Clinical Scientist (Sterile Site Infections - Metagenomics)

Integrated Care System; London; On-site; GBP 54,000 - 61,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading healthcare provider in London is looking for a motivated Clinical Scientist to advance their Metagenomics Service. The role focuses on enhancing diagnosis methods for infections through innovative sequencing technologies and requires robust laboratory expertise. Ideal candidates will possess strong research and development skills, and will actively contribute to scientific training and oversight within a collaborative environment.

Qualifications

• In-depth knowledge of diagnostic laboratory operations is essential.
• Experience with the implementation of new molecular techniques is required.
• Commitment to continuing professional development.

Responsibilities

• Support service development for the Metagenomics Service.
• Develop standard operating procedures within a quality assurance framework.
• Supervise and train scientific staff in bacteriology and metagenomics services.

Skills

Problem-solving

Communication

Analytical skills

Education

1st or 2nd class BSc honours degree in relevant science

MSc in relevant clinical science

Completed STP Programme or STP equivalence

HCPC registration as Clinical Scientist

Tools

Illumina sequencing

Nanopore sequencing

Real-time PCR

End-point PCR

Job description

Go back Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children NHS Foundation Trust

Clinical Scientist (Sterile Site Infections - Metagenomics)

The closing date is 20 July 2025

We are seeking a highly motivated Clinical Scientist to support further service development of our UKAS accredited Metagenomics Service.

This is an externally funded fixed term role for 12 months to evaluate and validate new metagenomics methods using nanopore long read sequencing in comparison to standard of care Illumina metagenomics, with a view to translating into routine service.

You will work in close collaboration with academic colleagues at UCL Institute of Child Health. This post will be well suited to Clinical Scientists with an interest in research and development with a clinical translational focus. Laboratory experience in NGS methods, such as Illumina and nanopore sequencing, is essential as you will be required to work independently to develop standard operating procedures within a robust quality assurance framework.

Main duties of the job

The main focus of the role is research and development to improve methods for diagnosis of infection using metagenomics, in collaboration with ICH colleagues. However you will be part of a team of supervising healthcare scientists with delegated responsibility for the department's bacteriology PCR and sequencing and metagenomics services, who are responsible for training and supervision of scientific staff and clinical reporting of results. An eye for details and working in an organised manner is crucial to this role.

About us

We are keen to make our workforce as diverse as the communities we serve, and we hope to attract applications from underrepresented groups, including people with Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic heritage, people with a disability, and people from LGBTQ+ communities. By growing an ever more diverse workforce, we'll have a greater range of perspectives and knowledge, meaning that we can provide the children and young people at our hospital with even better care.

Our hospital is committed to creating an environment that is open and inclusive. Our staff are encouraged to engage with colleagues through the following networks: REACH (Race, Ethnicity and Cultural Heritage) ENABLED (Enhancing Abilities & Leveraging Disabilities Network), PRIDE and Women's networks; all of which are sponsored by a member of our Executive Management Team.

We want to ensure that all of our people, regardless of their background, are seen and heard. We want to attract applicants that share our commitment to inclusion and that understand diversity is a strength that is embraced and valued.

Job responsibilities

The full job description provides an overview of the key tasks and responsibilities of the role, and the person specification outlines the qualifications, skills, experience and knowledge required. For both documents please view the attachment/s below.

Person Specification

Combined Values

• Combined Values
• 1st or 2nd class BSc honours degree in relevant science
• MSc in relevant clinical science, or close to completion of MSc
• Completed STP Programme or STP equivalence
• Health and Care Professions Council registered as Clinical Scientist
• Evidence of continuing professional development

Experience/Knowledge

• In-depth knowledge of the day to day running of a diagnostic laboratory
• Experience of validation and implementation of new molecular assays and equipment
• Significant laboratory experience in performing molecular techniques, including: real-time PCR, Illumina or nanopore sequencing, Qubit and Tapestation,
• Experience interpreting NGS data in a clinical context
• Experience of participation in clinical or laboratory audit, reviewing and writing SOP's
• Experience of providing appropriate training to all members of staff
• Knowledge of bacterial and viral causes of infection
• Knowledge of the application of metagenomics to the diagnosis of infection
• Experience of participation in research and development projects
• Knowledge of Patient confidentiality and Data protection
• Thorough knowledge of the quality processes in a clinical laboratory, in line with ISO-15189
• Experience analysing and interpreting molecular bacteriology PCR and sequencing results, including 16S rRNA gene PCR and sequencing
• Significant laboratory experience in performing molecular techniques, including: End-point PCR and Sanger sequencing
• Experience in preparation of manuscripts for publication of research results

Skills/Abilities

• Able to problem solve and troubleshoot
• High degree of responsibility: able to work on own initiative without supervision
• Well-developed communication skills (written and oral)
• Awareness of Health & Safety Legislation

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.

Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children NHS Foundation Trust

£54,320 to £60,981 a yearInclusive per annum pro rata