Developmental Scientist
The closing date is 04 May 2026
We have an exciting opportunity for an experienced and motivated Development Scientist to join our Genomics Laboratory team at Addenbrooke's Treatment Centre.
This is a key role at the forefront of genomic medicine, where you will help shape and deliver innovative laboratory services that make a real difference for patients with rare diseases, solid cancers and haemato‑oncology conditions.
As part of a leading regional genomics service, you will lead the development and implementation of new genomic tests, technologies and bioinformatics pipelines, while driving service improvement and supporting the delivery of high‑quality diagnostics in line with the National Genomic Test Directory.
You will work closely with multidisciplinary teams across the laboratory, wider Trust, universities and external partners, contributing to translational research, service innovation and the introduction of new ways of working.
The role also offers the opportunity to lead validation projects, support quality and ISO 15189 compliance, mentor junior staff and influence the future direction of genomic services.
We are looking for someone with strong scientific knowledge, experience in validation and quality processes, excellent communication skills and a passion for continuous improvement.
If you are looking for a varied and rewarding role in a fast‑moving and innovative environment, we would love to hear from you.
Main duties of the job
* Contribute to the development of a range of predominantly genomic tests to allow for optimising access and quality of genomics testing in rare disease, solid cancer and haemato‑oncology.
* Contribute to optimisation of assay processes and bioinformatics pipelines.
* Contribute to delivering and maintaining a high‑quality regional diagnostic service to deliver the National Genomic Test Directory.
* Collaborate closely with associated research and diagnostic groups on campus as well as regional and national level.
* Facilitate translational research with partner organisations, including private business and universities.
* Ensure the continuous improvement and development of laboratory services working closely with operational teams.
* Ensure the continued ISO 15189 compliance of changes within the laboratory using the quality management system.
Employment details
Contract: Permanent
Working pattern: Full‑time, Flexible working, Home or remote working
Job responsibilities
The attached Applicant Information Pack contains detailed duties and responsibilities.
Visa information
Due to Home Office immigration rules, a full‑time permanent vacancy cannot be filled by individuals on a Student visa.
* Apply for a Graduate visa.
* Successfully complete the course and apply for a Graduate visa before the anticipated start date.
This vacancy will close at midnight on 4th May 2026.
Interview dates
Interviews are due to be held on 12th May 2026.
Benefits to you
At Cambridge University Hospitals 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 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. We launch staff pod break spaces, with free tea and coffee, a break space and private outside area for colleagues to rest, refuel and recharge.
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.
Person Specification
Qualifications
* First degree in an appropriate biological science or equivalent qualification.
* Master's Degree or externally assessed equivalent in Human Genomics, Molecular Pathology or similar.
* Evidence of Continuing Professional Development and training.
* PhD in molecular biology, or equivalent experience of experimental planning and execution.
* Registration as a Clinical or Biomedical Scientist with the Health Care Professions Council, or working towards registration.
* Membership of relevant professional organisation (e.g. ACGS, AHCS, BSGM, IBMS).
Experience
* Significant scientific work experience in a genomics/molecular laboratory.
* Experience of developing and implementing genomic analysis methods and tools.
* Experience of analysing genomic and statistical data; working within an ISO 15189 accredited laboratory.
* Delivering new processes and methods with measurable outcomes.
* Acting as a duty scientist or team leader.
* Relevant experience in quality improvement methodologies and approaches.
* Working within an NHS Clinical Laboratory.
* Experience with relevant automated equipment.
* Experience in applied bioinformatics.
Knowledge
* Thorough knowledge of human genetics and/or cancer genetics.
* Good knowledge of typical laboratory operational procedures, quality management systems and problem‑solving techniques.
* Knowledge of the breadth of analytical methods and processes used for genomic testing.
* Knowledge of the processes involved in examining cancer samples in a clinical laboratory.
* Proven experience in the application of laboratory automation and troubleshooting.
* Understanding the process of demonstrating the performance of genomic tests and validating for use.
Skills
* Good attention to detail, and able to maintain intense concentration for a sustained period of time despite interruptions.
* Good verbal and written communication including the ability to use Microsoft packages.
* Excellent organisational skills.
* Critically appraise scientific information to aid service delivery.
* Able to organise and manage complex activities while providing leadership to a small team within the department.
* Ability to write standard operating procedures and to train staff to achieve competency in applying those procedures.
* Able to conduct Research and Development activities.
* Able to prepare and present scientific and clinical information at meetings or conferences.
Additional Requirements
* Ability to understand and behave at all times towards patients, visitors and colleagues according to the Trust values of safe, kind, excellent.
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.
Pay
£49,387 to £56,515 a year (per annum pro‑rata).
Equal opportunities
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.
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