Scientific Support Technologist (Molecular Microbiology & Virology)

We are seeking highly motivated Scientific Support Technologists with experience working in molecular laboratories to support our expanding sequencing-based diagnostic services in Microbiology and Virology.

Our department provides specialist tests to diagnose infections in our patients and for patients in hospitals across the UK. These are sequencing-based tests using Illumina short-read sequencing, ONT long-read sequencing and Sanger sequencing. Services include untargeted metagenomics for respiratory, central nervous system and ocular infections in critically ill patients, as well as targeted and broad-range PCR for bacterial and fungal pathogens.

This is an excellent opportunity to work as part of a very experienced and dedicated team to gain extra skills and knowledge of paediatric microbiology and sequencing, including NGS (Next Generation Sequencing). 

This is a vibrant, progressive, well equipped and ISO:15189 accredited laboratory.

You will follow Standard Operating Procedures to perform the laboratory work to support these services, including nucleic acid extraction, quality control steps such as Qubit and Tapestation, sequencing library preparation and loading of sequencing instruments. 

You are expected to have worked in a molecular diagnostic or academic laboratory, with well-developed and accurate pipetting skills. An eye for detail and working in an organised manner is crucial to this role, as well as the ability to work within expected time frames to ensure timely results for patients. 

• GOSH Values
• Biological Science or Genetics undergraduate degree (or equivalent)
• Highly developed pipetting skills
• Experience of nucleic acid extraction
• Experience of PCR set-up
• Experience of NGS library preparation (e.g. Illumina, Nanopore)
• Experience processing biological specimens
• Knowledge regarding molecular microbiology techniques I/A (e.g. PCR, sequencing) and understanding of scientific and clinical terms
• Experience working with laboratory equipment
• Experience working in a scientific laboratory (NHS, academia or industry)
• Careful, meticulous attention to detail
• Organised approach to work and time management
• Able to communicate effectively both verbally, by email and by appropriate documentation
• Able to follow and give instructions clearly
• Able to train others
• Able to concentrate for long periods of time, adapt to changing priorities and work under pressure
• Computer skills including excel

• Experience of quantitation of nucleic acid (e.g. Tapestation, Qubit, nanodrop)
• Experience of Sanger Sequencing
• Previous experience of working in an NHS laboratory
• Experience in culture-based techniques
• Previous participation in UKAS ISO:15189 laboratory accreditation
• Experience with laboratory information management systems e.g. EPIC
• Experience training others

The postholder will have regular contact with vulnerable people and as such this post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (Amendment) (England and Wales) Order 2020 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service to check for any previous criminal convictions.

The closing date given is a guide only. There may be some occasions where we have to close a vacancy once sufficient applications have been received. It is therefore advisable that you submit your application as early as possible to avoid disappointment.