Job overview
We are looking for a highly motivated Clinical Scientist to join our comprehensive Genetics Service at the South East Genomic Laboratory Hub (SEGLH) at Guy’s Hospital, to support the continued provision of service and development of new tests aligned to the NHSE Genetics Test Directory.
We are recruiting to the Monogenics team, the SEGLH hub laboratory. This is a one year fixed term contract and is anticipated to be based within the inherited cancer team. This may be reviewed depending on the skills and experience of the successful candidate and service requirements.
We prefer a hybrid working pattern with some time spent in our London office. However, we are open to applications from candidates based in the UK who wish to work fully remotely. Please note that we are currently only able to support remote work for individuals who are based in the UK. Our standard working hours are 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, Monday through to Friday.
As well as service work, our scientists are given opportunities for a role in service development, and participation in RCPath training and examinations is encouraged. 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, as well as an ability to work within a team.
Main duties of the job
The Monogenics team provide a wide range of single gene testing services as well as NGS panels and WGS, and there is active cross-training between other service groups in Genetics to ensure scientists achieve competency in both SNV and CNV data interpretation.
Scientists are expected to contribute in one or more rare disease areas and to work with members of the clinical, scientific and technical teams to deliver a high-quality laboratory diagnostic service including participation at MDTs. Data analysis is fully supported by the Bioinformatics team that is embedded with the Genetics department.
The scientist team are led by a management group that oversee five sub teams; Core, Cancer, Neurology, WGS and Direct Tests which includes the diagnostic discovery pathway. These staff work alongside genomics coordinators who manage lab enquiries and triage new referrals.
The scientist team work alongside the technical team who are located in the Genetics Laboratories in the Tower Wing at Guy’s Hospital.
We have a number of staff who are completing STP and HSST programmes in the department, and an increasing number of scientists have achieved registration through route 2 or equivalence pathways.
Working for our organisation
The Genetics laboratories are part of Synnovis and are located within the Guy’s Hospital site.
The Genetics department is made up of more than 120 staff and with close links to Clinical Services throughout Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust (GSTfT) and St George’s Hospital Foundation Trust. With our partner laboratories, the GLH for the South London region provides a comprehensive genomics service for a population of 8 million which includes specialist germline and cancer tests and a class-leading whole exome sequencing service.
The laboratory works collaboratively with other pathology disciplines and research groups such as GSTfT Biomedical Research Centre and Genomics Innovation Unit and the GSTfT Assisted Conception Unit for Preimplantation Genetic Diagnosis.
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.
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.
Person specification
Qualifications
Essential criteria
1. BSC in an appropriate biological Science HCPC clinical scientist registration (candidates working towards state registration will be considered)
2. Evidence of continuous development (CPD)
Desirable criteria
3. Higher degree in Biological Science
4. Willing to work towards higher levels of practice such as FRCPath part 1
Experience
Essential criteria
5. Experience working in a diagnostic genetics laboratory.
6. Wide experience of both commonly used and specialised techniques for the genetic testing of samples, including troubleshooting.
7. Experience of writing clinical diagnostic reports for patients referred for genomic testing.
8. Maintaining quality systems
Desirable criteria
9. Report checking and authorisation
10. Experience of working with a multidisciplinary team.
11. Experience of lecturing, teaching and presenting in specialist area.
12. Experience of carrying out/supervising research and development projects including validation.
Skills & Knowledge
Essential criteria
13. Excellent verbal and written communication and presentation skills, and ability to communicate complex ideas to a wide range of people at a local, national and international level.
14. Advanced practical and theoretical knowledge and understanding of genomics testing.
15. Ability to effectively manage own time, able to prioritise work for self and study.
16. Meticulous attention to detail
17. Competent at communicating verbally and in writing with colleagues, clinical staff and external parties
18. Knowledge of the correct policies and procedures to implement in relation to quality systems, with reference to ISO/UKAS
Desirable criteria
19. Line management experience and skills
20. Awareness and understanding of current trends in Genomics
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:
21. Contributory pension scheme
22. Generous annual leave entitlement
23. 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.