Registered Clinical Scientist (XR07)

Job responsibilities

. JOB PURPOSE/SUMMARY

Responsible for delivery and scientific development of a high quality diagnostic service.

Scientific lead in service provision for specified clinical area.

Provide advice to Consultants and other users.

Participate in forming national best-practice policy.

The Haematological Malignancy Diagnostic Service (HMDS) laboratory is a regional diagnostic service for haematology departments in West, North and East Yorkshire and North Lincolnshire, serving a population of 3.6 million. Annual core budget is £800,000 representing in excess of 2.2 million Welcan work units. The laboratory is fully compliant with the Improving Outcomes Guidance for Haematological Oncology and provides an integrated service encompassing examination of tissue biopsies, blood and bone marrow specimens. This includes morphological analysis, immunohistochemistry, flow cytometry and molecular cytogenetics.

A particular feature of the service is a dedicated IT platform that allows communication with clinical units and an integrated database, which includes both pathological and clinical information. HMDS also provides a range of highly specialised and complex diagnostic tests to centres throughout the UK and has a major commitment to the support of the National Cancer Research Institute clinical trials. HMDS provides an out of hours on-call service to cover emergency work.

HMDS is divided into six main functional sub-specialities (see appendix for more details)

Histology and immunohistochemistry

Flow cytometry

Molecular genetics: interphase Fluorescent in situ Hybridisation (FISH)

Molecular genetics: DNA and RNA based tests

Reporting and audit

Management and development of information systems technology

The diagnosis of the various types of haematological malignancy requires expertise in the microscopic examination of cells and tissues, the application of cell marker studies and the use of molecular techniques. The main workload is concerned with the investigation of peripheral blood, bone marrow and lymph node and other tissue specimens. The methods used can be applied to any sample of tissue or cell suspension where there is clinical suspicion of haematological malignancy.

The post holder will independently discuss, advise and challenge clinicians and scientists, including Consultants (both from haematology and other disciplines) and GPs on the complex interpretation of results which may be sensitive or contentious.

The post holder will provide input to ensure a high standard of service that is both cost effective and efficient. This includes suggestions towards decisions on purchase of items of equipment, reagents or software. There will be close day-to-day working relationship with the Genetic Laboratory Services, the University of Leeds, histopathology and other pathology departments within LTHT, including shared use of space, equipment and other facilities.

The post-holder will present scientific findings at national and international scientific meetings. They will be involved in formulation of national and international best practice guidelines for the diagnosis and monitoring of haematological malignancies.

The post holder will be responsible for the mentoring and training of Clinical Scientist STP trainees.

There is a teaching relationship with the University of Leeds and the post holder may contribute towards supervision of project work of Biology and Medical undergraduates

Funding and Costs

The main workload of the laboratory originates from hospitals in North, West and East Yorkshire and North Lincolnshire; this represents a population of 3.6 million. The work is funded through block contracts with NHS purchasing authorities allowing open access to the service. Work from other National Health Service (NHS) units or private hospitals are charged on a cost per item basis.

Management and development of information systems technology

HMDS has developed its own information management system HMDS Integrated Laboratory Information System (HILIS), which is integrated with the West, North and East Yorkshire and North Lincolnshire Haematological Oncology Network clinical data system. HILIS manages all aspects of the HMDS laboratory workload, from specimen reception to laboratory test allocation to the final report, and features an extensive internal audit system. In many cases surgical patient referral times have dramatically benefited from an alerting system for notifying regional haematologists of all new cases of haematological malignancy.

. PRINCIPAL DUTIES & AREAS OF RESPONSIBILITY

Clinical

Take personal responsibility for delivery of laboratory scientific service for specific diseases and others as required.

Determine appropriate tests for individual cases. Prioritise testing and reporting to ensure reporting targets are met for all samples, including urgent tests. Liaise with technical staff.

Perform laboratory technical work as required, for example as part of a development project or troubleshooting of services.

Ensure laboratory stocks are maintained, in particular in own areas of work.

Analyse and interpret results of tests, which are often be highly complex or non-routine, and consider further investigations. Responsibility for validating results generated by laboratory staff ensuring internal quality control.

Use of specialist tools to process laboratory data, compare results and interpret data. Interpreting results in the context of patient clinical features, published literature, databases and other pathology tests. Be able to use these results to write clinically relevant interpretation as part of an integrated report, taking national and professional guidelines or equivalent standards into account. Ensure data is recorded accurately in databases.

Keep accurate records of all clinically relevant email, telephone and verbal communications.

Discuss individual patient cases at regular multi-disciplinary (MDT)with clinicians from a range of clinical specialities to determine appropriate testing and interpretation of results.

Independently discuss, advise and challenge Consultants and other users, on the appropriateness of tests and the interpretation of results, which may be complex, sensitive or contentious.

Propose changes which may impact on policies within the HMDS laboratory and suggest changes which may impact outside the laboratory, for example in Clinical Haematology or Clinical Oncology.

Suggest areas appropriate for and contribute to clinical audit

Managerial

Following departmental UKAS Accreditation policy by producing and maintaining standard operating procedures.

Suggest areas appropriate for laboratory internal audit, and perform specified audit activities.

Responsibility for scheduling day-to-day case management of technicians and trainee scientists including advice and troubleshooting.

Provide direction and support for scientific and technical staff within the laboratory as required.

