Job overview
We are seeking a motivated Principal Clinical Scientist to join the nationally recognised Trace Elements Laboratory at King’s College Hospital, a supra-regional assay and advisory service (SAAS), on a Band 8a Fixed-Term Contract. This post is designed as a route of succession to the Consultant Clinical Scientist role, offering a structured pathway for professional development and leadership progression.
The successful candidate will play a key role in the scientific and operational delivery of the trace elements service, including method development, validation, and clinical interpretation. You will contribute to quality assurance, service improvement, and compliance with ISO 15189 standards, while working closely with the Consultant Clinical Scientist to gain experience in strategic planning, clinical liaison, and leadership.
This is a unique opportunity for an ambitious Clinical Scientist to step into a senior role, with the potential to transition into the Consultant position subject to performance, service needs, and completion of agreed objectives.
Applicants must be HCPC-registered with relevant experience in trace element analysis and a strong understanding of clinical biochemistry and laboratory quality systems.
Main duties of the job
1. Support the delivery of the nationally recognised Trace Elements Laboratory at King’s College Hospital (SAAS).
2. Contribute to method development, validation, and implementation of trace element assays.
3. Assist in clinical interpretation of results and provide scientific advice to healthcare professionals.
4. Ensure compliance with ISO 15189 and contribute to quality assurance and service improvement.
5. Work closely with the Consultant Clinical Scientist to gain experience in strategic planning and leadership.
6. Participate in multidisciplinary meetings and provide input into clinical decision-making.
7. Support training and supervision of junior scientific and technical staff.
8. Contribute to research, audit, and innovation projects to enhance service delivery.
9. Progress through a structured development plan as part of the succession pathway to the Consultant role.
Working for our organisation
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
Clinical
10. To independently provide advice to referring clinicians and/or laboratory staff, both locally and nationally, on the appropriate investigations to establish a diagnosis or monitor treatment in patients with suspected disorders involving trace element metabolism.
11. To interpret and report results produced in the SAAS Trace Elements Laboratory.
12. To assist the Clinical Director and Department Executive in the provision of a comprehensive trace elements service to King’s College Hospital NHS Trust and Synnovis.
13. To attend appropriate ward rounds and clinical meetings related to the specialist service provided.
Managerial
14. To be responsible for the provision of trace element analysis to the standard required by the Trust and the SAAS.
15. To ensure that work is processed and results authorised in a timely manner.
16. To supervise BMS and Clinical Scientist staff working in the SAAS trace elements laboratory.
17. To participate in the recruitment and retention of staff in the trace elements laboratory as appropriate.
18. To undertake appraisals and performance management of Clinical Scientists working in the section.
19. To maintain operating practices within the section that are of a standard suitable for accreditation (UKAS or other appropriate accrediting body).
20. To undertake audit projects as directed by the Department Executive/Audit Committee.
21. To provide data on workload and turnaround times as required by King’s Healthcare and the SAAS Executive.
22. To comply with departmental and Trust budget guidelines with respect to expenditure in the section.
23. To ensure all staff working within the section comply with the safety policies of the department and King’s Healthcare, including the safe handling, storage and disposal of hazardous materials.
24. To be responsible for the safe use and maintenance of expensive and complex instrumentation (e.g. ICP-MS) on a daily basis.
25. To be responsible for the implementation of National (including SAAS), Trust and Departmental policies within the section and for introducing any changes in working practices necessitated by these policies.
26. To prepare, whenever appropriate, business cases for the replacement of equipment/instrumentation within the section.
27. To represent the department on relevant SAAS subgroups and boards.
28. To represent the department as a member of the Regional Chemical Pathology Specialist Sub-Committee.
Scientific
29. To ensure that the analytical work within the section meets local and national standards of Quality Assurance.
30. To hold delegated responsibility from the Department Executive to make decisions on appropriate analytical methodology within the specialist section.
31. To develop and/or assess new assays or analytical techniques in the field of trace element analysis and the application of advanced instrumentation.
