Job Reference – CPP.17-022-NT

Cytogenetic Scientist or Technologist (up to Band 7)

Fixed Term Contract (Maternity Cover 12 months)

Salary depending on AfC grade, qualifications and experience of candidate (Band 7 Job Description supplied)

Enquiries welcome

The Christie Pathology Partnership LLP is a joint venture between The Christie NHS Foundation Trust and Synlab, the largest provider of laboratory pathology and diagnostic services in Europe.

The Christie NHS Foundation Trust, situated in south Manchester, is the largest cancer treatment centre of its kind in Europe, and an international leader in cancer research and development.

Synlab provides services from clinical laboratories operating across 35 countries, has 13,000 highly talented employees, and undertakes more than 400 million clinical tests annually across Europe.

Cytogenetic Technologist or Clinical Cytogeneticist, depending on qualifications training and experience

The post represents an exciting opportunity for the postholder to continue their professional development in specialist cancer diagnostics at one of Europe’s leading cancer centres. The department offers a comprehensive chromosome analysis and molecular cytogenetics service to patients with cancer in Greater Manchester, Cheshire and Lancashire. The department supports the diagnosis of haematological malignancies and provides molecular pathology testing by FISH for solid tumours, including HER2 testing for breast and gastric cancers.

A Cytogenetic scientist is required to participate in the routine work of the Oncology Cytogenetics departmentof The Christie Pathology Partnership, on a 1 year contract to cover maternity leave. Experience in cytogenetic analysis is essential and FISH analysis preferable. Other experience is helpful but optional and will reflect the final grade of appointment. You will have the ability to work both as part of a team and independently.

Applicants must have a degree in a relevant subject and appropriate professional experience. Candidates expecting appointment to the post of Clinical Scientist must have training in a recognised scheme in clinical cytogenetics and should be eligible for state registration with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC). Applicants expecting to obtain state registration or with a different background but including cytogenetic analysis experience are welcome to apply. The grade of appointment will depend on qualifications and experience, up to Agenda for Change band 7.

Purpose of the role include:

The post-holder will be part of a team to provide an effective and high quality genetic analysis service to aid the diagnosis and treatment of patients with leukaemia and other cancers for the Greater Manchester and Cheshire Cancer Network and the North West region.

The post-holder will perform cytogenetic analysis of specimens by routine chromosome analysis and FISH for checking and interpretation by a state registered Clinical Cytogeneticist.

The postholder will support the team of technical staff to perform the routine technical work of the department and provide technical support to Clinical Cytogeneticists. This will include participation in routine procedures for the processing and preparation of samples for cytogenetic analysis, as required. They will perform a defined range of technical and laboratory procedures, according to standard laboratory protocols.

Routine tasks will be performed with a limited amount of supervision and reasonable responsibility for the quality of work and organisation of daily schedule is expected. The post-holder will be responsible for his or her own work, with ultimate responsibility resting with the supervising senior member of staff.

MainDuties and Responsibilities will include:

  • Undertake technical procedures for the cytogenetic analysis of patient’s sample preparations by chromosome analysis and FISH. Routine tests will be in accordance with laboratory policies and protocols. Capturing of brightfield and fluorescent images on the image analysis system.
  • Process patient samples sent to the laboratory for testing, including bone marrow, blood and lymph nodes. Follow sample handling procedures, including high risk and sub-optimal specimens.
  • Setting up cell cultures, harvest cells from cultures and fixation of cells with methanol/acetic acid. Preparation of slides with fixed cells to high standard to enable detailed analysis of preparations.
  • Ensure sterile working conditions using aseptic technique and protective equipment to prevent infection from samples and cross-infection between samples. Use of Class II Safety Cabinets and work at Containment level 2+ conditions.
  • Maintain accurate records of work undertaken. This includes recording records of all analytical work undertaken and Audit Sheets to facilitate the Audit Trail in the department. Accurate recording of confidential patient and sample details.

If you believe you have the necessary skills and enthusiasm to succeed in this role, we would welcome your application.

Synlab is a committed equal opportunities employer and does not unlawfully discriminate on the basis of any status or condition protected by applicable UK employment law. Applicants must currently have permission to work in the UK.