Suggest and research laboratory equipment requirements, software and bioinformatics tools and investigate appropriate suppliers taking into account cost, reliability, staff feedback and other factors. Contribute to changes leading to service reconfiguration. Organise and schedule staff meetings, including inviting external speakers.

To lead in a defined clinically relevant area, e.g. internal audit, monitoring of response to user feedback, training.

Scientific/Research and Development

Present scientific findings at department, national and international scientific meetings.

Responsibility for reporting and publishing any research findings arising from laboratory investigations.

Involvement in formulation of national and European best-practice guidelines by presentation and debate.

Ongoing development of HMDS services for specific diseases, incorporating technological and scientific developments and re-addressing clinical need. Ensure service standards meet national guidelines, including UK National External Quality Assurance Scheme recommendations, in consultation with Quality Lead.

Development of new services in consultation with senior scientific staff.

Maintain an up-to-date knowledge of haemato-oncology in general with particular reference to own caseload.

Teaching and Training

Participate in the teaching and training of personnel working in or seconded to the HMDS Laboratory; e.g. Trainee Clinical Scientists, undergraduate project students, registrars.

Attend relevant scientific conferences and workshops.

Be actively preparing for FRC Path and maintain training record.

Comply with Trust mandatory training requirements

Maintain competency records for relevant work areas

. THE LEEDS WAY VALUES

Our values are part of what make us different from other trusts, so we see this as a strength, as well as a responsibility. They have been developed by our staff and set out what they see as important to how we work. Our five values are:

Patient-centred

Collaborative

Fair

Accountable

Empowered

All our actions and endeavours will be guided and evaluated through these values

Additionally, the following are core values which relate specifically to this post:

Quality focus: Maintenance of highest standards in laboratory tests and reports, with reference to best practice guidelines, National External Quality Assessment Scheme (NEQAS), Clinical Audit, Internal Audit and UKAS. Accreditation. Respond to mistakes in a way which leads to learning and service improvement.

Attention to detail: Observance of high laboratory standards; operating according to up to date Standard Operating Procedures.

Patient orientation: Relating activities back to patient care; Clinical Audit.

Demonstration of honesty, integrity, self-confidence and self-control.

Qualifications

Essential

• First Degree in a Biological Science, or equivalent.
• Further qualification or knowledge equivalent to masters level.
• Registration with Health Professions Council as Clinical Scientist
• Demonstration of Continuous Professional Development.
• Preparation for Part 1 Membership of the Royal College of Pathologists

Desirable

• Part 1 Fellowship of the Royal College of Pathologists
• Further qualification or knowledge equivalent to doctorate.

Other Criteria

Essential

• Good oral and written communication skills, including teaching.
• Able to use and manipulate laboratory computer systems and standard software packages.
• Good hand eye co-ordination for fine manipulation of instrumentation.
• Able to identify R & D needs in own area and participate in R & D activities.
• Able to participate in internal audit activities.
• Able to participate in clinical audit and present reports.
• Manages conflict diplomatically and calmly.
• Establishes and responds to user needs and requirements.
• Monitors and continuously reviews service processes and outcomes and looks for ways of improving service quality.
• Makes effective presentations and speaks confidently in front of a group, including large group or audience, and at national and international meetings of peers.

Experience

Essential

• Advanced theoretical knowledge of haematological malignancy.
• Knowledge of routine and specialised analytical methods, in particular genomics, quality assurance and problem solving.
• Knowledge of national, professional and NHS guidelines relating to service provision and quality.
• Advanced analytical (technical) and interpretative skills and ability to analyse complex situations.
• Understanding of financial management, resource allocation and procurement.
• Knowledge of IT resources in relation to flow cytometry analysis.
• Advanced knowledge of cancers of the haematopoietic system.
• Knowledge of strategies and methods of clinical laboratory haematology and immunology, including financial implications.
• Knowledge of equipment and software applicable to genomics testing and analysis.
• Understanding of clinical features of haematological
• malignancies and the role of disease monitoring.
• Understanding of services provided by other pathology departments and genetic laboratories.
• Knowledge of internal and external quality assurance and national and international best practice standards.
• Understanding of health and safety procedures.

Desirable

• Understanding of Trust Policies and procedures and how they relate to the staff of the service and department.
• Knowledge by experience of formulation of national,
• professional and NHS guidelines relating to service provision and quality.
• To have demonstrated specialist knowledge at a national or international level.
• Experience of membership of committees at and national level.

Skills & Behaviours

Essential

• Provide guidance within the department, and beyond within the context of service provision, development and quality.
• Ability to maintain intense concentration on complex activities despite frequent interruptions.
• Demonstration of honesty, integrity, equal opportunity awareness, self-confidence and self-control.
• Readiness to respond in a timely fashion to research, technological, strategic and financial change in this rapidly changing field.
• Shows enthusiasm for their own initiatives and acknowledges their own successes.
• Stands up for their own point of view, even against opposition, and speaks with Sincerity and conviction.
• Understands the long-term strategy and objectives of their own department taking into account of the strengths and weaknesses of the organisation.
• Anticipates problems and difficulties and makes contingency plans.
• Shares information openly with other team members and works in partnership with others to solve a problem.
• Open to new approaches and copes with changing targets.
• Makes conscious choices about their own personal development identifies their own strengths and weaknesses and orchestrates appropriate development opportunities.

UK Registration

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