Job responsibilities
Main duties and responsibilities of the post
Leadership and Management
Develop and implement a computational biology / bioinformatics strategy to allow the success of WPs 1 & 2 of the NHS Haemato-oncology Genomic Network of Excellence. This should include assessment of business-as-usual implementation of the contents of the WPs on both a laboratory and national level.
Implementation of WPs 1 & 2 on a national level will require the post-holder to be able to absorb and ten disseminate highly complex information around the bioinformatics pipelines to both specialist and non-specialist audiences who may be resitant to change. To ensure broad adoption they will need to be able to communicate in a logical and persuasive manner which takes large numbers of people with them.
Work with NHS Genomics Unit (national oversight group) to ensure that the computational biology / bioinformatics strategy for NoE WPs 1 & 2 aligns with their vision for the future of genomics within the Genomic Medicine Service (GMS).
Assist in the national adoption of WP2 where desired by other GLHs.
Contribute, where requested, to national discussions / meetings around the implementation of WGS at a local level with movement of data to third party suppliers for bioinformatics analysis, realising that WP1 is being used as a national pilot of possible working practices.
Develop a practical and affordable strategy around data-storage for the WPs 1 & 2 in the NoE which includes collaboration with third party suppliers.
Advise on the need for and assist in the appointment and management of any further bioinformatics resource required for NoE WPs 1 & 2 including managing budgets.
Provide representation at national NoE meetings around the progress of NoE WPs 1 & 2 where appropriate, where it will be necessary to present complex information in a way that can be understood by large non-specialist audiences.
Assist in the development of additional collaborations including with academic and commercial partners around the activities of NoE WPs 1 & 2.
Clinical/Scientific
Demonstrate and apply a thorough understanding of the scientific principles involved in translational bioinformatics and genomics.
Lead the development, implementation, population, maintenance, validation/verification and utilisation of NGS analysis software and databases to acceptable standards of quality and accuracy suitable for the analysis and interpretation of sequencing data generated by the NoE WPs 1 & 2 such that they are suitable for business-as-usual clinical implementation within Central &South (C&S) and other GLHs.
Oversee the development of bioinformatics pipelines for NoE WPs 1 & 2 to nationally accepted Standards (UKAS or equivalent) in a timely and efficient manner.
Take responsibility for the review, validation/verification and implementation of highly complex and specialist bioinformatic software, tools and applications, and internet resources applicable to medical genetics, to annotate genomic data and aid in the interpretation of novel sequence variants relevant to NoE WPs 1 & 2. Independently check and validate the bioinformatic findings of registered scientists, non-registered scientists and genetic technologists.
Aid the development and maintenance of external IT systems and accessible databases of relevant scientific and clinical information.
Employ best practice in utilising project management and scientific software development methodologies to create robust, fast, and efficient IT systems and processes that meet the needs of the service.
NB The above duties are likely to require the post-holder to use visual display equipment for long continuous periods of time on most days.
Liaise with other stakeholders both within the laboratory, C&S GLH, Genomics England, NHS Genomics Unit and beyond to identify opportunities for improving genomic services by evaluating new technologies, algorithms, newly commissioned tests and automation of workflows.
Act in an advisory capacity to colleagues outside of the department and outside of the Trust on all bioinformatic aspects of NoE WPs 1 & 2.
Responsible for the development of documentation and training to ensure the bioinformatics pipelines developed for NoE WPs 1 & 2 adhere to GLH Quality Policy and standards.
Co-ordinate collaborative projects that involve sequencing platforms with outside researchers, e.g. university investigators, including bioinformatics analysis and data transfer.
Data Management / Clinical Governance
Plan, manage and organise own workload to meet priorities and ensure timely completion. Take responsibility for the accuracy of own work. The post holder will collaborate with all other staff, to be an effective team member, and achieve optimal use of resources.
Maintain responsibility for writing, updating, and communicating Standard Operating Procedures relating to procedures involving the use of bioinformatics for diagnostic purposes.
Ensure the accuracy and timeliness of all patient results related to the NoE WPs 1 & 2. Use judgement skills to assess the impact of any trends identified and be able to initiate investigation and remediation. The post-holder needs to recognise that their role in NoE WPs 1 & 2 is significantly contributing to the development of data which is used to make treatment decisions for patients not just locally but also nationally. Through deployment of their developed bioinformatics tools in NoE WPs 1 & 2 they are informing access to high-cost medications and patient management strategies.
Ensure the safe and secure storage and retrieval of patient data within the Laboratorys data management systems and that the laboratory complies with requirements of data protection, in accordance with the Data Protection Act and relevant Information Governance policies. Monitor data storage levels and plan for future increase in capacity. Lead on any relevant internal and external bioinformatics Quality Assurance testing schemes for NoE WPs 1 & 2 to ensure the highest standards of molecular genetic testing. The post-holder will also be responsible for transfer of data to national repositories (e.g. Genomics England storage cloud) where appropriate to optimise analysis capabilities.
Maintain responsibility for detailed and rigorous record-keeping, including accurate recording of programming, pipelines, metadata associated with sequencing runs, and strict adherence to quality standards and guidelines.
Support the Quality Manager by leading on quality management relating to NoE WPs 1 & 2 NGS data analysis, storage, root-cause analysis, troubleshooting, audit and managing incidents.
Take a proactive role in maintaining high quality standards to ensure maintenance of the laboratory UKAS accreditation status.
Comply with the departmental risk management and risk reporting strategy within the bioinformatic teams(s) which includes health and safety, quality management, training, recruitment, internal quality control, patient and laboratory records including confidentiality and consent, reporting to the laboratory director.
Propose and implement changes that impact on own and wider specialist area by actively participating in cross-departmental, Trust-wide, GLH-wide, and national training to support development and continuous improvement of best practice in all aspects of bioinformatics
Innovation, research, and development
- Undertake planned and agreed research and service developments relevant to NoE WPs 1 & 2 under the direction of Consultant Head of Laboratory and Clinical NoE leads. This will include collaboration with third party academic and commercial organisations.
Maintain up to date knowledge of developments and research in the field of expertise to identify and implement translational projects that will bring innovation for the benefit of the services and patient.
Collaborate with research and clinical leaders in the field within OUHFT and the University to contribute to the research aims of the department and the other associated bodies e.g., GMSA.
Present findings/data from case studies, audit and research projects to local/national/international meetings and conferences and through publications in peer reviewed journals
Where appropriate lead or assist in the development of new collaborations (including using own network of contacts) and funding bids to help deliver the aims of NoE WPs 1 & 2 and expand the influence of this work.
Education and Training
Design and implement the necessary national training programmes around the NoE WPs 1 & 2 national implementation.
Participate in training meetings with other trainers and the Training Officer to ensure a co-ordinated approach and effective delivery of training.
Professional
To maintain, or be actively working towards, State Registration with HCPC and to employ all the competences required of a registered Clinical Scientist.
Participate in regular performance review and personal development planning
Undertake CPD activities, taking measures to acquire, improve and apply scientific skills and expertise to perform the job to the highest level of quality and reliability; this includes attending internal training sessions, relevant external meetings, courses, study days and conferences, and keeping up to date with current journals and literature
Demonstrate emotional resilience in a range of distressing circumstances as experienced through management of the service, and provide support/leadership to other members of staff
Display high standards of conduct, behaviour, and professionalism always in line with Trust policy and to promote a culture of compassionate excellence within the department
