCS Standards of Proficiency as a Genetic Technologist.  Knowledge of cell culture, flow-cytometry, western blotting and standard analytic techniques used in Genetics.  Ability to perform all work within the laboratory in a careful and meticulous manner.  Ability to work both as an effective team member and on own to deliver an effective dia- gnostic service.  Must adhere to all laboratory Standard Operating procedures.  Must adhere to all laboratory Health and Safety and COSHH regulations including the use of personal protective equipment.  Must maintain patient confidentiality at all times outside the workplace  Good IT skills.

Desirable  Experience of supervising. 8. SYSTEMS AND EQUIPMENT

 A Personal Computer is used to access NHS Tayside IT systems, email and the LIMS. Access to specific analysis and Quality Management software will also be via a PC.  A tablet to access the LIMS.  Standard laboratory equipment including manual and automatic pipettes, heated blocks, incubators, laboratory balances, a microwave and water purification system.  Next generation sequencing platforms and software.  Complex instruments for laser-microdissection of FFPE samples.  Specialised and complex automated extraction and liquid handling platforms.  Robotic workstations for slide processing and hybridisation.  Biological safety cabinets for the safe handling of human tissues.  Fume cabinets for containment of potentially hazardous chemicals.  Specialised laboratory centrifuges used in the preparation and testing of patient samples.  Specialised capillary electrophoresis equipment for the fractionation and analysis of nuc- leic acid.  Complex shared use instruments for the analysis of haematological malignancies includ- ing research equipment (incubator, flow-cytometer, cell counter, western blotting, gel pro- cessing).  Thermal cyclers for the amplification of nucleic acid.  Flourescent microscopes for FISH analysis.  Laser scanners for fluorescent array preparations.  Photocopiers and scanners to duplicate documentation.  Fax Machine for sending and receiving documents.  Telephone for communication both internally and externally

Responsibility for Records Management All records created in the course of the business of NHS Tayside are corporate records and are public records under the terms of the Public Records (Scotland) Act 1937. This includes email messages and other electronic records. It is your responsibility to ensure that you keep appro- priate records of your work in NHS Tayside and manage those records in keeping with the NHS Tayside Records Management Policy and with any guidance produced by NHS Tayside specific to your employment. 9. PHYSICAL DEMANDS OF THE JOB

 The job demands a high degree of manual dexterity in order to process patient samples or manipulate small reagent tubes and vials. Often very intricate work is involved, espe- cially liquid handling using micro-pipettes to dispense with a high degree of accuracy ex- tremely small micro-litre volumes of sample or reagent.  Safe and accurate microscope dissection of tissue fragments under sterile conditions.  A high degree of manual dexterity is required for macro- and micro-dissection of FFPE samples.  Accurate keyboard skills are required to enter test results onto the laboratory database. This can often involve sitting for prolonged periods of time at a PC particularly when un- dertaking on screen analysis and using interpretation software.  During the processing and testing of patient samples, the post-holder may be required to work in a cramped position at the microbiological safety cabinet for prolonged periods of time.  The postholder will frequently spend periods of time standing at the laboratory bench when setting up reactions and processing samples.  Manual handling is often required as part of the job particularly when maintaining equip- ment. In addition, liquid waste from the equipment, stored in heavy plastic drums, re- quires to be transported from the laboratory for disposal.  Daily handling of biological material with appropriate use of personal protective equip- ment

10. DECISIONS AND JUDGEMENTS

 The Genetic Technologist and an autonomous Healthcare Science Practitioner will plan and prioritise their daily workload based on clinical priority, deciding when to seek advice from a Senior Genetic Technologist or Clinical Scientist.  Decide whether acceptable quality standards required by the diagnostic laboratory are met and when to consult a more senior colleague.  Undertake routine and often complex genetic testing as part of a laboratory team  Decide whether the results of genetic tests are of an acceptable quality for reporting and when to request a repeat test.  The post holder will formulate plans to investigate and rectify any problems with technical procedures or items of equipment and know when to consult a more senior colleague.  Understand the limits of their own responsibility and when to consult a more senior col- league.  Undertake negotiations with company representatives to secure the best prices for laborat- ory reagents, consumables and equipment.

11. MOST CHALLENGING/DIFFICULT PARTS OF THE JOB

 Accuracy and care are of paramount importance and thus the post-holder is always aware that a simple error could have huge clinical implications, for example the termina- tion of a healthy pregnancy or the failure to confirm cancer in an at-risk family.  The post-holder must also increase their scientific and technical knowledge in order to participate in the development of the R&D service and provide the most up-to-date in- formation for other healthcare professionals. Person Specification

POST REF NO: D/CH/07/17 JOB TITLE/BAND: Healthcare Science Practitioner, Band 5 LOCATION: Genetics, Ninewells Hospital, Dundee HOURS: 37.5 hours per week

CRITERIA ESSENTIAL DESIRABLE METHOD OF EVALUATION EXPERIENCE: Previous laboratory experi- Experience within the Application form ence NHS

Experience of working in a Practical experience of team key molecular biology / genetic techniques e.g. working with DNA/RNA, PCR, sequencing and hy- bridisation

QUALIFICATIONS: Honours degree in an ap- A biological science post- Application form (Training; Research; propriate biological science graduate degree with Publications) Or some element of Genet- SVQ Level 4 or equivalent ics or Molecular Biology experience in Science with a Biology component

