Lead Consultant Clinical Scientist (Genomics)

Job description

Job responsibilities

This position involves a combination of strategic, clinical, operational, and research responsibilities, aimed at advancing NUH genomic services and ensuring excellence in patient care.

1. Expert Clinical Advice: Provide specialised advice on genomic test selection and interpretation, particularly for complex cases.
2. Investigative Strategies: Advise on and select appropriate investigative strategies for complex clinical scenarios, supporting the rare and inherited diseases and cancer service.
3. Communication: Ensure clear and timely communication of clinical advice to patients, clinical colleagues, and relevant staff, aiding in prompt and accurate patient management.
4. Validation of Reports: Assess the technical and clinical validity of genomic reports, request rechecking when necessary, and make informed decisions on abnormal results in consultation with technical and medical staff.
5. Research Awareness: Stay abreast of published research and innovations in genomics to integrate the latest advancements into clinical practice.

1. Knowledge Dissemination: Share knowledge through presentations at scientific meetings, contributing to the department's profile within the scientific community.
2. Professional Development: Engage in continuing professional development activities, maintaining state registration.
3. Collaboration: Participate in scientific and clinical meetings at various levels, fostering beneficial collaborations.
4. Appraisal Procedures: Participate in the Trust's appraisal procedures, setting objectives and identifying development needs for the team.

1. Service Development: Collaborate with laboratory users to understand and address service development needs.
2. Process Optimization: Optimize test request combinations, sample handling, and results reporting processes.
3. External Laboratory Evaluation: Evaluate the suitability of test requests referred to external laboratories.
4. Quality Assurance: Promote and participate in quality assurance and technical development initiatives.
5. Guideline Development: Develop and review clinical guidelines and patient care pathways, ensuring they are evidence-based.
6. Innovation: Implement innovative strategies to enhance the delivery of laboratory and clinical expertise.
7. Assay and Technology Review: Periodically review and introduce new assays and technologies to align with service goals.
8. Procurement: Participate in procurement processes for new laboratory equipment, liaising with commercial providers and coordinating with departmental finance.
9. Budget Management: Control and oversee the service budget, preparing financial projections and managing resource allocation.
10. Standards Maintenance: Establish and maintain standards in Genomics according to UKAS criteria, working closely with the Quality Manager.
11. Line Management: Act as a line manager, overseeing recruitment, training, and professional development of the team.
12. Audits: Participate in audits to ensure continuous improvement in service quality and regulatory compliance.

1. Service Development: Lead service development in line with the NUH Genomics and GLH Genomics strategy.
2. Regional Leadership: Provide leadership at the GLH level, contributing to the design and delivery of regional goals.
3. Research Integration: Apply up-to-date research in the strategic design and operational rollout of genomics testing.
4. New Service Initiatives: Lead new service development initiatives, aligning with national Genomics service visions.
5. Vision and Strategy: Engage with Trust stakeholders to provide vision and strategic direction for the Genomics service.
6. Strategic Collaboration: Develop strategic visions for local and regional genomics services in collaboration with clinical stakeholders.
7. Diagnostic Services: Introduce new diagnostic services based on advancements in the field.

1. R&D Leadership: Lead department-approved R&D activities, aligning with the Trusts R&D program.
2. Mentorship: Mentor and supervise staff involved in R&D projects, fostering a collaborative environment.
3. Scientific Integrity: Ensure all R&D activities adhere to high standards of scientific rigor, ethics, and integrity.
4. Knowledge Sharing: Participate in departmental R&D meetings and disseminate research findings through various channels.
5. Funding: Seek external funding opportunities to support R&D activities.
6. Continuous Learning: Stay updated with the latest advancements in genomics and related fields.

1. Mentorship and Supervision: Mentor and supervise various staff levels, ensuring smooth onboarding and continuous support.
2. Post-Graduate Teaching: Engage in post-graduate teaching and lead training in specialized genomic techniques.
3. Learning Sessions: Facilitate departmental seminars and learning sessions, promoting continuous professional development.
4. Training Records: Maintain accurate training records and ensure adherence to regulatory requirements.
5. Professional Development: Champion continuous professional development within the department, setting objectives and identifying development needs in collaboration with the Departmental Training Lead.

Person Specification

Experience

Essential

• Significant experience as a Senior Clinical Scientist within a Genomics laboratory.
• Experience in service development and implementation, including setting service standards, evaluation, and implementation of new methods.
• Knowledge and experience of quality management systems, including compliance with ISO15189 and UKAS standards.
• Experience in analysing interpreting and reporting complex genomic test results
• Experience in all aspects of the leadership and management of a genetic diagnostic laboratory.
• Experience in providing consultative advice to clinical colleagues and staff about the investigation, diagnosis, and understanding of genetic diseases.

Desirable

• Experience of working in an NHS Genomics Laboratory.
• Knowledge and understanding of national genomic agenda

Training & Qualifications

Essential

• Postgraduate qualification or equivalent level of experience, knowledge, in a subject relevant to genomics.
• Fellowship of the Royal College of Pathology FRCPath in appropriate discipline
• HCPC registration as a Clinical Scientist
• Advanced specialist scientific and clinical knowledge in the diagnostic field of genomics.

Desirable

• Leadership/management Qualification or equivalent level of experience

Communication and Relationship skills

Essential

• Ability to communicate effectively with staff of the Department, scientists, trainees, researchers, students, administrative staff, and clinical colleagues.
• Ability to communicate the results of highly complex scientific tests and explain the implications of abnormal test results to other health professionals.

Analytical and Judgement skills

Essential

• Ability to make complex decisions related to genomic diagnostics, including the selection of appropriate investigative strategies and the interpretation of genomic tests.
• Must be able to assess the technical and clinical validity of reports and decide on the most appropriate course of action for abnormal results.
• Involvement in strategic decision-making related to genomics, including the evaluation and implementation of new methods and technologies.

Planning and Organisation Skills

Essential

• Ability to develop and implement local and national service policies, including longer-term strategic and budgetary planning.
• Proven ability to work to tight deadlines with excellent time management skills.
• Experience in leading a team of Clinical Scientists, Healthcare Science Assistants, Associates, and Practitioners.

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.

Certificate of Sponsorship

Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).

From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).

UK Registration

Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).

Employer details

Employer name

Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trusts

Address

Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust

Nottingham

NG5 1PB

Employer's website

https://www.nuh.nhs.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)