Job Overview
University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust invites applications for a full time (minimum 0.8 WTE) Progressive pre‑registration Clinical Scientist (Band 6) within the oncology team at the Wessex Genomics Laboratory Service (WGLS – Salisbury).
Applicants should be self‑motivated and desire to work towards HCPC registration as a Clinical Scientist within Molecular Genetics or Developing Sciences. Experience as a Specialist Health Care Science Practitioner or equivalent is required.
The role requires a commitment to submitting a portfolio of evidence to the Association of Clinical Scientists (ACS) in order to obtain the certificate of equivalence necessary for registration with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC). Candidates should be familiar with this process, demonstrate the requisite level of self‑directed learning, and be prepared for time commitments outside of work.
Successful candidates will work the standard departmental hours of 09:00‑17:30 and a minimum 0.8 WTE. Applicants who already meet the required competencies may be offered a Band 7 contract upon appointment.
Main Responsibilities
* Contribute to the provision of an integrated cancer diagnostic genetic service for the Central South Coast Region, including national and international referrals, as part of the Central and South Genomic Laboratory Hub.
* Employ all the competencies required of a pre‑registration Clinical Scientist to diagnose genetic disease.
* Work with a high degree of autonomy and responsibility within clearly defined occupational policies and procedures, performing a clinical, scientific or technical role, accountable to and managed by a Registered Clinical Scientist.
* Continuously develop clinical, scientific or technical practice within a defined field.
* Provide clinical liaison with a high level of scientific knowledge, skill and expertise.
* Gain experience in the other specialist sections of the department.
Communication and Relationship Skills
* Provide, receive and communicate complex specialist information to colleagues within the Laboratory as well as, under appropriate supervision, to other departments within the Trust.
* Communicate effectively and professionally with staff of all levels and be an effective team member.
* Train new staff in a clear and encouraging manner.
Analytical and Judgement Skills
* Analyse and interpret genomic variant data.
* Provide advice on analytical procedures and interpretation of reported results.
* Ensure accurate entry of patient data into the computerised laboratory information management system.
* Possess strong IT skills and knowledge of common computing packages for word processing, spreadsheets, presentation packages and databases, and the ability to utilise a range of web‑based specialised genetic resources.
* Competently use the Department’s computer system for data input, checking, amending and commenting on data provided by others.
* Competently use novel analytical packages and online resources as they become available for use in the diagnostic service.
* Take responsibility for day‑to‑day aspects of genetic testing while recognising limitations and liaising with more senior colleagues when required.
* Demonstrate effective time‑management and prioritise workload.
* Ensure implementation of policies and propose changes of practice.
* Participate in the preparation of the department for accreditation.
Planning and Organisational Skills
* Responsible for personal work and workload management, working with high autonomy under supervision of line manager or senior staff.
* Plan workload for a range of activities, including adjustments and emergencies, and assist in long‑term service planning.
* Demonstrate effective time‑management and prioritise workload.
* Liaise with others to ensure smooth running of the service and respond to changing requirements.
* Participate in internal and external quality control procedures, including clinical audit, incident investigation, reporting and external quality assessment schemes.
* Ensure junior staff awareness of statutory requirements, codes of practice, safety regulations and operational policies.
* Ensure risk management and risk reporting strategies function effectively according to local and Trust policy.
* Monitor own performance and that of reporting staff.
* Occasionally participate in medium‑term service development and enhancement.
Trust Values
* Patient First
* Always Improving
* Working Together
Person Specification
Essential criteria
* BSc in an appropriate biological science (minimum 2:2)
* Experience of laboratory genetics
* Experience of clinical diagnostic laboratory genetics (technical and/or scientific)
Desirable criteria
* MSc or PhD in a relevant subject
* Analytical, interpretative and reporting experience
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