Principal Clinical Scientist Molecular Pathology

University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust; Birmingham; On-site; GBP 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading NHS Trust in Birmingham is seeking a Senior Principal Clinical Scientist / Section Lead to oversee the Molecular Pathology Diagnostic Service. The role involves scientific leadership, managing a team, and ensuring high-quality NGS results. Candidates should have HCPC registration, FRCPATH Part 1, and significant experience in molecular pathology. This position offers opportunities for professional development in a collaborative environment.

Benefits

Continuous professional development

Culturally competent leaders

Qualifications

• Significant scientific ability and experience in molecular pathology.
• Proven service development experience and aptitude for team leadership.
• Desirable experience authorising NGS results and variant interpretation.

Responsibilities

• Lead the NGS section of the department.
• Provide scientific advice to service users.
• Maintain and authorise NGS results.
• Encourage research and teaching initiatives.

Skills

Scientific leadership

NGS results authorisation

Team leadership

Molecular pathology

Education

HCPC registration for Clinical Scientists

FRCPATH Part 1 by examination

Job description

Overview

An exciting opportunity has arisen for a permanent Band 8B Senior Principal Clinical Scientist / Section Lead to join the Molecular Pathology Diagnostic Service (MPDS) located in the Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham. MPDS is one of the largest solid tumour genetic‑profiling centres in Europe, processing over 25,000 samples a year. The service provides a range of molecular pathology tests including protein expression, gene mutation, methylation and amplification, chromosome translocation and a circulating tumour DNA service for EGFR mutation analysis. Services are provided for a wide range of regional and supra‑regional Trusts, and as a referral centre there will be opportunity to participate in research and development.

The department has expertise in real‑time PCR, pyrosequencing, FISH, immunohistochemistry and next‑generation sequencing (NGS). The post holder will join a dedicated team of scientists, technicians and molecular pathologists. The laboratory is UKAS accredited to ISO 15189 standards and IBMS accredited for training. Continuous professional development is supported, and internal and external lectures and seminars are encouraged.

Responsibilities

• Scientific leadership of the NGS section of the department
• Oversee day‑to‑day scientific support to the NGS team and provide scientific advice to service users
• Develop and improve the NGS section, ensuring high quality and efficiency
• Maintain and authorise NGS results, including somatic and germline variant interpretation
• Prepare and present significant reports to senior management and external stakeholders
• Encourage and support research activities and lecturing/teaching initiatives in partnership with oncology, academia and industry
• Motivate and lead a multidisciplinary team, fostering a collaborative culture

Qualifications

• Significant scientific ability and experience in molecular pathology
• Proven service development experience and aptitude for team leadership
• Desirable experience authorising NGS results and variant interpretation
• Must hold HCPC registration for Clinical Scientists and FRCPATH Part 1 by examination

Inclusive Culture

University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust strives to have an inclusive culture where everyone feels like they belong, can thrive, knows that they add value and feels valued. We develop compassionate and culturally competent leaders, are values‑driven in all that we do and create a welcoming and inclusive workplace that thrives on the diversity of our people. We aim to attract and recruit talented individuals from all backgrounds and support those with disabilities, long‑term health conditions, mental health or neurodiverse conditions with reasonable adjustments.