Job responsibilities
JOB
PURPOSE/SUMMARY
Work
closely with the Y&NE GLH Lead Scientist(s) to ensure Y&NE GLH is at
the forefront of National Genomic Testing Service and is underpinned by all
appropriate structures (scientific, educational, quality and managerial) to
maintain that position.
Under
the professional supervision of the Lead Scientist, develop specific areas of
highly specialist expertise and responsibility in clinical areas and provide
significant clinical liaison. Rotation may be required to support
organisational need.
Under
the managerial supervision of the local Deputy for Oncology or Rare Disease,
develop areas of highly specialist expertise and responsibility in managerial
areas.
To
participate in some aspects of the management process within the laboratory,
including some aspects of human resource management.
Background
The
reconfiguration of Genetic Laboratory service provision in England is
supporting the creation of a world class resource in the use of genomics and genetic
technologies within the NHS. It is based around the consolidation of services
in to a network of Genomic Laboratory Hubs (GLHs) to create a genomic
laboratory service infrastructure for the NHS in England.
Y&NE
GLH comprises of a partnership arrangement between several organisations
(Leeds Teaching Hospitals Trust, Sheffield Childrens Hospital FT, Newcastle
Upon Tyne Hospitals FT and Sheffield Teaching Hospitals FT).
Key
responsibilities of Y&NE GLH:
Consolidate services to deliver
significant efficiencies
Operate within a national testing
network
Operate a coherent informatics
infrastructure
Sample collection, processing and
logistics
Technical and analytical platforms
Bioinformatics, annotation and
validation
Clinical interpretation, reporting
and returning of results
Quality management and assurance of
both processes and data
Plan & develop workforce for
now and the future
Organisational governance and
partnership arrangements
Promotion of research and
innovation
Y&NE
GLH will work across defined geographies to:
Work
with other GLHs to form a national network of genomic laboratories providing
a coordinated national genomic laboratory service, which will be part of the
planned NHS Genomic Medicine Service.
Participate
in regular meetings convened by NHS Englands Genomic Unit as part of the
national network.
Deliver
genomic testing, as outlined in the National Genomic Test Directory.
Provide
the genomic testing service for national specialist testing within prescribed
GLHs of the national network, and will work with the relevant clinicians and
genomic MDTs.
Be
responsible for establishing and maintaining local networks of any
subcontracted laboratories and designated providers for cancer genomic
testing providing a coordinated and comprehensive service to deliver
standardised outcomes, ongoing consolidation, quality improvement, and
adoption of new technologies under a suitable operating infrastructure and
partnership agreement.
Consolidate
the existing specialist genetic laboratories into state of the art, high
throughput, high quality and standardised laboratories through the delivery
of the majority of genomic tests running through a single laboratory based in
Leeds.
Operate
enhanced working practices to ensure genomic testing services are available
to support the delivery of seven day services, and ensure that genomic
technology platforms are fully optimised.
Be
responsible for ensuring quality and the ongoing review of opportunities to
further consolidate networked services, based on technological advances, the
changing evidence base for genomic testing and the National Test Directory.
Be
accountable to NHS Englands Genomics Unit within an agreed governance and
operational framework that will oversee the test repertoire, co-ordinate the
provision new national specialised testing services, monitor performance and
finance.
Fulfil
the membership criteria for UKGTN, UKAS ISO accreditation and any additional
requirements as specified by the NHS England Genomics Unit.
PRINCIPAL
DUTIES & AREAS OF RESPONSIBILITY
Clinical
and Professional
To
supervise and manage in all aspects and take responsibility for specific
service areas provided by the laboratory including all clinical and
developmental aspects, liaison with clinicians and reporting.
To
demonstrate and apply a thorough understanding of the scientific principles
involved in the delivery of the service including troubleshooting, where
appropriate, of existing assays.
To
correctly interpret and report the results of tests including those carried
out by other members of staff. This can include complex statistical analysis,
probability calculations to provide a risk estimate, the accurate clinical
interpretation of abnormal results and use of specialised interpretive
software.
To
be responsible for the accuracy, timeliness and appropriateness of a variety
of routine and non-routine highly specialist genetic tests.
To
be personally responsible for the time management of multiple tasks as
described in the job description and be able to respond to changing
requirements.
To
ensure that the service is effective and current by regular literature
review.
In
consultation with and under the overall supervision of the Head of Laboratory
and their Deputy, to liaise with all clinical disciplines and laboratory
departments in relation to the services at a local, regional and national
level to ensure that the service is maintained and developed appropriately.
To
participate in policy development in area of specialisation at a national
level.
To
implement national policies regarding area of specialisation within the
department and advise senior management where they impact on the department.
To
attend appropriate multidisciplinary team meetings on behalf of the
department to give professional opinion on clinical cases.
To
supervise the participation in external quality control schemes for the
service ensuring that the results are provided in a timely and appropriate
manner.
To
be responsible for the comprehensive auditing of services provided, ensuring
that all performance targets are monitored.
To
contribute to the Health & Safety assessment of all processes within the
group.
To
check and countersign reports for a wide range of other services. Checking
will include the accuracy and interpretation of results, the accuracy and
validity of statistical or risk calculations, and the information and wording
of the report.
To
operate a flexible work practice outside normal working hours, this enables
the efficient delivery of pre-natal, predictive or urgent testing.
To
abide by the confidentiality policy, taking into account the sensitive and
possible emotional nature of clinical referrals.
To
maintain and update existing laboratory databases of clinical referrals,
results and reports.
Managerial
To
supervise and manage these services to national standards, providing
appropriate advice and support to other Clinical Scientists/Healthcare
Scientist and Practitioners/Genetic technologists where needed.
To
manage and supervise the staff allocated to the above service(s) in all
aspects of service provision.
To
provide managerial and reporting cover across the department where competent.
To
advise the management as to the strategic importance of any development for
these services with regard to the commissioning process.
Participate
in the recruitment and selection process of staff for these services.
Conduct
staff reviews and personal development planning for these services.
Teaching,
Research and Service Development
To
participate in the training programme of the department.
Provide
training for both clinical services and managerial functions where
appropriate.
Participate
in the development and validation of new tests of clinical diagnostic and
prognostic importance within the section in a co-ordinated, cost-effective
and timely manner.
Participate
in the income generation of the department including scoping and developing
new income generating services in a cost effective and competitive manner.
Patient/Customer
Care
Responsible
for the provision of clinical technical services.
Policy
and Service Development
Work
closely with and deputises for the Y&NE GLH Lead Scientist to ensure
Y&NE GLH is at the forefront of National Genomic Testing Service and is
underpinned by all appropriate structures (scientific, educational, quality
and managerial) to maintain that position.
FINANCIAL
& PHYSICAL RESOURCES
Human
Resources
Responsible
for the education and training.
Ensure
systems are in place for all aspects in relation to the management, education
and development of staff.
Promote
and facilitate professional development of scientific and technical staff.
Information
Resources
Responsible
for the operation of information systems within the Y&NE GLH service.
Research
and Development
Initiate,
direct and undertake regular research and innovation activity.
Freedom
to Act
Responsible
for establishing the way in which general health and organisational policies
are interpreted.
Participate
in and drive research activity within the field in collaboration with
clinicians and other scientists, including grant application and publication.
Present
the results of service development at local, national and international
meetings.
Undergo
relevant training and professional development including attendance at relevant
national and international meetings, to ensure the continuing development and
improvement of the service.
The
post holder will participate in an annual Personal Development Review process
as well as all necessary mandatory training.
