Clinical Scientist

Liverpool University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust; Liverpool; On-site; GBP 38,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading NHS healthcare provider in Liverpool seeks a Clinical Scientist for the Histocompatibility & Immunogenetics (H&I) department. The role entails performing complex laboratory tests, liaising with clinical teams, and participating in on-call duties. Ideal candidates will have experience in H&I, HCPC registration or soon to register, and excellent communication skills. This role supports over 100 renal and 40 stem cell transplants annually, fostering a collaborative clinical environment.

Qualifications

• Demonstrable H&I in-service experience or equivalent.
• HCPC registration as a Clinical Scientist or expected to register within six months.
• Good knowledge of analytical methods and quality assurance.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Able to organise and manage complex activities.

Responsibilities

• Perform, analyse and report results of complex H&I laboratory tests.
• Liaise with clinical partners and provide professional clinical advice.
• Support laboratory leadership in service improvements.
• Participate in the department’s on-call rota.
• Assist with continuing professional development and teaching commitments.

Skills

H&I in-service experience

Analytical methods

Quality assurance

Interpersonal skills

Communication skills

Education

HCPC registration as a Clinical Scientist

PhD in Histocompatibility and Immunogenetics

Tools

Laboratory computer systems

Job description

Overview

The clinical scientist role will cover all aspects of the H&I service, including rotation through both the renal transplantation and haematopoietic stem cell transplantation services. There will be opportunity to apply your specialist knowledge and technical expertise in support of our patient care, as part of a collaborative clinical team. We are happy to consider applications from individuals who are training in H&I and are expected to obtain HCPC registration as a Clinical Scientist within the next six months. Applicants working towards HCPC registration as a Clinical Scientist will be paid under Annex 21 until qualified, in line with NHS Agenda for Change terms and conditions. As a HCPC registered Clinical Scientist in H&I, you will be required to perform, analyse and report the results of highly complex scientific laboratory tests relating to H&I services, such as HLA typing, antibody testing, crossmatching and donor chimerism analysis. The role will include liaison with our clinical partners in multidisciplinary meetings, professional judgement to provide clinical advice, and support the laboratory’s leadership in delivering service improvements with a focus on efficient delivery and patient safety. Participation in the department’s 24‑hour on‑call rota is a requirement.

Key responsibilities

• Perform, analyse and report results of highly complex H&I laboratory tests (HLA typing, antibody testing, crossmatching, donor chimerism analysis, etc.).
• Liaise with clinical partners in multidisciplinary meetings and provide professional clinical advice.
• Support laboratory leadership in delivering service improvements, investigating novel technologies, and managing change control processes.
• Participate in the department’s 24‑hour on‑call rota.
• Assist with continuing professional development, scientific events, and teaching commitments.
• Maintain accurate records and comply with quality assurance and safety procedures.

Essential qualifications

• Demonstrable H&I in‑service experience or equivalent.
• HCPC registration as a Clinical Scientist (or expected to register within six months, with payment under Annex 21 until qualified).
• Specialist training in H&I with evidence of ongoing CPD.
• Good knowledge of analytical methods, quality assurance and problem‑solving.
• Proficiency in laboratory computer systems and standard software packages.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Able to organise and manage complex activities with high coordination skills.
• Good interpersonal skills.

Desirable qualifications

• PhD in Histocompatibility and Immunogenetics (H&I).
• Demonstrable supervisory experience and staff management.
• Experience initiating and coordinating R&D activities, audits and redesign of practices.
• Knowledge of COSHH regulations and general managerial procedures.
• Ability to deduce probabilities and analyze complex data.
• Leadership ability for a small team.

Position details

Band 7 Clinical Scientist post in the Liverpool Histocompatibility & Immunogenetics (H&I) department, Liverpool Clinical Laboratories (LCL), at the Royal Liverpool University Hospital site. The H&I department supports over 100 renal transplants and over 40 stem cell transplants each year.

Equal opportunities

The Trust is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applications from all backgrounds, encouraging diversity and inclusion.