Job overview
We are seeking a motivated Band 5 Healthcare Scientist (Maternity Cover, WTE) to join our Immunology Team at Great Ormond Street Hospital. Based primarily in the Gene Therapy section, you will support specialised diagnostic testing for monitoring patients receiving gene and cell therapies, including molecular techniques such as PCR (ddPCR/LM-PCR), RNA/DNA extraction, and flow cytometry. The role also involves contributing to assay development, quality assurance, and cross-covering core Immunology services. This is an excellent opportunity to work at the forefront of paediatric molecular diagnostics within a highly specialised, dynamic team.
Main duties of the job
To assist in the provision of a routine clinical laboratory service for monitoring gene therapy patients and products as part the Paediatric Laboratory Medicine in the Division of Core Clinical Services at GOSH Trust. You will primarily be working in the gene therapy section but will be expected to work in all sections of the Immunology laboratory.
This includes supporting the team of Healthcare Scientists in managing the diagnostic service, overseeing junior staff, and being able to perform all core scientific and interpretative work, in all sections of the laboratory which corresponds to the in-house training.
Working for our organisation
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.
Detailed job description and main 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
Combined Values
Essential criteria
* Combined Values
Academic/Professional qualification/Training
Essential criteria
* BSc in Medical Laboratory Science or completion of Grade A/STP Clinical Scientist training programme
* Previous experience of working in an accredited Immunology laboratory
Desirable criteria
* HCPC registration
Experience/Knowledge
Essential criteria
* Experience in Molecular techniques such as PCR, DNA/RNA Extraction
* Experience in performing routine diagnostic assays used in Autoimmune/Serology, Cellular & Immunophenotyping
* Experience of flow cytometry
Skills/Abilities
Essential criteria
* Supervising or training others
* Must have experience in data handling