Go back Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children NHS Foundation Trust
Lead Research Healthcare Scientist
The closing date is 28 August 2025
Lead Research Healthcare Scientist, Molecular Haematology (SIHMDS-Haematology) - 5-year, fixed term post (Agenda for Change, Band 8a pay scale).
Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children NHS Foundation Trust (GOSH) is a national centre of excellence in the provision of specialist children's health care, currently delivering the widest range of specialist care of any children's hospital in the UK. It has the largest paediatric Haematology and Oncology centre in Europe.
A unique opportunity in Molecular Haematology has arisen for a suitably qualified Research Healthcare Scientist. This is an excellent post for an enthusiastic, motivational and organised individual.
You must have relevant and significant experience with molecular characterisation strategies for gene modified cell therapies. This would ideally be with CRISPR/Cas9, base and prime editing technologies. Experience with monitoring patients after gene therapy treatment would be an advantage, especially with development of novel testing/monitoring strategies.
Youwill lead translational research in this area and will primarily work within the clinical laboratory but will be expected to have close collaboration with the key research group(s) at the Institute of Child Health and beyond.
You will be expected to work alongside the clinical laboratory team to integrate novel tests into routine workflow. This will involve cascading of training to staff.
You must hold a PhD to apply for this position
Main duties of the job
* Support the Lead Healthcare Scientist in Molecular Haematology with training of scientific and support staff with any new translational tests developed
* To lead together with the Consultant Clinical Scientist, Band 8 LHS and senior laboratory team on translational test improvements
* To actively develop an environment that promotes continuous research collaboration
* To initiate, organise, and participate in development of emerging monitoring strategies with the aim of obtaining data for regulatory purposes and publication
* Develop or apply novel molecular characterisation strategies for gene modified cell therapies using techniques such as CRISPR/Cas9, base and prime editing.
* Present research findings to appropriate research groups and project leads.
* Maintain up to date knowledge and awareness of recent developments in Haematology and associated fields.
* To ensure development and running of appropriate high-level specialist molecular investigations.
* To lead together with the Consultant Clinical Scientist, Band 8 LHS and senior laboratory team on translational test improvement.
* To review and assist scientific staff with the integration of new procedures and polices related to Quality Assurance of novel test development.
* To ensure compliance in error reporting
About us
We are keen to make our workforce as diverse as the communities we serve, and we hope to attract applications from underrepresented groups, including people with Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic heritage, people with a disability, and people from LGBTQ+ communities. By growing an ever more diverse workforce, we'll have a greater range of perspectives and knowledge, meaning that we can provide the children and young people at our hospital with even better care.
Our hospital is committed to creating an environment that is open and inclusive. Our staff are encouraged to engage with colleagues through the following networks: REACH (Race, Ethnicity and Cultural Heritage) ENABLED (Enhancing Abilities & Leveraging Disabilities Network), PRIDE and Women's networks; all of which are sponsored by a member of our Executive Management Team.
We want to ensure that all of our people, regardless of their background, are seen and heard. We want to attract applicants that share our commitment to inclusion and that understand diversity is a strength that is embraced and valued.
Job responsibilities
The full job description provides an overview of the key tasks and responsibilities of the role, and the person specification outlines the qualifications, skills, experience and knowledge required. For both documents please view the attachment/s below.
Person Specification
GOSH Culture and Values
* Our Always values:
* BSc in Biomedical Science or equivalent.
* MSc or Post Graduate qualification in a Molecular Science related field or equivalent
* Registration with HCPC (must have, at least submitted application to ACS).
* PhD
* Evidence of CPD
Experience/Knowledge
* Appropriate pre and post registration experience in an accredited Haematology Clinical Diagnostic Laboratory
* Specialist knowledge and experience to include: Bone Marrow Transplantation, Gene Therapy and Haematological Malignancy. Expert knowledge with DNA editing tools (e.g. CRISPR, base editing).
* Knowledge and experience with assessments of on and off target genome editing relevant to clinical applications
* Fluency in bioinformatics and tools required for genome editing analysis and cell tracking
* Knowledge of accreditation and regulatory standards i.e. ISO15189
* Experience of accreditation assessments
* An understanding of the principles and practice of Quality assurance, Risk management and its systems
* Experience of training
* Evidence of professional and personal development
* Experience of Paediatric Clinical Laboratory Diagnostics
* Knowledge of single cell profiling techniques relevant to cell and gene therapy
* Proven experience of managing a team including: - Appraisal skills - Recruitment and selection skills - Disciplinary and capability procedures - Workforce planning to ensure service continuity
* Proven experience of procurement and equipment evaluation
* Experience in budget and financial management
* Experience and knowledge of quality improvement methodologies and tools
* Experience of change management
Skills/Abilities
* Good analytical and judgemental skills with the ability to make informed decisions and give expert technical advice in complex situations
* Able to provide specialist advice to laboratory staff and users of the service
* Excellent and effective verbal and written communication at a senior level
* Proven experience in laboratory management at a senior level
* A positive and pro-active attitude towards service demands and problem solving with a flexible, open and collaborative style when dealing with complex situations.
* A high level of organisational skills i.e. manages own workload and meet deadlines
* Flexible, adaptable nature and able to prioritise and work in a changing environment.
* Proven skills in the use of Microsoft office applications (including Excel, Word, and PowerPoint) & databases
* Excellent attention to detail and the ability to meet multiple and competing deadlines.
* Evidence of scientific/clinical publications.
* Advanced Training skills
* Leadership skills at a senior level
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.
Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children NHS Foundation Trust
Address
Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children NHS Foundation Trust
£64,156 to £71,148 a yearper annum Inclusive
Contract
Fixed term
Duration
5 years
Working pattern
Full-time
Reference number
271-CCS-7239949RK
Job locations
Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children NHS Foundation Trust
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