Job summary
An exciting opportunity has arisen to work within the Clinical Genetics & Genomics Laboratory (CGGL), based at the Royal Brompton Hospital, part of Guy's and St Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust. The Royal Brompton & Harefield hospital is the largest heart and lung centre in the UK and among the largest in Europe. We are a partnership of two specialist hospitals which are known throughout the world for our expertise, standard of care and research success.
The CGGL is a genomics diagnostic lab, providing state-of-the-art specialist cardiac and respiratory NGS-based genetic testing as part of the London South Genomics Laboratory Hub(LS GLH).
We are looking for a motivated Clinical Scientist, with extensive experience in human molecular genetic diagnostics, with excellent interpersonal skills, to join our group. The successful candidate will have the ability to critically analyse and interpret scientific data, and compile comprehensive, integrated genomic reports.
Applicants should have good computing skills, be capable of working under pressure to tight deadlines, and be able to work collaboratively within a multidisciplinary team. They should have good organisational skills, be able to work methodically with great attention to detail and have a strong interest in driving and improving the quality of diagnostic services.
The CGGL is a UKAS-accredited medical laboratory, currently performing over 5000 diagnostic tests per annum and is also actively involved in research and teaching.
Main duties of the job
- To be responsible to their line manager
- To collaborate with the other scientific and technical staff
- To deal with enquiries from other healthcare professionals
- To present research and audit reports at meetings
- To be a member of Laboratory Medicine H&S committee
- To provide interpretation of the results of highly complex diagnostic investigations
- To check the analytical work of other clinical scientists and non-registered analysts
- To undertake all laboratory procedures required for the processing of patient samples
- To provide a high level of expertise in molecular analysis for detection of genetic disease/abnormalities and in the interpretation of complex test results using international guidelines
- To prepare and check standard and complex abnormal reports for authorization by senior Clinical Scientists
- To participate in internal and external quality control procedures
- To participate in out of hours duties as required
- To undertake audits as directed by the Quality Manager
- To assist during UKAS accreditation visits
- To perform the role following documented laboratory protocols
- To educate and train junior laboratory staff as required
- To assist in teaching genetics to medical, nursing and other clinical staff
- To conduct data entry and analysis ensuring the validity and reliability of data at all times
- To participate in internal research seminars/meetings including journal club
- To participate in appropriate CPD activities
- To participate in annual performance review
About us
The Royal Brompton & Harefield Hospitals are part of Guy's and St. Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust, with the Heart and Lung Clinical Care Group forming the largest heart and lung centre in the UK and among the largest in Europe. We are a partnership of specialist hospitals which are known throughout the world for our expertise, standard of care and research success. The Clinical Genetics and Genomics Laboratory is also part of the NHSE South East Genomic Laboratory hub and is one of four cardiac and one of three respiratory laboratories, delivering the specialist testing nationally.
The Clinical Genetics and Genomics Laboratory in the Royal Brompton has generated deep expertise in cardiovascular (CV) and respiratory genetics through a large programme of work over the last 7 years and has established infrastructure, expertise and variant repositories on site. The CGGL has developed sophisticated bioinformatic tools and pipelines for the analysis and reporting of different types of sequence data and is actively involved in research to develop new technologies. The diagnostic service collaborates closely with the National Heart and Lung Institute (NHLI), Imperial College London.
Organisational Values:
The post holder will:
- Put patients first
- Take pride in what they do
- Respect others
- Strive to be the best
- Act with integrity
Job description
Job responsibilities
In conjunction with senior laboratory staff, the post-holder will undertake the scientific duties and responsibilities of a clinical scientist in the provision of a comprehensive, modern, high quality diagnostic clinical genetics service at RBHT. This will involve delivering a range of specialist molecular diagnostic tests for the diagnosis of inherited cardiovascular and respiratory diseases. The post holder will be expected to draft and authorize molecular genetic diagnostic reports in line with the services provided by the department. The post holder will also provide clinical and scientific advice to other health professionals including senior medical staff, on the selection, performance and interpretation of highly complex molecular genetic investigations. The post holder will participate in research and development and clinical audit where necessary.
