Clinical Scientist
Job summary
We are seeking an experienced and highly motivated Clinical Scientist to join a unique cross-service role spanning the specialist Molecular Haemostasis & Thrombosis service at St Thomas' Hospital and the Monogenics team at Guy's Hospital (3 days in Molecular Haemostasis/1 day Monogenics).
The successful candidate will apply advanced expertise in the analysis, interpretation and reporting of genomic data, including NGS, Sanger sequencing, MLPA, genotyping and variant interpretation, while also performing specialist laboratory techniques and supporting the day-to-day operation of the service. Primarily based within the Molecular Haemostasis & Thrombosis team, the post holder will spend part of their time supporting the wider Monogenics service, contributing to activities such as genomic data analysis, referral management and variant interpretation.
This role offers a rare opportunity to gain experience across both a highly specialised national haemostasis service and a large, multidisciplinary genomics laboratory delivering single-gene, panel and whole genome sequencing services. Working closely with clinical, scientific, technical and bioinformatics colleagues, the successful candidate will contribute to the delivery of high-quality diagnostic services while supporting service development, multidisciplinary working and continuous improvement.
Main duties of the job
We welcome applications from HCPC-registered Clinical Scientists and candidates in the final stages of Scientist Training Programme (STP) completion who are approaching registration.
As a Clinical Scientist, you will play a key role in delivering specialist genomic testing services across one or more areas of the department.
Responsibilities will include:
- Analysis, interpretation and reporting of complex genomic results from a variety of technologies.
- Triage of samples and referrals to ensure appropriate genomic investigations are performed.
- Provision of specialist scientific advice and support to clinicians and laboratory colleagues.
- Participation in multidisciplinary team discussions and clinical meetings where appropriate.
- Ensuring compliance with quality management systems, UKAS accreditation standards and departmental policies.
- Supporting validation, verification and implementation of new tests and technologies.
- Training, supervision and competency assessment of trainees and junior staff.
- Participation in service development, audit activities, external quality assessment and continuous improvement initiatives.
- Maintaining professional registration and continuing professional development in accordance with HCPC requirements.
Candidates should possess excellent communication, organisational and analytical skills, together with the ability to work independently and collaboratively within multidisciplinary teams.
About us
The Genetics and Cancer Genomics services at Synnovis form part of the South East Genomic Laboratory Hub (SEGLH), serving a population of approximately eight million people across South East London and the wider South East region.
Our multidisciplinary workforce includes over 120 scientific, technical, bioinformatics and administrative staff delivering comprehensive genomic testing across rare disease, inherited cancer, solid tumour and haematological malignancy services.
Our laboratories provide a wide range of specialist investigations including:
- Next Generation Sequencing (NGS)
- Whole Genome Sequencing (WGS)
- Cytogenetics and karyotype analysis
- FISH
- SNP array analysis
- Sanger sequencing
- MLPA
- Quantitative and digital PCR
- Minimal Residual Disease (MRD) monitoring
- Liquid biopsy and circulating tumour DNA (ctDNA) testin
Your development and learning:You will have a suite of learning opportunities available through The ACCE competencies programme, the Scientific Learning and Development Fund and the Synnovis Academy through which you can receive funding / support for advanced qualifications. Through our Innovation Accelerator Fund, you can apply for finance to get that new innovative scientific project off the ground, and participate with the wider scientific community through symposiums, conferences and other peer group meetings
Job description
Job responsibilities
At Synnovis, we are shaping the future of pathology and genomic medicine through a world-leading pathology and genomics network. We maintain strong links with NHS clinical services, research programmes, national specialist services and academic partners, providing opportunities to work at the forefront of genomic medicine.
As a Band 7 Clinical Scientist, you will undertake a highly specialised scientific role supporting the delivery of high-quality diagnostic services and service development activities.
Service Delivery
- Provide specialist clinical, scientific and technical diagnostic activities, including interpretation, validation and reporting of complex patient results.
- Perform investigations in accordance with established Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).
- Utilise Laboratory Information Management Systems (LIMS) and associated laboratory software systems while ensuring compliance with Information Governance requirements.
- Communicate complex scientific and clinical information to colleagues, clinicians and other healthcare professionals.
- Provide specialist expertise and technical advice within your area of practice.
Quality and Governance
- Ensure compliance with UKAS accreditation standards, ISO 15189 requirements and Synnovis quality policies.
- Participate in EQA, IQC, clinical audits and continuous quality improvement activities.
- Support incident investigation, corrective actions and quality management processes through Q-Pulse and associated systems.
- Develop, review and maintain SOPs, risk assessments, validation documents and other quality documentation.
Service Development and Research
- Contribute to strategic service development initiatives and continuous improvement projects.
- Participate in verification, validation and implementation of new technologies, tests and equipment.
- Undertake research and development activities within your specialist field.
- Present and publish scientific work where appropriate and contribute to professional meetings and conferences.
Education and Training
- Deliver specialist training and supervision to trainees, biomedical scientists and other laboratory staff.
- Support competency assessment and workforce development activities.
- Promote professional development and knowledge sharing throughout the department.
Professional Responsibilities
- Maintain HCPC registration and professional standards of conduct.
- Participate in Continuing Professional Development activities.
- Work collaboratively with colleagues across laboratory, clinical and scientific teams to deliver high-quality patient-centred services.
Synnovis is a pathology partnership between SYNLAB UK and Ireland, and the NHS, including sites, Guys & St Thomas NHS Foundation Trust and Kings College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, to deliver and transform pathology services across South East London.
The partnership provides services to 1.7 million people living in South East London, as well as to hundreds of thousands of patients from outside the region who use local healthcare services.The partnership provides diagnostics, testing and digital pathology for hospital trusts, GP services and other healthcare providers.
Person Specification
Qualifications
- A degree in relevant scientific subject or Healthcare Science
- HCPC State registration as a Clinical Scientist
- MSc in relevant scientific subject
Experience
- Registered clinical scientist with a detailed working knowledge of the specific discipline
- Experience in and ability to perform and supervise analysis, interpretation and technical validation of routine, complex and specialist results
- Supervising junior employees
- Using Laboratory Information Management Systems & Maintain Quality Systems
- Involvement in research and development projects
- Leadership qualities with experience of coaching, co-ordinating and managing a team
- Experience of training and developing others within the relevant specialism
Skills and Knowledge
- A high degree of skill, knowledge and judgement where interpretation of results can be highly subjective
- Well-developed physical skills, demonstrable ability to use precision equipment and consumables
- Ability to troubleshoot and train those who use the Laboratory Information Management Systems
- Knowledge of Good Laboratory Practice (GLP) & policies and procedures with reference to ISO/UKAS
- Knowledge of the management of laboratory procedures in your own areas, including following Health and Safety legislation and procedures
- Good awareness of current issues within pathology locally and nationally
- Awareness and understanding of current trends in field of expertise
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.
UK Registration
Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see NHS Careers website.
Employer details
Employer name
Synnovis Analytics
Address
St. Thomas’ & Guys Hospital
Westminster Bridge Road
London
SE1 7EH
United Kingdom
Employer's website
http://www.synnovis.co.uk/