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.
An exciting opportunity has arisen for an Associate Practitioner to join the Clinical Genomics department. The department is located in the Centre for Molecular Pathology and is one of seven national Genomic Laboratory Hubs offering Cancer Genomic testing in England. The department provides a reference Molecular Diagnostics and Cytogenetics Service for solid tumours and haematological malignancies, as well as participating in clinical trials.The post holder will be required to rotate through the Clinical Genomics laboratories to perform technical duties, including but not limited to; specimen reception, data entry, DNA/RNA/ctDNA extraction. 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.
Main duties of the job
The post holder will be expected to assist in data management relating to the technical aspects of the molecular 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, clerical duties and participate in the departments training programme. The post holder will be expected to support and advise less experienced staff, such as trainees, students and MLA's. Good communication and team working are essential. The range of tests available will be in continuous development and the post-holder will be expected to work within all areas.
Details
- Date posted: 02 November 2026
- Closing date: 16 November 2026
- Pay scheme: Agenda for change
- Band: Band 4
- Salary: £33,262 to £36,027 a year per annum
- Contract: Permanent
- Working pattern: Full-time
- Reference number: 282-SA1996
- Job locations: The Royal Marsden Sutton, Sutton, SM2 5PT, United Kingdom
Job description
Job responsibilities
For further information please refer to the job description and personal specification
To provide cover for colleagues and junior staff during their leave or absence. To participate in training and assessment for specified tasks, completing programmes to maintain a satisfactory level of competence. To assist in the preparation of SOPs and local policies. Responsibility to inform Laboratory Management / senior members of staff with regards to laboratory procedures, risk assessment, COSHH and local safety rules. To assist with the storage of confidential files. To assist in audit activity where directed by Laboratory Management. To comply with Local Health and Safety regulations. To participate within an annual performance review. To ensure yearly compliance with mandatory training courses (manual handling, fire training etc). To answer the telephone and deal with messages and enquiries. To work within the capabilities and responsibility of the post, seeking advice and direction where appropriate.
Person Specification
Education/Qualifications
Essential
- Good general education including A-levels, with at least one science subject
- Recognised qualifications in Maths and English
Desirable
- BSc in Biological Science or equivalent
- Knowledge of theory & practice of laboratory techniques
Experience
Essential
- Experience working in a relevant laboratory or healthcare setting
- Awareness of laboratory health & safety procedures and COSHH
- Knowledge of laboratory techniques and practices
- Experience using Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs)
- Awareness and understanding of handling biological samples
Desirable
- Knowledge of molecular and cytogenetic techniques (e.g., DNA/RNA extraction, FISH, slide preparation)
- Experience working in a UKAS-accredited diagnostic laboratory
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
- Understands the relationship between laboratory work and patient care
- Basic understanding of quality systems (e.g., ISO 15189, UKAS) and data integrity
Personal Qualities
Essential
- Reliable, enthusiastic, and proactive
- Ability to work independently and as part of a team
- Demonstrates initiative within role boundaries
- Willing to respond flexibly to service demands
- Ability to prioritise tasks and organise daily work
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: The Royal Marsden Sutton, Sutton, SM2 5PT, United Kingdom
- Employer's website: https://www.royalmarsden.nhs.uk/working-royal-marsden