Job summary
A permanent post has arisen within the Cytogenetics department of HSL for a Registered Clinical scientist (Senior Cytogeneticist- band 7 equivalent) or a scientist who is working towards HCPC registration (Cytogeneticist- band 6 equivalent).
HSL is a progressive partnership between The Doctors Laboratory, Royal Free London and University College London Hospitals foundation trusts. HSL is one of the largest providers of ISO accredited pathology services to NHS trusts and private practices both in the UK and worldwide. HSL genetics is a friendly team dedicated to providing a high quality and innovative service wherein the patient always comes first.
Main duties of the job
This position is offered within the constitutional cytogenetics section which processes over 10,000 samples a year. In this section we perform karyotyping, FISH and Microarrays on a range of sample types including postnatal & fetal bloods, amniocentesis, CVS and product of conception samples. The position offered is flexible, we can support a full-time or part-time arrangement with the option of a hybrid working from home pattern.
We are looking for a dedicated scientist with significant cytogenomic experience, with a sound understanding of cytogenetic techniques and analysis. Good interpersonal and troubleshooting skills are required.
The salary offered will be commensurate with experience & qualifications.
About us
At HSL we offer a variety of excellent staff benefits including:
Training and development opportunities supporting professional development
Annual salary review- No banding restrictions:As we are a private company we are not restricted by salary bandings and so are able to negotiate appropriate salaries based on experience. This also means that annual salary reviews do not hit a band ceiling.
Discounted gym membership we have a corporate gym membership scheme with Better Gyms
Cash healthcare plan cash back on a variety of healthcare costs including dentist and opticians
Sick Pay Entitlement 5 paid days in the first year of employment, 20 days thereafter
Permanent Health Insurance and Death in Service Cover
Life Assurance providing salary continuation for long term illness (six months qualifying period)
Employee Assistance Programme supporting staff wellbeing
Season Ticket Loan Scheme interest free loan for the cost of annual travel ticket
Perkbox Access to additional staff perks and benefits such as high street discounts
Company Pension Scheme company and staff contributions which increase with service
Competitive annual leave allowance 28 days
Flexible working hours we support and offer flexibility around shift patterns and working schedule
Job description
Job responsibilities
To include, but not be restricted to, the following duties:
1. To
undertake diligent cytogenomic analysis, checking and 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
provide clinical interpretation, validation and entry of results within the
LIMS in preparation for reporting by authorised individuals.
5. To
demonstrate problem solving skills in relation to any matters which may affect
service provision or quality.
6. 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.
7. To
provide training and guidance to less experienced members of staff.
8.
To participate in creating and monitoring
effective internal quality control schemes and to participate in external
schemes e.g. GENQA and ISO 15189 accreditation.
9. To
maintain high quality standards in compliance with best practice guidelines,
local policies, the Quality Management Group and ISO 15189.
10. To
contribute in ensuring continuing adequate maintenance, repair and safety of
all departmental equipment.
11. If involved in laboratory activities (laboratory
duties may not necessarily be assigned to particular individuals) to be aware
of those procedures that include:
-
Maintenance and
implementation of departmental policies and procedures for safe and efficient
working.
-
Good
housekeeping and technical working practices.
12. 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.
13. To
be familiar with the laboratory IT system as appropriate for the discharge of
your duties.
14. 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.
15. 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.
16. 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 co-operate with all other
members of staff at all times.
17. To
undertake other duties as specified by your line manager, HOD and the TDL/HSL
Genetics Laboratory Management team.
Job description
Job responsibilities
To include, but not be restricted to, the following duties:
1. To
undertake diligent cytogenomic analysis, checking and 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
provide clinical interpretation, validation and entry of results within the
LIMS in preparation for reporting by authorised individuals.
5. To
demonstrate problem solving skills in relation to any matters which may affect
service provision or quality.
6. 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.
7. To
provide training and guidance to less experienced members of staff.
8.
To participate in creating and monitoring
effective internal quality control schemes and to participate in external
schemes e.g. GENQA and ISO 15189 accreditation.
9. To
maintain high quality standards in compliance with best practice guidelines,
local policies, the Quality Management Group and ISO 15189.
10. To
contribute in ensuring continuing adequate maintenance, repair and safety of
all departmental equipment.
11. If involved in laboratory activities (laboratory
duties may not necessarily be assigned to particular individuals) to be aware
of those procedures that include:
-
Maintenance and
implementation of departmental policies and procedures for safe and efficient
working.
-
Good
housekeeping and technical working practices.
12. 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.
13. To
be familiar with the laboratory IT system as appropriate for the discharge of
your duties.
14. 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.
15. 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.
16. 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 co-operate with all other
members of staff at all times.
17. To
undertake other duties as specified by your line manager, HOD and the TDL/HSL
Genetics Laboratory Management team.
Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential
- Science degree or equivalent. Completion of ACS or AHCS approved or equivalent genetic training scheme.
- HCPC registration or evidence of working towards registration.
Experience
Essential
- Relevant experience of working within the cytogenetic/genetics field as a clinical scientist or trainee scientist.
- To include: G-band analysis of constitutional chromosome preparations.
- Experience of Haemato-oncology/ microarrays or NGS is advantageous but not required.
- Experience of clinical decision making, interpretation and report composition. Ability to perform case complete role.
- Experience of contribution to laboratory quality in line with ISO 15189.
- Active participation in CPD and ability to train/advise less experienced staff members.
Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential
- Science degree or equivalent. Completion of ACS or AHCS approved or equivalent genetic training scheme.
- HCPC registration or evidence of working towards registration.
Experience
Essential
- Relevant experience of working within the cytogenetic/genetics field as a clinical scientist or trainee scientist.
- To include: G-band analysis of constitutional chromosome preparations.
- Experience of Haemato-oncology/ microarrays or NGS is advantageous but not required.
- Experience of clinical decision making, interpretation and report composition. Ability to perform case complete role.
- Experience of contribution to laboratory quality in line with ISO 15189.
- Active participation in CPD and ability to train/advise less experienced staff members.
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.
Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).
From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).
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.
Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).
From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).
UK Registration
Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see
NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).
