University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
Principal Clinical Scientist
Closing date: 20 May 2026
Neuroimmunology & CSF Laboratory based at the world renowned National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery in Queen Square London (part of UCLH). The laboratory is a national reference centre and has an international reputation for Neuroimmunology testing and cerebrospinal fluid analysis. The laboratory provides acute neurological laboratory services to the National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery (UCLH) and the London region, plus highly specialised diagnostic and monitoring laboratory testing services available to worldwide users.
Once trained, the post holder will be a core member of the NHS laboratory team, performing specialist procedures in accordance with departmental SOPs and participating in their regular update, audit, taking on additional duties and aiding in specialised method development. This is an exciting opportunity for the right individual with opportunities to take part in translational R&D.
Main duties of the job
We are looking for a highly motivated and enthusiastic team player who will fulfil the following criteria and skills:
* The post holder is a Band 8b scientist required to carry out specialist techniques as dictated by the nature of the Department, requiring highly developed scientific manual skills.
* The post holder ideally will have experience in a Neuroimmunology/Biochemistry or Immunology diagnostic or research laboratory and be HCPC registered as a clinical scientist or healthcare scientist, ideally with FRCPath Part 1 or equivalent experience.
* The post holder will be expected to perform additional duties in the team.
* The post holder will have an interest in aiding the evaluation of new complex laboratory techniques and tests.
* They are responsible for training other staff in the team on request.
* They are to meet service requirements and turnaround times of the Department.
* The post holder will undertake clinical, analytical, technical, quality management and administrative trouble‑shooting in addition to maintaining adequate supplies of reagents and consumables to ensure reliable service delivery in accordance with ISO 15189:2022.
Person Specification
Knowledge and Qualifications
* PhD in Neuroimmunology, Immunology, Biochemistry or equivalent.
* Higher degree e.g., MSc or equivalent experience.
* Biological Sciences/Biochemistry or similar degree (BSc).
* HCPC State registration.
* Detailed understanding of Good Laboratory Practice, knowledge of the policies and procedures of a diagnostic laboratory.
Experience
* Experience of working as a diagnostic scientist and section manager within a highly specialist clinical technical diagnostic laboratory (clinical neuroimmunology, immunology and/or biochemistry).
* Extensive knowledge of highly complex specialised analytical methods, audit, method/equipment appraisal and evaluation, quality assurance and problem solving.
* Experience of highly specialist manual clinical diagnostic techniques especially pertaining to dementia biomarker analysis.
* Experience of leading internal QA scheme, external quality assurance, steering committee and the ability to manage nationwide sample exchange schemes as required.
* Proven experience in teaching staff (including medical) at all levels up to MSc level.
Skills and Abilities
* Experience of taking responsibility for the technical analysis and interpretation of highly specialist test results.
* Ability to evaluate, project manage and implement new technologies.
* Ability to troubleshoot, refine and improve experimental protocols.Knowledge and understanding of immunofluorescence reading, fluorescence based assays, nephelometry, cell culture, western blots and IEF.
Personal and People Development
* Maintains an active CPD programme, attending and participating in seminars, training courses and best practice meetings.
* Ensures supervision and training of staff in the department as Neuroimmunology Training Manager.
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.
Salary: £75,328 to £86,114 a year (per annum inclusive of HCAS).
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