Clinical Scientist in Genomics

Job summary

An exciting opportunity has arisen to work within the Clinical Genetics & Genomics Laboratory (CGGL), based at the Royal Brompton Hospital, part of Guy's and St Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust. The Royal Brompton & Harefield NHS hospitals are the largest heart and lung centres in the UK and among the largest in Europe. We are a partnership of two specialist hospitals which are known throughout the world for our expertise, standard of care and research success.

The CGGL is a genomics diagnostic lab, providing state-of-the-art specialist cardiac and respiratory NGS-based genetic testing as part of the London South Genomics Laboratory Hub (LS GLH).

We are looking for a motivated Clinical Scientist, with extensive experience in human molecular genetic diagnostics, with excellent interpersonal skills, to join our group. The successful candidate will have the ability to critically analyse and interpret scientific data, and compile comprehensive, integrated genomic reports.

Applicants should have good computing skills, be capable of working under pressure, and be able to work collaboratively within a multidisciplinary team. They should have good organisational skills, be able to work methodically with great attention to detail and have a strong interest in driving and improving the quality of diagnostic services.

The CGGL is a UKAS-accredited medical laboratory, currently performing over 6000 diagnostic tests per annum and is also actively involved in research and teaching.

Main duties of the job

Provide senior laboratory staff with assistance relating to quality issues.

Present research and audit reports at local, regional and national scientific and clinical meetings

Be a member of Laboratory Medicine H&S committee and ensure health & safety information & requirements are communicated and actioned as required

Provide interpretation of the results of highly complex diagnostic investigations

Identify when techniques related to the processing of specimens are not working optimally

Provide a high level of expertise in molecular analysis for detection of genetic disease/abnormalities and in the interpretation of complex test results using international guidelines

Prepare and check standard & complex abnormal reports for authorisation by senior Clinical Scientists

Participate in internal & external quality control procedures

Assist during UKAS accreditation visits.

Perform the role following documented laboratory protocols

Assist in teaching genetics to medical, nursing & other clinical staff

Be familiar with the laboratory information management systems

Conduct data entry and analysis ensuring the validity & reliability of data at all times.

Undertake appropriate research & development of analytical procedures

Represent the Trust at regional & national conferences and on working groups as appropriate

Participate in internal research seminars/meetings including journal club

Maintain a portfolio of professional achievements

Participate in annual performance review

About us

The Royal Brompton & Harefield Hospitals are part of Guy's & St. Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust, with the Heart and Lung Clinical Care Group forming the largest heart & lung centre in the UK & among the largest in Europe. We are a partnership of specialist hospitals which are known throughout the world for our expertise, standard of care and research success. The Clinical Genetics and Genomics Laboratory is also part of the NHSE South East Genomic Laboratory hub and is one of four cardiac and one of three respiratory laboratories, delivering the specialist testing nationally.

The Clinical Genetics & Genomics Laboratory in the Royal Brompton has generated deep expertise in cardiovascular (CV) and respiratory genetics through a large programme of work over the last 7 years and has established infrastructure, expertise and variant repositories on site. The CGGL has developed sophisticated bioinformatic tools and pipelines for the analysis and reporting of different types of sequence data and is actively involved in research to develop new technologies. The diagnostic service collaborates closely with the National Heart and Lung Institute (NHLI), Imperial College London.

Our values help us to define and develop our culture, what we do & how we do it. Our framework| describes what it means for every one of us in the Trust to put our values into action.

Job description

Job responsibilities

In conjunction with senior laboratory staff, the post-holder will undertake the scientific duties and responsibilities of a clinical scientist in the provision of a comprehensive, modern, high quality diagnostic clinical genetics service at RBHT. This will involve delivering a range of specialist molecular diagnostic tests for the diagnosis of inherited cardiovascular and respiratory diseases. The post holder will be expected to draft and authorize molecular genetic diagnostic reports in line with the services provided by the department. The post holder will also provide clinical and scientific advice to other health professionals including senior medical staff, on the selection, performance and interpretation of highly complex molecular genetic investigations. The post holder will participate in research and development and clinical audit where necessary.

Job description
Job responsibilities

In conjunction with senior laboratory staff, the post-holder will undertake the scientific duties and responsibilities of a clinical scientist in the provision of a comprehensive, modern, high quality diagnostic clinical genetics service at RBHT. This will involve delivering a range of specialist molecular diagnostic tests for the diagnosis of inherited cardiovascular and respiratory diseases. The post holder will be expected to draft and authorize molecular genetic diagnostic reports in line with the services provided by the department. The post holder will also provide clinical and scientific advice to other health professionals including senior medical staff, on the selection, performance and interpretation of highly complex molecular genetic investigations. The post holder will participate in research and development and clinical audit where necessary.

