Job summary
The Royal Marsden has a vital role in championing change and improvement in cancer care through research and innovation, education and leading-edge practice. We are incredibly proud of our international reputation for pushing the boundaries and for our ground breaking work ensuring our patients receive the very best and latest in cancer treatment and care.
As part of the department expansion, an opportunity has arisen for a Medical Technical Officer with good interpersonal skills and a committed team member to join the Clinical Genomics department. The Clinical Genomics laboratory at the Royal Marsden is part of the North Thames Genomic Laboratory Hub (NT GLH), one of seven national Genomic Laboratory Hubs offering Cancer Genomic testing in England. The department is located in the Centre for Molecular Pathology in Sutton. The Centre for Molecular Pathology is a state-of-the-art facility bringing together translational science and molecular diagnostics. It is one of the few specialised laboratories in molecular diagnostics of cancer in Europe. The department provides a reference Molecular Diagnostics and Cytogenetics Service for solid tumours and haematological malignancies, as well as participating in clinical trials and collaborating with the industry (https://www.royalmarsden.nhs.uk/royal-marsden-partnership-create-state-art-house-liquid-biopsy-testing-facility) to provide cutting-edge genomic technologies to support personalised cancer treatment.
Main duties of the job
We are seeking an enthusiastic Medical Technical Officer to contribute to the provision of a timely and efficient ISO 15189 accredited Clinical Genomics Service. The post holder will undertake technical duties required to support scientific teams in the provision of an effective and high quality service to patients. The post holder must be able to take responsibility for working alone and as part of a team to achieve necessary performance levels. They will be responsible for carrying out analytical molecular diagnostics investigations, with minimal supervision. Analytical investigations will include, but not limited to, Next Generation Sequencing, fragment analysis, ddPCR and gene expression analysis in haematological and solid tumours. The post holder will be expected to assist in training of junior members of the team and visitors as well data management relating to the technical aspects of the service and therefore needs to be fully IT literate. In addition the post holder will be required to support activities such as quality, including compliance with laboratory accreditation standards, equipment maintenance, audits and participate in the departments training programme. Good communication and team working are essential.
Details
- Date posted: 04 November 2026
- Closing date: 18 November 2026
- Pay scheme: Agenda for change
- Band: Band 5
- Salary: £36,943 to £44,900 a year Per Annum
- Contract: Permanent
- Working pattern: Full-time
- Reference number: 282-SB2010
- Job locations: Royal Marsden Hospital Sutton, Sutton, SM2 5PT, United Kingdom
Job description
Job responsibilities
For further information on this role, please see the attached detailed Job Description and Person Specification:
To be responsible for own work, which will include all aspects of the clinical scientific & technical work, staff, equipment and quality system.
To ensure the timely and efficient provision of core and technologically complex analytical/diagnostic services, including but not limited to PCR, RQ-PCR, ddPCR, NGS and fragment analysis.
To take day to day responsibility for the quality of technical and analytical work produced.
To ensure that clinical requests are met according to agreed policies on availability of tests and priorities in accordance with user guide.
To ensure that work is carried out in line with Standing Operational Procedures and/or Departmental policy.
To monitor quality control of all the tests performed.
To assist in the preparation of SOPs and other documentation.
To work in all areas of the department on a rotational basis
Person Specification
Qualifications and Knowledge
Essential
- BSc in Biological Sciences, Genetics, or related discipline
- Basic understanding of DNA/RNA and molecular genetics
- Awareness of health & safety and COSHH procedures in labs
Desirable
- Understanding of UKAS, IQA/EQA standards
Experience
Essential
- Proven laboratory experience in molecular diagnostics or a related field
- Ability to follow SOPs and document results accurately
- Experience handling clinical samples and using LIMS
- Experience with DNA/RNA extraction (manual and automated)
Desirable
- Participation in audits or quality improvement initiatives
- Hands-on experience with techniques such as PCR, qPCR, NGS, fragment analysis
Skills & Abilities
Essential
- High level of attention to detail and accuracy
- Manual dexterity for technical tasks
- Strong data entry and IT skills, including use of LIMS and Microsoft Office
- Ability to follow written instructions and protocols
- Good verbal and written communication skills
- Able to prioritise and manage own workload
Desirable
- Experience training junior staff
- Competent in basic troubleshooting and problem-solving
Personal Qualities
Essential
- Flexible and adaptable to changing priorities
- Ability to work independently and as part of a team
- Demonstrates initiative within role boundaries
- Enthusiastic and committed to patient-focused service
- Willingness to learn and participate in CPD
Disclosure and Barring Service Check
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.
About us
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.
Employer details
- Employer name: The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust
- Address: Royal Marsden Hospital Sutton, Sutton, SM2 5PT, United Kingdom
- Employer's website: https://www.royalmarsden.nhs.uk/working-royal-marsden