Job description
Job responsibilities
In conjunction with senior laboratory staff, the post-holder will undertake the scientific duties and responsibilities of a clinical scientist in the provision of a comprehensive, modern, high quality diagnostic clinical genetics service at RBHT. This will involve delivering a range of specialist molecular diagnostic tests for the diagnosis of inherited cardiovascular and respiratory diseases. The post holder will be expected to draft and authorize molecular genetic diagnostic reports in line with the services provided by the department. The post holder will also provide clinical and scientific advice to other health professionals including senior medical staff, on the selection, performance and interpretation of highly complex molecular genetic investigations. The post holder will participate in research and development and clinical audit where necessary.
Person Specification
EDUCATION & QUALIFICATIONS
Essential
- Health Professions Council registered Clinical Scientist in Genomics or equivalent international qualification
- MSc or PhD degree
Desirable
- Membership of a professional body, e.g. Association for Clinical Genetic Science, British Society for Genomic Medicine
EXPERIENCE & KNOWLEDGE
Essential
- Several years' experience providing diagnostic genetic testing using DNA sequencing including Next-Generation sequencing (NGS), DNA fragment analysis and other DNA-based techniques
- Knowledge of laboratory accreditation requirements (UKAS) according to ISO15189
- Good computer skills and knowledge of relevant molecular genetic databases. An understanding of genome annotation and the use of web-based browsers to interrogate genomic information
- Knowledge of the genetic basis of human disease
- Knowledge of health and safety legislation as it relates to a specialist genetic laboratory and general laboratory medicine
Desirable
- Experience of generating and participating in collaborative research projects
- Experience of research in a clinical environment
- Proven publication record in peer-review journals
SKILLS & ABILITIES
Essential
- The ability to develop effective working relationships with all levels of administrative and academic staff, and students
- Excellent organisational, communication and interpersonal skills
- Effective analytical, decision-making and problem-solving capability
- The ability to prioritise workload
- The ability to work under pressure and to manage multiple tasks simultaneously, successfully meeting deadlines
- Clear, concise report writing skills
- An open and positive attitude to working in a changing environment
- A high degree of tact, diplomacy and confidentiality
- The ability swiftly to assimilate and synthesise new information
PERSONAL QUALITIES
Essential
- Innovative and proactive approach with a willingness to accept responsibility for management decisions
- Meticulous approach and attention to detail
- Willingness to work as part of a team and to be open-minded and co-operative
- Flexible attitude towards working hours
- Discipline and regard for confidentiality, safety and security at all times
- A willingness to train others and undertake training, as appropriate
Person Specification
EDUCATION & QUALIFICATIONS
Essential
- Health Professions Council registered Clinical Scientist in Genomics or equivalent international qualification
- MSc or PhD degree
Desirable
- Membership of a professional body, e.g. Association for Clinical Genetic Science, British Society for Genomic Medicine
EXPERIENCE & KNOWLEDGE
Essential
- Several years' experience providing diagnostic genetic testing using DNA sequencing including Next-Generation sequencing (NGS), DNA fragment analysis and other DNA-based techniques
- Knowledge of laboratory accreditation requirements (UKAS) according to ISO15189
- Good computer skills and knowledge of relevant molecular genetic databases. An understanding of genome annotation and the use of web-based browsers to interrogate genomic information
- Knowledge of the genetic basis of human disease
- Knowledge of health and safety legislation as it relates to a specialist genetic laboratory and general laboratory medicine
Desirable
- Experience of generating and participating in collaborative research projects
- Experience of research in a clinical environment
- Proven publication record in peer-review journals
SKILLS & ABILITIES
Essential
- The ability to develop effective working relationships with all levels of administrative and academic staff, and students
- Excellent organisational, communication and interpersonal skills
- Effective analytical, decision-making and problem-solving capability
- The ability to prioritise workload
- The ability to work under pressure and to manage multiple tasks simultaneously, successfully meeting deadlines
- Clear, concise report writing skills
- An open and positive attitude to working in a changing environment
- A high degree of tact, diplomacy and confidentiality
- The ability swiftly to assimilate and synthesise new information
PERSONAL QUALITIES
Essential
- Innovative and proactive approach with a willingness to accept responsibility for management decisions
- Meticulous approach and attention to detail
- Willingness to work as part of a team and to be open-minded and co-operative
- Flexible attitude towards working hours
- Discipline and regard for confidentiality, safety and security at all times
- A willingness to train others and undertake training, as appropriate
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.
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).
Additional information
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.
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).