Person Specification

Qualifications / Education

Essential

• Educated to MSc, or equivalent in genome biology, bioinformatics or computer sciences
• PhD or equivalent in genome biology, bioinformatics or computer science.

Desirable

• Membership of a professional body Health Professions Council registered Clinical Scientist in Genomics or equivalent international qualification.

Professional/ Statutory Registration

Essential

• Registered with the HCPC as a Clinical Scientist

Previous Experience & Knowledge

Essential

• Experience in diagnostic genetic testing using DNA sequencing including Next-Generation sequencing (NGS), DNA fragment analysis and other DNA-based techniques.
• Knowledge of laboratory accreditation requirements (UKAS) according to ISO15189
• Good computer skills and knowledge of relevant molecular genetic databases. An understanding of genome annotation and the use of web-based browsers to interrogate genomic information
• Knowledge of health and safety legislation as it relates to a specialist genetic laboratory and general laboratory medicine.
• Knowledge of the genetic basis of human disease

Desirable

• Experience of generating and participating in collaborative research projects.
• Experience of research in a clinical environment.
• Proven publication record in peer-review journals.

SKILLS & ABILITIES

Essential

• The ability to develop effective working relationships with all levels of administrative and academic staff, and students
• Excellent organisational, communication and interpersonal skills
• Effective analytical, decision-making and problem-solving capability
• The ability to prioritise workload
• The ability to work under pressure and to manage multiple tasks simultaneously, successfully meeting deadlines
• Ability to work under pressure and to manage multiple tasks simultaneously, successfully meeting deadlines
• An open and positive attitude to working in a changing environmen
• Clear, concise report writing skills
• A high degree of tact, diplomacy and confidentiality
• The ability swiftly to assimilate and synthesise new information

PERSONAL QUALITIES

Essential

• Innovative and proactive approach with a willingness to accept responsibility for management decisions
• Meticulous approach and attention to detail
• Willingness to work as part of a team and to be openminded and co-operative
• Flexible attitude towards working hours.
• Discipline and regard for confidentiality, safety and security at all times.
• Willingness to train others and undertake training, as appropriate.

Person Specification
Qualifications / Education

Essential

• Educated to MSc, or equivalent in genome biology, bioinformatics or computer sciences
• PhD or equivalent in genome biology, bioinformatics or computer science.

Desirable

• Membership of a professional body Health Professions Council registered Clinical Scientist in Genomics or equivalent international qualification.

Professional/ Statutory Registration

Essential

• Registered with the HCPC as a Clinical Scientist

Previous Experience & Knowledge

Essential

• Experience in diagnostic genetic testing using DNA sequencing including Next-Generation sequencing (NGS), DNA fragment analysis and other DNA-based techniques.
• Knowledge of laboratory accreditation requirements (UKAS) according to ISO15189
• Good computer skills and knowledge of relevant molecular genetic databases. An understanding of genome annotation and the use of web-based browsers to interrogate genomic information
• Knowledge of health and safety legislation as it relates to a specialist genetic laboratory and general laboratory medicine.
• Knowledge of the genetic basis of human disease

Desirable

• Experience of generating and participating in collaborative research projects.
• Experience of research in a clinical environment.
• Proven publication record in peer-review journals.

SKILLS & ABILITIES

Essential

• The ability to develop effective working relationships with all levels of administrative and academic staff, and students
• Excellent organisational, communication and interpersonal skills
• Effective analytical, decision-making and problem-solving capability
• The ability to prioritise workload
• The ability to work under pressure and to manage multiple tasks simultaneously, successfully meeting deadlines
• Ability to work under pressure and to manage multiple tasks simultaneously, successfully meeting deadlines
• An open and positive attitude to working in a changing environmen
• Clear, concise report writing skills
• A high degree of tact, diplomacy and confidentiality
• The ability swiftly to assimilate and synthesise new information

PERSONAL QUALITIES

Essential

• Innovative and proactive approach with a willingness to accept responsibility for management decisions
• Meticulous approach and attention to detail
• Willingness to work as part of a team and to be openminded and co-operative
• Flexible attitude towards working hours.
• Discipline and regard for confidentiality, safety and security at all times.
• Willingness to train others and undertake training, as appropriate.

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.
Certificate of Sponsorship

Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the .

From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. .
UK Registration

Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see

Additional information
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.
Certificate of Sponsorship

Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the .

From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. .
UK Registration

Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see

Employer details

Employer name

Guy's and St Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust
Address

Royal Brompton Hospital

Sydney Street

London

SW3 6NP

Employer's website