*Job Overview*
An exciting opportunity has arisen to work within the Clinical Genetics & Genomics Laboratory (CGGL), based at the Royal Brompton Hospital, part of Guy's and St Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust. The Royal Brompton & Harefield NHS hospitals are the largest heart and lung centres in the UK and among the largest in Europe. We are a partnership of two specialist hospitals which are known throughout the world for our expertise, standard of care and research success.
The CGGL is a genomics diagnostic lab, providing state-of-the-art specialist cardiac and respiratory NGS-based genetic testing as part of the London South Genomics Laboratory Hub (LS GLH).
We are looking for a motivated Clinical Scientist, with extensive experience in human molecular genetic diagnostics, with excellent interpersonal skills, to join our group. The successful candidate will have the ability to critically analyse and interpret scientific data, and compile comprehensive, integrated genomic reports.
Applicants should have good computing skills, be capable of working under pressure, and be able to work collaboratively within a multidisciplinary team. They should have good organisational skills, be able to work methodically with great attention to detail and have a strong interest in driving and improving the quality of diagnostic services.
The CGGL is a UKAS-accredited medical laboratory, currently performing over 6000 diagnostic tests per annum and is also actively involved in research and teaching.
Main duties of the job
Provide senior laboratory staff with assistance relating to quality issues.
Present research and audit reports at local, regional and national scientific and clinical meetings
Be a member of Laboratory Medicine H&S committee and ensure health & safety information & requirements are communicated and actioned as required
Provide interpretation of the results of highly complex diagnostic investigations
Identify when techniques related to the processing of specimens are not working optimally
Provide a high level of expertise in molecular analysis for detection of genetic disease/abnormalities and in the interpretation of complex test results using international guidelines
Prepare and check standard & complex abnormal reports for authorisation by senior Clinical Scientists
Participate in internal & external quality control procedures
Assist during UKAS accreditation visits.
Perform the role following documented laboratory protocols
Assist in teaching genetics to medical, nursing & other clinical staff
Be familiar with the laboratory information management systems
Conduct data entry and analysis ensuring the validity & reliability of data at all times.
Undertake appropriate research & development of analytical procedures
Represent the Trust at regional & national conferences and on working groups as appropriate
Participate in internal research seminars/meetings including journal club
Maintain a portfolio of professional achievements
Participate in annual performance review
Working for our organisation
The Royal Brompton & Harefield Hospitals are part of Guy's & St. Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust, with the Heart and Lung Clinical Care Group forming the largest heart & lung centre in the UK & among the largest in Europe. We are a partnership of specialist hospitals which are known throughout the world for our expertise, standard of care and research success. The Clinical Genetics and Genomics Laboratory is also part of the NHSE South East Genomic Laboratory hub and is one of four cardiac and one of three respiratory laboratories, delivering the specialist testing nationally.
The Clinical Genetics & Genomics Laboratory in the Royal Brompton has generated deep expertise in cardiovascular (CV) and respiratory genetics through a large programme of work over the last 7 years and has established infrastructure, expertise and variant repositories on site. The CGGL has developed sophisticated bioinformatic tools and pipelines for the analysis and reporting of different types of sequence data and is actively involved in research to develop new technologies. The diagnostic service collaborates closely with the National Heart and Lung Institute (NHLI), Imperial College London.
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*Detailed Job Description And Main Responsibilities*
In conjunction with senior laboratory staff, the post-holder will undertake the scientific duties and responsibilities of a clinical scientist in the provision of a comprehensive, modern, high quality diagnostic clinical genetics service at RBHT. This will involve delivering a range of specialist molecular diagnostic tests for the diagnosis of inherited cardiovascular and respiratory diseases. The post holder will be expected to draft and authorize molecular genetic diagnostic reports in line with the services provided by the department. The post holder will also provide clinical and scientific advice to other health professionals including senior medical staff, on the selection, performance and interpretation of highly complex molecular genetic investigations. The post holder will participate in research and development and clinical audit where necessary.
Person specification
*Qualifications / Education
Essential criteria*
* Educated to MSc, or equivalent in genome biology, bioinformatics or computer sciences
* Membership of a professional body Health Professions Council registered Clinical Scientist in Genomics or equivalent international qualification.
* Or actively working towards registration into the final year of completing the Scientist Training Programme (STP) Clinical Scientist in Genomics
* Proven track record in a relevant discipline, for example computing, life sciences or natural sciences
Desirable criteria
* PhD or equivalent in genome biology, bioinformatics or computer science.
Professional/ Statutory Registration
*Essential Criteria*
* Registered with the HCPC as a Clinical Scientist
*Essential Criteria
Previous Experience & Knowledge*
* Experience in diagnostic genetic testing using DNA sequencing including Next-Generation sequencing (NGS), DNA fragment analysis and other DNA-based techniques.
* Knowledge of laboratory accreditation requirements (UKAS) according to ISO15189
* Good computer skills and knowledge of relevant molecular genetic databases. An understanding of genome annotation and the use of web-based browsers to interrogate genomic information
* Knowledge of health and safety legislation as it relates to a specialist genetic laboratory and general laboratory medicine.
* Knowledge of the genetic basis of human disease
Desirable criteria
* Experience of generating and participating in collaborative research projects.
* Experience of research in a clinical environment.
* Proven publication record in peer-review journals.
*SKILLS & ABILITIES
Essential criteria*
* The ability to develop effective working relationships with all levels of administrative and academic staff, and students
* Excellent organisational, communication and interpersonal skills
* Effective analytical, decision-making and problem-solving capability
* The ability to prioritise workload
* The ability to work under pressure and to manage multiple tasks simultaneously, successfully meeting deadlines
* Ability to work under pressure and to manage multiple tasks simultaneously, successfully meeting deadlines
* An open and positive attitude to working in a changing environmen
* Clear, concise report writing skills
* A high degree of tact, diplomacy and confidentiality
* The ability swiftly to assimilate and synthesise new information
PERSONAL QUALITIES
*Essential Criteria*
* Innovative and proactive approach with a willingness to accept responsibility for management decisions
* Meticulous approach and attention to detail
* Willingness to work as part of a team and to be openminded and co-operative
* Flexible attitude towards working hours.
* Discipline and regard for confidentiality, safety and security at all times.
* Willingness to train others and undertake training, as appropriate.