Job overview

An opportunity has arisen for a Senior Genetic Technologist to join the team at the West Midlands Genomics Laboratory. The department is located at the Birmingham Women’s Hospital and is the lead laboratory in the Central and South Genomic Laboratory Hub, the largest in the seven national GLHs, performing in excess of 100,000 tests per annum. The department performs a wide range of genomic testing using a large variety of testing methodologies in order to fulfil the requirements of the National Genomic Test Directory.

Reporting directly to the Technical Programme Managers, the successful candidates will join a large technical management team and be responsible for managing a specified sub-section(s) of the laboratory, as appropriate to their expertise and experience. 

The role demands a high level of organisation and specialist knowledge in genetic technology in order to successfully manage the operational delivery of the technical workload. We are looking for highly motivated individuals with a flexible approach to work who are committed to a leadership role and a career in laboratory diagnostic genetics.

We invite applications from individuals who are registered as a Genetic Technologist with the Academy for Healthcare Science (AHCS) or equivalent.

Main duties of the job

A Senior Genetic Technologist will be required to undertake technical, managerial and analytical duties to enable them to manage a specified sub-section(s) of the laboratory. This will involve line management, supervision and training of all staff within the specified sub-section, and management of all necessary resources for efficient day to day running of the area. They will be required to effectively communicate with members of the scientific and technical teams to ensure that the processes are performed within national guidelines and to expected turnaround times. They will take responsibility for their own section of work but will also effectively collaborate with the wider technical teams to achieve an effective, efficient, high quality testing service.

Successful candidates will require detailed theoretical and practical knowledge of technical laboratory workflows, quality, equipment maintenance and compliance with laboratory accreditation standards BSI Standard ISO15189. They must demonstrate evidence of working with a focus on excellence, as well as displaying a high level of technical skill and the ability to lead and motivate a team.  Successful candidates will have the opportunity to facilitate continuous development and improvements required to deliver a sustainable Genomics testing service. A sound knowledge of health and safety, excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to deal with difficult and challenging situations will be an advantage.  

Working for our organisation

Birmingham Women's and Children's NHS Foundation Trust is the first of its type in the UK. Our Trust was formed in February 2017 to drive forward our commitment to provide the highest quality, world-class physical and mental health care for our women, children and families. Uniting our hospitals means more seamless care; more investment to make greater advances in our specialist treatment and world-leading neo-natal and fetal work. Importantly, it also gives us a greater voice in shaping the future of family-centred care.

Birmingham Children's Hospital is a UK leading specialist paediatric centre with an international reputation in several areas.

Birmingham Women's Hospital is one of two dedicated women's hospitals in the UK, with the busiest single site maternity unit, delivering more than 8,200 babies a year offering a full range of gynaecological, maternity and neonatal care.

Forward Thinking Birmingham (FTB) Mental Health Services are a unique, innovative community and inpatient mental health partnership. Alongside partners FTB offers care pathways of mental health assessment and treatment for young people aged 0-25 years old.

Our Trust is committed to creating the best place to work. We believe in promoting and enhancing inclusion, diversity and equality and encourage applications from all areas of the community, who meet the criteria for the role, regardless of age, gender identity, disability, race, religion or sexual orientation.