Medical Laboratory Assistant

The post holder will be required to rotate through the Clinical Genomics laboratories to perform technical support duties, including but not limited to, specimen reception, data entry, etc. The post holder will be expected to assist in training and support activities such as quality, equipment maintenance and audits. Attention to detail is essential, and the post holder must be able to work to high standards following defined protocols., To provide the technical and administrative support required to maintain an efficient and high-quality genetics diagnostic laboratory service. Working with the laboratory's scientific and technical staff, the laboratory assistant technologist will provide pan laboratory technical and administrative support. The post holder must be able to take responsibility for working alone and as part of a team to achieve the necessary performance levels. The post-holder will be expected to work within Clinical Genomics Central Reception and all areas of Clinical Genomics (both Cytogenetics and Molecular Diagnostics) to perform laboratory support duties with minimal supervision. The major focus of the role will be on sample collection, data entry, sample send away, sample prioritisation and distribution working within the Cancer Diagnostics Central Reception. In addition, the post holder will be required to rotate through the Clinical Genomics laboratories to perform laboratory support duties. Such duties will include specimen processing, data entry of requests, packaging samples to send away, equipment maintenance tasks and supporting scientists in providing a reliable and accurate diagnostic service. Attention to detail is essential, and the post holder must be able to work to high standards, following defined protocols and assist in the production of accurate and high-quality analytical results for the diagnosis and treatment of patients.,

• To collect different types of biological samples from the main Pathology laboratories, minor procedures, theatres, and switchboard during the day, including late samples, and maintaining all relevant audit trails.
• Specimen reception: receipt and checking of samples against request forms, liaising with clinical
staff regarding labelling errors, identifying and taking appropriate action with high risk specimens and dealing with leaking/damaged samples. Sort samples for processing.
• To prioritise samples according to SOPs and laboratory requirements.
• To input patient-related data received from external referral hospitals, wards and clinical areas including test requests into IT systems.
The Royal Marsden values diversity and is committed to the recruitment and retention of underrepresented minority groups. We particularly welcome applications from Black, Asian and minority ethnic candidates, LGBTQ+ candidates and candidates with disabilities. As a Disability Confident Employer, we are working to create a workplace that enables all staff to reach their full potential. We are committed to this because we know that greater diversity and inclusion will lead to an even greater positive impact for the people we serve. Due to the high volumes of applications we receive, we reserve the right to close any adverts before the published closing date once we have received a sufficient number of applications. We advise you to submit your application as early as possible to prevent disappointment. All applicants will be contacted by email to the address supplied on your application. Applicants are advised to check their email accounts regularly and to ensure that email filters are set to allow our emails. Flu Vaccination - What We Expect of our Staff At The Royal Marsden we have an immune compromised patient population who we must protect as much as we can against the flu virus. Each year, seasonal flu affects thousands of people in the UK. Occurring mainly in winter, it is an infectious respiratory disease capable of producing symptoms ranging from those similar to a common cold, through to very severe or even fatal disease. The wellbeing of our staff and patients is of the upmost importance to us, and it is the expectation of The Royal Marsden that all patient-facing staff have an annual flu vaccination, provided free of charge by the Trust.

The successful applicant must have relevant A levels, including a science subject, and have experience working in a relevant laboratory. Experience in cytogenetic and molecular diagnostics techniques is desirable. Please note total weekly working hours are 37.5 hours, however in line with the NHSE requirements for the delivery of the Cancer Test Directory, the Clinical Genomics department will operate an extended working hours service, the post holder will be required to participate in a shift system on a rotational basis.

The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust is a world-leading cancer centre. Our role is to offer our patients the best cancer care available anywhere in the world, and to continue to make a global contribution to finding better ways of diagnosing and treating cancer. We employ over 4,500 staff in a diverse range of careers including nursing, medical, science, radiography, pharmacy, occupational therapy, finance and administrative services. We have two hospitals - one in Chelsea, London, and one in Sutton, Surrey - as well as a Medical Daycare Unit in Kingston Hospital. At The Royal Marsden, we deal with cancer every day, so we understand how valuable life is. When people entrust their lives to us, they have the right to demand the very best. That's why the pursuit of excellence lies at the heart of everything we do. At the heart of the hospital is our dedicated team. We offer a stimulating and dynamic working environment, a wide range of staff benefits, learning and development opportunities and clear career pathways. There are opportunities to work flexibly across a range of areas and specialities and we welcome flexible working requests from point of hire to support employees work life balance. We are looking for employees who aspire to excellence, share our values and can play a crucial role in our on-going achievements.