Registered Clinical Scientist (XR07)
The closing date is 15 March 2026
Job summary
This is a fixed-term role for 12 months. We are looking for a talented and dynamic individual to join the genomics team within the central laboratory of the Yorkshire and North East Genomic Laboratory Hub. The role will be based within the Haematological Malignancy Diagnostic Service (HMDS) in Leeds, with a focus on haemato-oncology molecular work. This is an opportunity to become part of a highly successful department with extensive facilities and high levels of scientific expertise. The purpose of this role is to contribute to the development and delivery of a high-quality genomics service. The postholder will work with other scientists, both within HMDS and across the central laboratory at Leeds.
Expected Shortlisting Date
16/03/2026
Planned Interview Date
23/03/2026
Main duties of the job
The purpose of this role is to contribute to the development and delivery of a high-quality diagnostic service. The successful candidate will be required to deliver a broad range of complex and specialised scientific work from raw data requiring highly skilled performance. There will be a relatively high level of individual responsibility and freedom to act applied to a variety of situations with or without scientific/technical support.
Applicants should hold HCPC Clinical Scientist registration, although consideration will also be given to those candidates within six months of completing STP training.
About us
HMDS provides a specialist service for the diagnosis of blood cancers and is part of the central laboratory for the Yorkshire and North East Genomic Laboratory Hub. The laboratory is the largest of its type in the United Kingdom, with a high throughput of specimens, including peripheral blood, bone marrow and tissue biopsies. The department also has a strong research programme, and there will also be an opportunity to be involved in development projects related to research and clinical trials.
Leeds Teaching Hospitals is committed to our process of redeploying 'at risk' members of our existing workforce to new roles. As such, all our job adverts are subject to this policy and we reserve the right to close, delay or remove adverts while this process is completed. If you do experience a delay in the shortlisting stage of the recruitment cycle, please bear with us while this process is completed, and contact the named contact if you have any questions.
Details
Date posted
24 February 2026
Pay scheme
Agenda for change
Band
Band 7
Salary
£47,810 to £54,710 a year
Contract
Fixed term
Duration
12 months
Working pattern
Full-time, Flexible working
Reference number
C9298-ONC-0623
Job locations
St. James's University Hospital
Beckett Street
Leeds
LS9 7TF
Job description
Job responsibilities
. JOB PURPOSE/SUMMARY
Responsible for delivery and scientific development of a high-quality diagnostic service.
Scientific lead in service provision for a 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. The 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 postholder 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 postholder will provide input to ensure a high standard of service that is both cost-effective and efficient. This includes suggestions towards decisions on the purchase of items of equipment, reagents or software. There will be a 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 the formulation of national and international best practice guidelines for the diagnosis and monitoring of haematological malignancies.
The postholder 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 postholder may contribute towards supervision of project work of biology and medical undergraduates.
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 one's 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 interpretations 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 multidisciplinary (MDT) meetings 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 Haematologyor 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 needs. 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 one's 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 a 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.
Open to change: Readiness to respond in a timely fashion to research, technological, strategic and financial change in this rapidly changing field.
. COMMUNICATION & WORKING RELATIONSHIPS
The post holders main communication channels will be:
Within the HMDS Laboratory
Scientific Lead for HMDS
HMDS Quality Manager
HMDS Clinical Scientists and Biomedical Scientists
HMDS Laboratory support staff and Admin Team
Within the Trust but outside the department
Professional Development
Organisation Learning
Consultants
Other relevant Clinical, Scientific and Technical Staff
Information Technology
Human resources
Outside the Trust
Other medical staff
Research groups
British Society for Haematology
Royal College of Pathologists
Manufacturers and suppliers
Job description
Job responsibilities
. JOB PURPOSE/SUMMARY
Responsible for delivery and scientific development of a high-quality diagnostic service.
