Consultant Clinical Scientist

Guys & St Thomas Hospital; London; On-site; GBP 85,000 - 98,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading company in pathology is seeking a Consultant Clinical Scientist to enhance the integration of innovative diagnostic technologies, including metagenomics, at Synnovis. The position involves leadership in the Pathogen Sequencing and Diagnostic Innovation team, focusing on improving infectious disease diagnostics through advanced genomic techniques.

Benefits

Contributory pension scheme

Generous annual leave entitlement

Funding for innovation through the Innovation Accelerator Fund

Support for advanced study and higher qualifications

Qualifications

• PhD in a relevant discipline focusing on infectious pathogens.
• HCPC registration and FRCPath qualification required.
• Experience in delivering pathogen sequencing and research.

Responsibilities

• Lead integration of metagenomics and whole genome sequencing into diagnostics.
• Guide validation and implementation of sequencing technologies.
• Provide expert clinical interpretation of sequencing data.

Skills

Knowledge of pathogen sequencing

Leadership in innovation

Broad range of IT skills

Ability to communicate effectively

Education

PhD in Metagenomics, Sequencing Technologies, or relevant discipline

HCPC State registration as a Clinical Scientist

FRCPath or evidence of equivalent qualification

Job description

This post is only open to internal applicants.

Consultant Clinical Scientist

Synnovis Pay Band 8c

Main area Infection Sciences Grade Synnovis Pay Band 8c Contract Permanent Hours Full time - 37.5 hours per week Job ref VIS6968

Employer Synnovis Employer type Private Sector Site Friars Bridge Court/St Thomas’ Hospital Town London Salary £85,431 to £97,148 per annum depending on experience Closing 10/07/2025 23:59

The place to work in pathology

We are looking for top talent to join the UK’s leading and fastest growing pathology company – a scientific organisation with a clinical purpose.

Working in partnership with our service partners, Guy’s and St. Thomas’ Hospitals, King’s College Hospital and Princess Royal University Hospital we aim to set the standard for the future of pathology.

Job overview

Applications are invited for a Consultant Clinical Scientist to join the Pathogen Sequencing and Diagnostic Innovation team at Synnovis, based at the Synnovis Hub, Blackfriars Road, with hybrid working and on-site presence at St Thomas’ Hospital. This is an exciting leadership opportunity to support clinical services through innovative diagnostic technologies, including metagenomics and whole genome sequencing, with a strong focus on infectious disease pathogens.

You will play a key role in shaping the future of infectious disease diagnostics, by leading validation and implementation of bioinformatic pipelines, enhancing the clinical relevance of sequencing technologies, and supporting the integration of long-read sequencing platforms into routine workflows.

Main duties of the job

• Lead the integration of metagenomics and whole genome sequencing into diagnostic workflows.
• Direct clinical reporting and validation of sequencing results, ensuring regulatory compliance and scientific rigor.
• Guide and mentor a multidisciplinary team including research scientists and bioinformaticians.
• Provide expert clinical interpretation of sequencing data and its impact on patient care.
• Collaborate with NHS and academic partners, contributing to translational research and innovation.
• Drive innovation in diagnostic strategies to support Synnovis Infection Science innovation priorities.

Working for our organisation

Synnovis is a scientific organisation with a clinical purpose, partnered with Guy’s and St. Thomas’, King’s College Hospital, and Princess Royal University Hospital, providing pathology services across South East London. As part of the SYNLAB Group, you’ll join a European leader in diagnostics, helping us shape the future of infectious disease genomics.

Our teams benefit from tailored professional development, funding for innovation through the Innovation Accelerator Fund, and support for advanced study and higher qualifications.

Your development and learning

You will have a suite of learning opportunities available through The Synnovis Way Development programme, the Scientific Learning and Development Fund and the Synnovis Academy through which you can receive funding / support for advanced qualifications.

Through our Innovation Accelerator Fund, you can apply for finance to get that new innovative scientific project off the ground, and participate with the wider scientific community through symposiums, conferences and other peer group meetings.

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

At Synnovis, we are currently shaping the future of pathology services by creating a world-leading Hub and Spoke pathology network with our NHS partners. A large part of this modernisation will involve moving 70% of our services to a purpose built, state of the art Hub laboratory in the heart of London. For now, the job you are applying for will be based at one of our hospital sites however, from 1 April 2024 our people and services will start to move to our Hub laboratory in Blackfriars, Southwark, SE1, with some work remaining in refurbished essential services laboratories across our hospital network, focusing on the rapid turnover of urgent tests. Please do ask your recruiting manager if you wish to find out more.