KNOWLEDGE & Knowledge of short-term Understanding of hand- Application form / SKILLS: blood cell cultures, flow- ling clinical samples; interview cytometry and western blot- blood, tissue etc ting, key molecular biology techniques (PCR, DNA/RNA Practical examples of extraction, hybridisation etc) working with DNA extrac- tion, PCR and sequen- Ability to plan and prioritise cing own workload

High level of manual dexter- ity

Attention to detail

Computer literate

Able to follow laboratory Standard Operating Proced- ures and take direction from more senior members of the laboratory

Team player who is able to work under pressure PERSONAL QUAL- Conscientious, careful and Willing to undergo further Application form / ITIES: accurate training interview

Focussed on patient-centred Be able to demonstrate laboratory work scientific curiosity to fur- ther research and devel- Good communicator with opment work friendly approachable per- sonality

Willingness to undertake fur- ther personal development

OTHER: (eg travel across Tayside) General Conditions of Service

POST REF NO: D/CH/07/17 JOB TITLE/GRADE: Healthcare Science Practitioner, Band 5 LOCATION: Genetics, Ninewells Hospital, Dundee

Conditions of The terms and conditions of service for this post are those determined by Service the NHS Staff Council. Remuneration The current salary scale for the post is £22,440 to £29,034 per annum (pro rata for part-time staff). Placing on the scale on appointment is normally at the minimum but may be higher subject to verification of previous relevant service.

Salary is paid monthly by Bank Credit Transfer.

Hours of Duty The hours of the post are 37.5 per week.

This is a fixed term/secondment post for 23 months as a result of fixed term funding.

Internal applicants: Written approval must be sought from your line manager prior to applying for this secondment. You will be required to bring this if shortlisted for interview.

Start and finish times will be determined by the needs of the service.

Superannuation Membership of the NHS Superannuation Scheme is not compulsory but is open to all staff between the ages of 16 and 70 (65 in some instances).

The contributions paid are a percentage of superannuable pay, which is essentially basic pay excluding, for example, overtime or travelling expenses.

Contribution rates with effect from 01.04.15 are as follows:

Annual Pensionable Pay Contribution (Full-time equivalent) Up to £15,828 5.2% £15,829 to £21,601 5.8% £21,602 to £27,089 7.3% £27,090 to £49,967 9.5% £49,968 to £71,337 12.7% £71,338 to £111,376 13.7% £111,377 and over 14.7%

Contributions are subject to tax relief and reduced National Insurance contributions. NHS Tayside also makes a substantial contribution towards scheme benefits – currently around 14% of basic pay. Annual Leave On appointment = 27 days (pro rata for part-time Staff) or 5.4 weeks per year.

After 5 years aggregated service = 29 days (pro rata for part-time staff) or 5.8 weeks per year

After 10 years aggregated service = 33 days (pro rata for part-time staff) or 6.6 weeks per year

Public Holidays = 8 days (pro rata for part-time staff) or 1.6 weeks per year

References All offers of appointment are subject to receipt of two satisfactory references.

Occupational All offers of appointment to new entrants to the National Health Service Health are subject to a medical examination. Medical examinations are Clearance arranged and undertaken by Occupational Health (OH).

Rehabilitation of All current or spent criminal convictions, cautions, warnings or any case Offenders Act pending must be disclosed prior to commencing in employment as 1974 (Exclusions detailed on the application form. and Exceptions) (Scotland) Order Please note that having a conviction will not automatically debar you from 2003 obtaining employment with NHS Tayside. Careful consideration will be given to the relevance of the offence to the particular post in question. However, if you are appointed, and it is found that you did not reveal a previous conviction your employment may be terminated.

Disclosure Not required Scotland Immigration, It is a criminal offence for an employer to employ anyone who does not Asylum and have permission to live or work in the UK. Nationality Act 2006 Shortlisted applicants will be asked to produce specific original documentation at interview e.g. Passport, or full birth certificate together with an official document giving the applicants permanent National Insurance Number and name issued by a Government Agency or a previous employer, as well as photocopies of these documents.

Professional New entrants to NHS Tayside will be required to achieve the mandatory Registration/ Induction Standards for Healthcare Support Workers (HCSWs) in Induction Standards Scotland& and comply with the Code of Conduct for HCSWs throughout Code of Conduct your employment. Internal candidates will be required to comply with the Code of Conduct for HCSWs

Smoking Policy NHS Tayside operates a No Smoking Policy and smoking is prohibited within NHS premises and grounds.

Fair Processing NHS Tayside is under a duty to protect the public funds it Notice administers, and to this end may use the information you provide on your Application Form for the prevention and detection of fraud. It may also share this information with other bodies responsible for auditing or administering public funds for these purposes. For further information see: http://www.nhstayside.scot.nhs.uk/YourRights/NationalFraudInitiativ e/index.htm or contact [email protected].

Applications Completed forms should be returned to:

[email protected] quoting the job reference in the subject line

or

to HR & OD Directorate, NHS Tayside, Level 9, Ninewells Hospital, Dundee DD1 9SY

By closing date of Monday 1st May 2017

All shortlisted applicants will be emailed to invite them to attend for interview. It is important that you check your emails regularly, including your spam/junk box.