Health Services Laboratories

Principle Clinical Scientist

The closing date is 04 August 2025

Job summary

An exciting opportunity has arisen for an aspiring leader to take their career to the next level.

The successful candidate will be a Principal Clinical Scientist at Band 8A (or above) and oversee the Molecular Cytogenetics section as Deputy manager to ensure the provision of a high quality and timely service.

We are looking for applicants who are HCPC registered Clinical Scientists (NHS band 7 equivalent or above) and have significant experience of working within Cytogenomic ideally with either Rare Disease or Cancer Genomics background. Previous analytical experience of molecular cytogenomic techniques such as microarray analysis and report writing is desired. Previous management experience and RCPath qualification (equivalent or working towards) are advantageous.

This is a permanent full-time post with the potential for a flexible working from home hybrid balance.

Main duties of the job

To deputise and oversee the running of the Molecular cytogenetics department in liaison with the Molecular cytogenetics manager.
To be responsible for the organisation and performance of clinical laboratory tests.
To participate in clinical decision-making
To drive service innovation & continuous quality improvement
Carry out report signatory/authorisation for standard & complex Cytogenomic reports.
To provide clinical advice to a range of health professionals and to develop networks and collaborations.
To assist in the leadership of the cytogenomics team and contribute to the overall management and direction of the Department.
To carry out cytogenomic analysis and report compilation on a range of specimen types.
To participate in the review, recruitment, training, and development of less experienced staff members.
To participate in multidisciplinary meetings with clinicians and pathologists to discuss cases and contribute to management of outcomes
To maintain high quality standards in compliance with best practice guidelines and participate in internal and external quality control schemes such as GENQA and ISO 15189 accreditation.

Qualifications / training required

Essential

Honours degree in a scientific subject MSc in relevant discipline or equivalent level of knowledge. HCPC Registration as a Clinical Scientist with evidence of further specialist training.

Desirable

PhD or FRCPath Part 1

For further details please contact Rebecca Watts at Rebecca.Watts@hslpathology.com

About us

Sonic Healthcareis an internationally renowned healthcare provider with a demonstrable track record of medical services across the world. Headquartered in Sydney, Australia, Sonic is an ASX Top 50 company that has grown to become one of the worlds leading healthcare providers, specialising in pathology, radiology and primary care medical centres. We have operations in Australia, the USA, Germany, Belgium, Switzerland, the United Kingdom, Ireland and New Zealand.

Sonic Healthcare UKencompasses the two main entities in the UK, The Doctors Laboratory (TDL) and Health Services Laboratories (HSL). HSL is a partnership between The Doctors Laboratory (TDL), Royal Free London NHS Foundation Trust and University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust (UCLH). HSL was formed to provide pathology services to the NHS Trusts and has expanded further to provide services to other NHS Trusts. Over 2,500 staff work at Sonic Healthcare UK, primarily under the TDL or HSL banner.

Our purpose is to deliver medically-led diagnostics, innovation, value and long-term investment to healthcare. With our core laboratory based at The Halo Building in London WC1H 9AX, we also have an expanding site in Manchester as well as smaller hospital-based laboratories across the country. We maintain rigorously high standards of quality, whilst also delivering efficiencies to healthcare through careful workforce planning, pioneering technology and significant investment in infrastructure and IT.

Date posted

24 June 2025

Pay scheme

Other

Salary

Depending on experience

Contract

Permanent

Working pattern

Full-time, Flexible working

Reference number

E0111-25-0040

Job locations

1 Mabledon Place

London

WC1H 9AX

Job description

Job responsibilities

Overall, Job Purpose

To deputise and oversee the running of the Molecular cytogenetics department in liaison with the Molecular cytogenetics manager. Carry out report signatory/authorisation for standard & complex Cytogenomic reports.

To provide clinical advice to a range of health professionals and be able to develop networks and collaborations with other health professionals and to present work at scientific meetings.

To assist in the leadership of the cytogenomics team and, through collaboration with the senior scientific management team, contribute to the overall management and direction of the Department.

To participate in clinical decision-making and contribute to the improvement of service quality and innovation.

To maintain the highest professional and scientific standards in the department.

To carry out cytogenomic analysis and report compilation on a range of specimen types (when required). If required, to perform the role of case complete (duty scientist for the analysis section), ensuring samples are scanned, analysed & prioritised correctly and appropriate follow up tests are initiated (where relevant) so that samples can be reported accurately and in a timely manner.

To participate in the training and development of less experienced staff members.

To adhere to current regulations as defined in the Employee Handbook and to behave in a manner compliant with Sonic Core Values.

Main Duties

To include, but not be restricted to, the following duties:

1. To undertake diligent cytogenomic analysis, checking, report writing and signatory/authorisation on a range of specimen types.

2. To participate in clinical decision making, such as test suitability, prioritisation, analytical requirements and need for further studies where appropriate.

3. To be responsible for the organisation and performance of clinical laboratory tests and liaise with colleagues to ensure target deadlines are met.

4.To ensure the accuracy and timeliness of patient results.

5. To demonstrate advanced problem-solving skills in relation to any matters which may affect service provision or quality, including incident investigations.

6. To maintain the highest professional and scientific standards in the department.

7. To assist in the leadership of the cytogenomics team and, through collaboration with the senior scientific management team, contribute to the overall management and direction of the Department.

8. To conduct staff AJRs, provide training and guidance and assist in staffing & workflow management, including recruitment when required.

9. To provide clinical advice to a range of health professionals and be able to develop networks and collaborations with other health professionals and to present work at scientific meetings.

10. Contribute to the development of policies and practices within the department by participating in departmental committees or working groups.

11. To participate in clinical decision-making and contribute to the improvement of service quality and innovation.

12. To participate in multidisciplinary meetings with clinicians and pathologists to discuss cases and contribute to management of outcomes.

13. To take part in Joint Annual Reviews, to attend laboratory meetings, participate in departmental audits, training seminars, monthly training reviews and CPD activities as required.

14. To participate in creating and monitoring effective internal quality control schemes and to participate in external schemes e.g. GENQA and ISO 15189 accreditation.

15. To maintain high quality standards in compliance with best practice guidelines, local policies, the Quality Management Group and ISO 15189.

16. To protect the health and safety of departmental staff and ensure compliance with the Company safety policy and legal requirements under the guidance of the Health & Safety Officer.

17. To be familiar with the laboratory IT system as appropriate for the discharge of your duties.

18. To adhere to and actively promote the Sonic/HSL Core Values.

Commit to service excellence.

Treat others with respect and honesty. To grow a workplace where trust, team spirit, and equity are an integral part of everything we do.

Demonstrate responsibility and accountability. To set an example, to take ownership of each situation to the best of our ability, and to seek help when needed.

Be enthusiastic about continuous improvement. To never be complacent, to recognise limitations and opportunities for ourselves and processes; and learn through these.

Maintain confidentiality. To keep all information pertaining to patients, as well as professional and commercial issues, in strict confidence.

19. To communicate in a friendly, helpful and non-prejudicial manner in your dealings with staff and service users as you will be regarded as a representative of your department as well as the company, and you should behave accordingly. Matters regarding patients are confidential and must not be discussed except in the course of your duties. You will be expected to sign an undertaking to observe all patient and company confidentiality.

20. To be aware of and abide by the rules and codes of conduct of the company. To behave in a professional and responsible manner and always co-operate with all other members of staff.

21. To undertake other duties as specified by the HOD and the TDL/HSL Genetics Laboratory Management team.