Scientific lead in service provision for a 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. The 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 postholder 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 postholder will provide input to ensure a high standard of service that is both cost-effective and efficient. This includes suggestions towards decisions on the purchase of items of equipment, reagents or software. There will be a 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 the formulation of national and international best practice guidelines for the diagnosis and monitoring of haematological malignancies.
The postholder 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 postholder may contribute towards supervision of project work of biology and medical undergraduates.
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 one's 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 interpretations 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 multidisciplinary (MDT) meetings 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 Haematologyor 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 needs. 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 one's 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 a 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.
Open to change: Readiness to respond in a timely fashion to research, technological, strategic and financial change in this rapidly changing field.
. COMMUNICATION & WORKING RELATIONSHIPS
The post holders main communication channels will be:
Within the HMDS Laboratory
Scientific Lead for HMDS
HMDS Quality Manager
HMDS Clinical Scientists and Biomedical Scientists
HMDS Laboratory support staff and Admin Team
Within the Trust but outside the department
Professional Development
Organisation Learning
Consultants
Other relevant Clinical, Scientific and Technical Staff
Information Technology
Human resources
Outside the Trust
Other medical staff
Research groups
British Society for Haematology
Royal College of Pathologists
Manufacturers and suppliers
Person Specification
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
Skills & behaviours
Essential
- Ability to maintain intense concentration on complex activities despite frequent interruptions.
- Stands up for their own point of view, even against opposition, and speaks with Sincerity and conviction.
- 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.
- To take personal responsibility for own decisions and advice
- Able to work as part of a team, and recognise how personal goals relate to those of the department and Trust.
- To maintain self-control in difficult and challenging situations.
- Able to use and manipulate laboratory computer systems and standard software packages.
- Able to prepare and present complex scientific and clinical information at local, national or international conferences
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.
- Knowledge of equipment and software applicable to genomics testing and analysis.
- 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.
Additional Requirements
Essential
- Able to participate in internal audit activities.
- Monitors and continuously reviews service processes and outcomes and looks for ways of improving service quality.
- Able to prepare and present complex scientific and clinical information at local, national or international conferences.
- Able to maintain concentration for prolonged intervals on complex activities despite frequent interruptions.
- Able to relate service provision to national best practice guidelines.
Person Specification
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
Skills & behaviours
Essential
- Ability to maintain intense concentration on complex activities despite frequent interruptions.
- Stands up for their own point of view, even against opposition, and speaks with Sincerity and conviction.
- 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.
- To take personal responsibility for own decisions and advice
- Able to work as part of a team, and recognise how personal goals relate to those of the department and Trust.
- To maintain self-control in difficult and challenging situations.
- Able to use and manipulate laboratory computer systems and standard software packages.
- Able to prepare and present complex scientific and clinical information at local, national or international conferences
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.
- Knowledge of equipment and software applicable to genomics testing and analysis.
- 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.
Additional Requirements
Essential
- Able to participate in internal audit activities.
- Monitors and continuously reviews service processes and outcomes and looks for ways of improving service quality.
- Able to prepare and present complex scientific and clinical information at local, national or international conferences.
- Able to maintain concentration for prolonged intervals on complex activities despite frequent interruptions.
- Able to relate service provision to national best practice guidelines.
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 (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.
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
Leeds Teaching Hospitals
Address
St. James's University Hospital
Beckett Street
Leeds
LS9 7TF
Employer's website
https://www.leedsth.nhs.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)
Employer details
Employer name
Leeds Teaching Hospitals
Address
St. James's University Hospital
Beckett Street
Leeds
LS9 7TF
Employer's website
https://www.leedsth.nhs.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)
Employer contact details
For questions about the job, contact:
Details
Date posted
24 February 2026
Pay scheme
Agenda for change
Band
Band 7
Salary
£47,810 to £54,710 a year
Contract
Fixed term
Duration
12 months
Working pattern
Full-time, Flexible working
Reference number
C9298-ONC-0623
Job locations
St. James's University Hospital
Beckett Street
Leeds
LS9 7TF
Supporting documents
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