32. To maintain an up-to-date knowledge of current developments in trace element science and ensure such knowledge is communicated to appropriate personnel.
33. To participate in an appropriate (RCPath) recognised CPD scheme and achieve satisfactory standard.
34. To disseminate knowledge and research findings through presentations at local, national and international meetings and by publication in scientific journals.
Risk Management / Health and Safety
35. Work within the Departmental Health and Safety Code of Practice. Awareness of hazards inherent in the laboratory and use of adequate precautions at all times.
36. To report any adverse incidents as set out in the Trust’s Adverse Incident Policy.
37. Maintain laboratory equipment in a safe, clean working condition. Maintenance schedules need to be performed as outlined in relevant SOPs. Equipment decontaminated and ‘permit to work certificate’ issued to engineer prior to servicing.
38. To liaise with the departmental Safety Officer in the assessment, documentation and review of the risks associated with the work performed in the section.
Research
39. To conceive, initiate, supervise and coordinate research in the field of trace element science and provide advice to potential research collaborators.
40. To prepare project plans for ethical approval and negotiate funding from external or internal sources. Such projects to include ones suitable for MSc. or PhD students.
Training and Development
41. To train BMS, Clinical Scientists, students and other staff, as appropriate, in all aspects of trace element analysis and the procedures in use within the section.
42. To participate in the formal teaching programme of the department by leading tutorial groups or presenting seminars/journal clubs on a regular basis.
43. To assist in the supervision and training of the regionally appointed Trainee Clinical Scientists within the department.
Other
44. To ensure that at all times his/her actions comply with Synnovis’ Equal Opportunities Policy.
45. To carry out all duties in accordance with Synnovis policies and procedures.
46. All staff are required to work in accordance with their professional group’s code of conduct (e.g. Health and Care Professions Council).
KCH
King’s College Hospital Foundation Trust is one of the UK’s leading NHS Foundation Trusts in specialist teaching. King’s has various divisions including Neurosciences, Haematology, Cancer and Cardiovascular sciences, where there are unlimited opportunities to develop and perfect your career.
Over the last 170 years, King’s has delivered nothing but world class service to all its patients from deprived communities as well as some of the wealthiest in London.
Person specification
Qualifications
Essential criteria
47. First degree in Biochemistry, Chemistry or closely related subject.
48. Masters Degree in Clinical Biochemistry or related subject or assessed equivalent level of knowledge and expertise in the speciality of clinical biochemistry.
49. Registered as a clinical scientist with the Health Care Professions Council.
50. Demonstration of Continuing Professional Development to an agreed level of participation.
Desirable criteria
51. PhD or equivalent in relevant subject or FRCPath Part 1 in relevant subject. Willing to work towards higher professional qualification.
52. Quality or Management qualification
Experience
Essential criteria
53. Experience as a registered clinical scientist and with detailed working knowledge in biochemistry/pathology
54. Experience of assay design, evaluation and validation and translation into diagnostic service
55. Demonstrable experience in separation science and mass spectrometry, including problem solving
Desirable criteria
56. Project management
57. Research and development experience with evidence of publications and presentations
Skills & Knowledge
Essential criteria
58. To have a thorough knowledge of human biochemistry and chemistry, including metabolic processes, physiology and pharmacology
59. To have a sound basic knowledge in other areas of diagnostic testing
60. To have an extensive knowledge of routine and specialised analytical methods, quality assurance and problem solving
61. To have a demonstrable knowledge of investigative pathology in adults, children and neonates including inherited disorders, endocrinology and toxicology
62. Good knowledge of financial management, resource allocation and procurement
63. Involvement in service planning and development
Desirable criteria
64. To have expert knowledge in a highly specialised area
65. Able to lead on service development beyond the department
66. Able to develop local and national guidelines and policies
67. Experience of formal teaching
68. To have been an invited speaker at national or international conferences
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:
69. Contributory pension scheme
70. Generous annual leave entitlement
71. 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.