Principal Clinical Scientist – Rare Disease Genomics
Closing date: 21 April 2026
Cambridge Genomics Laboratory, lead provider for the East Genomic Medicine Service, is seeking to recruit a Principal Clinical Scientist (Band 8a). We are looking for an enthusiastic, self‑motivated Clinical Scientist with significant scientific and operational experience in genomics laboratory testing to lead and manage a team. You will bring extensive expertise in the analysis and interpretation of genomic data, as well as in the preparation and authorisation of clinical reports. Strong communication, leadership, management and supervisory skills are essential.
In this role you will deliver a high‑quality, patient‑focused service, working in close collaboration with clinical colleagues and technical teams. As a key member of the rare disease management team, you will oversee the day‑to‑day delivery of a defined area of the rare disease service within the Cambridge Genomics Laboratory. You will also play an active role in supporting innovation and service development, contributing to the continuous improvement of genomic testing pathways, technologies and workflows, and supporting the implementation of new methodologies into routine practice.
A strong commitment to quality management is a key aspect of the role. You will contribute to, and help lead, quality management activities, ensuring compliance with laboratory accreditation standards and regulatory requirements. You will also be involved in teaching and training.
Key responsibilities
* Lead and manage a team of scientists undertaking genetic diagnostic tests in rare disease.
* Analyse, interpret data and authorise clinical reports.
* Provide clinical scientific expertise for the repertoire of disorders/tests offered by the assigned team.
* Train and mentor scientific staff.
* Contribute as a member of the laboratory leadership team to all aspects of providing a high quality service.
* Support innovation and service development, including continuous improvement of genomic testing pathways, technologies and workflows.
* Help lead quality management activities and ensure compliance with laboratory accreditation standards and regulatory requirements.
Qualifications
* Registered Clinical Scientist with HCPC.
* Completion of a formal training programme in Laboratory Genetics, or postgraduate qualification (PhD or equivalent) in a relevant subject and external training.
* Completion of Part 1 FRCPath in Genetics, or PhD in a relevant Human Genetics subject and actively preparing for Part 1 FRCPath.
* Part 2 FRCPath in Genetics, or working towards it.
* Undergraduate degree in an appropriate biological science.
Experience
* Significant experience working as a Clinical Scientist in a genomics laboratory.
* Experience of research and development relevant to genomic testing.
* Experience of project management.
* Experience of management and supervision of staff.
Knowledge
* Comprehensive knowledge of human genetics.
* Comprehensive knowledge and understanding of Rare Disease cytogenetics and molecular genetic techniques.
* Experience and knowledge of analytical methods, problem solving and troubleshooting.
* Good knowledge of general managerial procedures.
* Knowledge of data protection requirements.
* Thorough knowledge of requirements of UKAS ISO:15189 and understanding of quality assurance.
Skills
* Analysis of Rare Disease genetic test results.
* Able to organise and manage complex activities.
* Able to provide leadership and training to scientific teams within the department.
* Able to maintain intense concentration on important tasks despite frequent interruptions.
* Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
* Able to use and manipulate lab computer systems and standard software packages.
* Able to prepare and present complex scientific and clinical information at meetings or as part of teaching/training events.
* Able to develop new policies and protocols.
Additional requirements
* The ability to understand and behave at all times towards patients, visitors and colleagues according to the Trust values of safe, kind, excellent.
* Ability to deal with difficult and challenging situations.
Benefits
At Cambridge University Hospitals, we want to do all we can to support good working days. We offer development opportunities and a wide range of benefits, including on‑site leisure facilities, shopping concourse and day nurseries. Our good work programme currently includes providing reduced cost Stagecoach bus travel to and from Cambridge University Hospital site. Park and Ride bus journeys between Babraham Road and Trumpington sites are free, as is the route to and from Cambridge train station and our hospitals. We also subsidise the cost of parking on site for eligible staff.
On CUH campus, hot food is available 24/7 and at a reduced cost for colleagues. Recently we launched the first of our staff pod break spaces. Located in the Deakin Centre, we have a purpose‑created colleague‑only caf, with free tea and coffee, a break space and private outside area for colleagues to rest, refuel and recharge. Just one of the ways we are working hard to support good working days at CUH.
CUH is committed to assisting employees in achieving a good work‑life balance irrespective of role or personal circumstances. Flexible arrangements may include, but are not limited to, part‑time working, job‑share, term‑time working and flexible start and finish times.
Please note if you would like to discuss the required hours of this role further, you should approach the contact given. In some cases, alternative working hours will be considered.
We welcome applications from the Armed Forces.
EEO Statement
CUH is committed to promoting a diverse and inclusive community - a place where we can all be ourselves. We value our differences and fully advocate and support an inclusive working environment where every individual can fulfil their potential. We want to ensure our people are truly representative of all the communities that we serve. We welcome applications for all positions in the organisation irrespective of people's age, disability, ethnicity, race, nationality, gender identity, sex, sexual orientation, religion or belief, marriage and civil partnership status, or pregnancy and maternity status or social economic background.
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.
Cambridge University Hospital NHS Foundation Trust
£57,528 to £64,750 a yearper annum pro rata
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