230912 (MG) Associate Clinical Scientist

NHS Scotland; Scotland; On-site; GBP 39,000 - 49,000; Full time

Job summary

A prominent health service provider in the UK is seeking a highly motivated Associate Clinical Scientist for the Molecular Pathology service. The ideal candidate will have a background in molecular pathology or cancer genomics and will be involved in a wide range of laboratory techniques including PCR and Next Generation Sequencing. This fixed-term full-time post offers opportunities for professional development and support for Clinical Scientist registration.

Benefits

Continuous professional development programme

Opportunity for Clinical Scientist registration

Qualifications

• Good interpersonal skills with a background in molecular pathology or cancer genomics.
• Ability to work collaboratively within a multidisciplinary team.
• Proficient in laboratory techniques mentioned.

Responsibilities

• Fill the role of Associate Clinical Scientist in the Molecular Pathology service.
• Perform assay QC checks and troubleshoot assay failures.
• Receive training to apply for registration as a Clinical Scientist.

Skills

Interpersonal skills

Molecular pathology knowledge

Cancer genomics

Collaboration in a multidisciplinary team

Education

Bachelor's degree in relevant field

Tools

PCR

Sanger sequencing

RT-PCR

Next Generation Sequencing (NGS)

Job description

NHS Scotland is committed to encouraging equality and diversity among our workforce and eliminating unlawful discrimination. The aim is for our workforce to be truly representative and for each employee to feel respected and able to give their best. To this end, NHS Scotland welcomes applications from all sections of society.

Molecular Pathology Service

Department of Laboratory Medicine

Royal infirmary of Edinburgh and Western General Hospital

NHS Lothian

Associate Clinical Scientist (band 6)

Fixed term: 20-month post

Band 6: Full-time post 37 hours per week; part-time applicants will be considered

£39,912 - £48,635 (pro rata for part-time)

An exciting opportunity has arisen for a highly motivated individual to fill the role of Associate Clinical Scientist in the Molecular Pathology service based in NHS Lothian (Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh, Western General Hospital with move to Lauriston site in 2025/26). The laboratory is part of the Scottish Strategic Network for Genomic Medicine funded by National Services Division to provide Genetic and Molecular Pathology diagnostic testing in Scotland. Applications are invited from scientists with good interpersonal skills with a background in molecular pathology / cancer genomics, within research or ideally a clinical setting. Individuals should have the ability to work collaboratively within a multidisciplinary team.

The successful candidate will be expected to be proficient in a wide range of laboratory techniques including PCR, Sanger sequencing, RT-PCR and Next Generation Sequencing (NGS). They will receive training on the analysis and reporting of a range of molecular pathology results, performing assay QC checks, troubleshooting assay failures and developing new laboratory tests. The successful candidate will be involved in all aspects of the laboratory quality management system including performing technical and clinical audits, assay validations and verifications and ensuring the appropriate maintenance of laboratory equipment.

The successful candidate will be given the training and support required to apply for registration as a Clinical Scientist with the Health and Care Professions Council, if combined with previous experience and qualifications, they meet registration criteria.

We are committed to continuous development and have an active Continuing Professional Development programme available to all staff. This post offers excellent opportunities to broaden experience in a molecular pathology diagnostic laboratory together with developing both training and service development roles.

Informal enquiries to Louise Gilroy (Clinical Scientist): [e-mail] or Anthony Bench (Clinical Scientist): [e-mail]

Please note: we anticipate a high level of interest in this position and may close the vacancy early once a sufficient amount of applications are received. Therefore, please make sure you complete and submit your application at an early stage.

We cannot accept late applications so please ensure your application is submitted early.

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We will fully support disabled candidates, and candidates with long-term conditions or who are neurodivergent by making reasonable adjustments to our recruitment policy and practices.

To work in the United Kingdom, there is a legal requirement for an individual to demonstrate that they have the relevant permission to work in the country. This permission is, without exception, granted by the UK Visa and Immigrations Service.

As part of the pre-employment checks for a preferred candidate, NHS Scotland Boards will check your entitlement to work in the UK. It can be evidenced through a number of routes including specific types of visa as well as EU settled and pre-settled status. To find out more about these routes of permission, please refer to the GOV.UK website here.

For specific types of post, if you do not have the necessary eligibility to work in the UK, it might be possible (though not guaranteed) to secure sponsorship via a UK Skilled Worker/Health & Care Worker Visa. However, this is only possible if the employer is a licensed Sponsor, and if the post does not fall below the current minimum salary threshold or ‘going rate’. Further information on these criteria can be found here.

It is ESSENTIAL that you have checked that you either already have an appropriate right to work in the UK or that the post would be eligible to be sponsored BEFORE submitting your application form.

Due to legislative changes from 1 April 2025, this post may require a different level of criminal records check done than is currently the case. If the post is assessed as a "regulated role", your appointment will be subject to joining the Protecting Vulnerable Groups (PVG) Scheme. If there is any change to what is currently required, this will be confirmed by either the Hiring Manager or the Recruitment Team. For more details on these changes please visit: Disclosure Scotland Changes.