Job overview
We are looking for a highly motivated individual, with extensive experience of working within a Genomics laboratory, to join our comprehensive Genetics Service at Synnovis Genomics laboratory, part of the South East Genomic Laboratory Hub (SEGLH) based at Guy’s Hospital. The postholder will work across both Prenatal and Reproductive Genetics and Developmental Disorders teams, providing prenatal and postnatal genetic testing via a variety of techniques such as QF-PCR, G-banded chromosome analysis and SNP array.
The successful applicant will be dedicated and enthusiastic with knowledge and experience of analysis, interpretation and reporting of genetic diagnostic results. Applicants should have good communication skills, be able to take initiative, support continual quality improvement and prioritise workload. The role requires consistent attention to detail and excellent organisational skills.
Applications are invited from individuals with relevant experience that are interested in working towards becoming a HCPC-registered Clinical Scientist in Genetics.
We support flexible and/or remote working patterns, but a minimum of two days working onsite is required for this role. Applicants should have good communication skills, be able to take initiative, support continual quality improvement and prioritise workload. Applicants should feel confident to work independently and autonomously, as well as within a team.
Main duties of the job
The postholder will be working across the Prenatal and Reproductive Genetics and Developmental Disorders teams, consisting of around 40 staff members in our technical and scientific teams. Our teams provide both a prenatal and postnatal genetic testing service, for a population of around 8.4 million people across South London and the South East, using QF-PCR, G-banded chromosome analysis, FISH and SNP array techniques.
The main duties of the role include:
1. Providing expert analysis and interpretation of complex results in the context of the clinical referral in one or more service areas
2. Providing highly specialised scientific advice and communicating results of complex tests to service users
3. Taking an active role in the laboratory’s quality management system
4. Contributing to service development and improvement under the direction of the Operational Leads and/or the R&D Team
5. Generating a comprehensive professional portfolio to support registration with the HCPC as a Clinical Scientist in Genomics
Working for our organisation
The South East Genomics Laboratory Hub (SEGLH)
SEGLH is one of seven hubs that are commissioned to provide genomics services within England. It is led by the Synnovis Genomics laboratory based at Guy’s & St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust and is made up of a consortium of laboratory providers in the South London, Kent, Surrey and Sussex region.
Synnovis
Synnovis is a pathology partnership between SYNLAB UK and Ireland, and the NHS, including sites, Guy’s & St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust and King’s College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, to deliver and transform pathology services across South East London.
Based at Guy’s Hospital, you will be close to the vibrant Borough Market and the South Bank, which are exceptional London locations; perfect places to work and relax next to such iconic venues as Big Ben, The London Eye and The Shard!
Your Development and Learning
You will have a suite of learning opportunities available through The ACCE competencies programme, the Scientific Learning and Development Fund and the Synnovis Academy, through which you can receive funding/support for advanced qualifications.
Through our Innovation Accelerator Fund, you can apply for finance to get that new innovative scientific project off the ground, and participate with the wider scientific community through symposiums, conferences and other peer group meetings.
Detailed job description and main responsibilities
At Synnovis, we are currently shaping the future of pathology services by creating a world-leading Hub and Spoke pathology network with our NHS partners. A large part of this modernisation will involve moving 70% of our services to a purpose-built, state-of-the-art Hub laboratory in the heart of London. For now, the job you are applying for will be based at one of our hospital sites; however, from 1 April 2024 our people and services will start to move to our Hub laboratory in Blackfriars, Southwark, SE1, with some work remaining in refurbished essential services laboratories across our hospital network, focusing on the rapid turnover of urgent tests. Please do ask your recruiting manager if you wish to find out more.
The postholder will be working towards becoming an experienced professional who has developed their skills and theoretical knowledge to a high standard, performing a highly complex role and continuously developing clinical, scientific and technical practice within a defined field.
In post, they will work towards gaining registration as a Clinical Scientist with the HCPC but will already be proficient in analysis, interpretation and reporting of one or more areas within cytogenomics (variant interpretation, karyotype, breakage, QF-PCR, FISH, microarray and WGS CNV interpretation). They will be given responsibility for areas of service and service development and will be expected to support technical teams for a range of laboratory duties.
They will be responsible for ensuring that testing and reporting are completed to a high standard within target reporting times.
The postholder will have duty scientist and test assignment responsibilities on a rotational basis and will be expected to act as a supportive member of the team.
They will be expected to take an active role in the laboratory’s quality management system via regular audits, error investigation and review of laboratory protocols.
The postholder will be expected to manage and prioritise their workload, work independently and autonomously as well as promoting effective teamwork.
Continued professional development is encouraged via attendance and participation at journal clubs, internal and external meetings and national and international conferences. In role, the postholder will be expected to generate a comprehensive professional portfolio to support registration with the HCPC as a Clinical Scientist in Genomics.
Person specification
Qualifications
Essential criteria
6. BSc in an appropriate biological science
7. Evidence of CPD
Desirable criteria
8. Higher degree in Biological Science
Experience
Essential criteria
9. Experience working in a diagnostic genetics laboratory
10. Wide experience of both commonly used and specialised techniques for the genetic testing of samples, including troubleshooting
11. Analysis and interpretation of diagnostic results
12. Writing clinical diagnostic reports
Desirable criteria
13. Laboratory supervisory work
14. Service development
15. Previous experience working with karyotyping/microarray/QFPCR/FISH/ breakage
Skills & Knowledge
Essential criteria
16. Comprehensive knowledge of the principles of cytogenomics
17. In-depth knowledge of genetic diagnosis
18. Excellent organisation /planning skills
19. Good interpersonal and team working skills
20. Excellent IT skills
21. Meticulous attention to detail
Desirable criteria
22. Comprehensive knowledge of prenatal diagnosis
23. Participation in scientific meetings or scientific publications
Applications are welcomed from applicants with a disability. We can make reasonable adjustments and offer support and advice in a variety of ways throughout the application process. All applicants are welcome to apply regardless of age, disability, gender, marital status, race, nationality or ethnic origin, religion, or sexual orientation. Equality of opportunity is our policy.
Our Bank workers enjoy competitive market rates and flexible contract assignments across all of our sites, dependent on your availability and location.
For our Permanent workforce we offer a competitive benefits package.
All employees are entitled to:
24. Contributory pension scheme
25. Generous annual leave entitlement
26. Ground breaking development
opportunities
Safeguarding children and vulnerable adults. All employees have a responsibility for safeguarding children and vulnerable adults in the course of their daily duties and for ensuring that they are aware of the specific duties relating to their role.