Imperial College London

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

 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  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  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

 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

 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

 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

 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

 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