Nicole Porter

Key Responsibilities:

Laboratory Management: Technical Operations: Financial & Procurement Management: Risk & Contingency Planning: Strategic & Future Planning: Clinical Governance & Quality Assurance.

• Supervised daily operations of the Molecular Diagnostics Laboratory ensuring efficiency and accuracy.
• Led and mentored a team of laboratory staff, conducting performance reviews and providing training.
• Managed the recruitment process, including job descriptions, interviews, onboarding, and staff integration.
• Allocated resources effectively, including reagents, consumables, and equipment, to stay within budget.
• Operated and maintained laboratory equipment, including PCR, NGS, ddPCR, Sanger sequencing, and real-time PCR systems.
• Ensured compliance with ISO 15189 and Trust policies, overseeing quality control and audits.
• Led troubleshooting, equipment maintenance, and the implementation of new technologies.
• Managed laboratory budgets, ensuring cost-effective resource allocation and spending.
• Oversaw tender waivers, contract awards, and Service Level Agreements (SLAs) with suppliers.
• Ensured the timely ordering of reagents and consumables, optimising stock levels.
• Developed contingency plans to address equipment failure, staffing shortages, and supply chain disruptions.
• Led risk assessments and mitigation strategies, ensuring business continuity.
• Maintained disaster recovery plans to ensure minimal disruption in laboratory operations.
• Contributed to long-term laboratory ambitions, aligning technological advancements with departmental growth.
• Led and implemented change control processes for new equipment and methodologies, ensuring smooth transitions.
• Managed incident reporting, audits, and corrective actions to meet regulatory requirements.
• Achieved quality control by maintaining strict documentation practices.

Genetic Technologist
Key Responsibilities:

• Reported to Senior Genetic Technologists and Clinical Scientists.
• Followed laboratory protocols and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).
• Collaborated with team members and provided training for new staff and students.
• Managed telephone inquiries and maintained accurate section records.
• Participated in annual appraisals, clinical audits, and evaluation of new equipment.
• Ensured adherence to ISO15189:2012 accreditation standards.
• Processed and booked pathological specimens.
• Extracted DNA/RNA from various sample types, measured concentrations, and performed PCR/Sanger sequencing.
• Prepared DNA libraries for Next-Generation sequencing, and conducted MLPA/ddPCR for copy number analysis.
• Interpreted simple abnormal results, prepared reports, and informed of any errors or incidents.
• Provided out-of-hours cover as required and attended relevant training sessions.