Purpose of the Job

This role delivers advanced diagnostic innovation and leadership in pathogen sequencing as part of Synnovis. You will be responsible for introducing and validating sequencing technologies (including long-read sequencing), interpreting sequencing data, and translating these insights into clinically actionable results. Reporting to the medical and scientific leadership, you will oversee the implementation of novel bioinformatic pipelines and direct clinical and technical teams in the delivery of metagenomic and genomic-based infection diagnostics.

What you will do

You will hold a wide variety of responsibilities within the diagnostic and scientific leadership domain. These include, but are not limited to:

• Lead and oversee implementation of metagenomic and whole genome sequencing (WGS) assays for the identification and characterisation of infectious pathogens.
• Deliver validated, high-quality sequencing outputs in line with accreditation and clinical standards.
• Develop, validate, and maintain bioinformatic pipelines used in sequencing-based diagnostics.
• Provide expert interpretation and clinical reporting of sequencing data to multidisciplinary clinical teams.
• Train and supervise laboratory scientists and bioinformaticians, promoting professional development and fostering succession planning within your team.
• Lead translational research and innovation projects that enhance diagnostic capability.
• Maintain collaborative partnerships with NHS clinicians, academic researchers, and industry providers to ensure clinical integration of novel technologies.

Key Responsibilities

• Deliver expert scientific advice and clinical interpretation on the use of metagenomics, WGS, and resistance/virulence gene detection in infection diagnostics.
• Drive implementation of sequencing platforms across clinical workflows.
• Guide validation and integration of sequencing technologies and bioinformatics pipelines.
• Participate in the design and implementation of innovative diagnostic approaches that improve sensitivity and turnaround times for complex clinical samples.
• Ensure compliance with all legislative and regulatory frameworks, including:
  • Care Quality Commission (CQC)
  • UKAS (ISO15189)
  • Synnovis SOPs and governance protocols
• Supervise and mentor junior scientists and trainees, including support for higher degrees.
• Support CPD, training plans, and succession planning for future consultant scientists.
• Represent Synnovis in regional and national working groups focused on infection genomics.
• Lead on the development and review of SOPs, risk assessments, and policies within the specialist area.
• Contribute to research publications, grant proposals, and conference presentations to disseminate innovations and insights.
• Ensure safe working practices and promote a culture of safety and quality in all laboratory and computational areas.
• Utilise Laboratory Information Management Systems (LIMS), Q-Pulse, and relevant bioinformatics tools to deliver robust and accurate reporting.
• Collaborate with clinical and academic partners to support infection science innovation across the network.

Synnovis is a pathology partnership between SYNLAB UK and Ireland, and the NHS, including sites, Guy’s & St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust and King’s College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, to deliver and transform pathology services across South East London.

The partnership provides services to 1.7 million people living in South East London, as well as to hundreds of thousands of patients from outside the region who use local healthcare services.

The partnership provides diagnostics, testing and digital pathology for hospital trusts, GP services and other healthcare providers.

King’s College Hospital Foundation Trust is one of the UK’s leading NHS Foundation Trusts in specialist teaching. King’s has various divisions including Neurosciences, Haematology, Cancer and Cardiovascular sciences, where there are unlimited opportunities to develop and perfect your career.

Over the last 170 years, King’s has delivered nothing but world class service to all its patients from deprived communities as well as some of the wealthiest in London.

Person specification

Qualifications

• HCPC State registration as a Clinical Scientist
• FRCPath or evidence of equivalent qualification.
• PhD in Metagenomics, Sequencing Technologies, or a relevant discipline with expertise in infectious pathogens.

Experience

• Evidence of thorough and broad training and experience in pathogen sequencing and research and development
• Able to take responsibility for delivering service without direct supervision

Skills & Knowledge

• Knowledge and experience of pathogen sequencing
• Broad range of IT skills
• Knowledge of evidence-based practice
• Demonstrates a sound understanding of the physiology, pathology, and scientific principles relevant to specialism
• Well-developed physical skills, demonstrable ability to use precision equipment and consumables
• Ability to troubleshoot highly technical and precision equipment
• Ability to troubleshoot problems
• Competent at communicating verbally and in writing with colleagues and clinical staff
• Ability to effectively manage own time, able to prioritize work for self and others and able to plan activities within area of work.
• Demonstrable knowledge and application of quality systems, with reference to ISO/UKAS
• Demonstrable knowledge and application of health and safety legislation and procedures
• Ability to communicate effectively with clinical colleagues, colleagues in pathology and support staff
• Good knowledge of, and ability to use, spoken and written English
• Ability to present effectively to an audience, using a variety of methods, and to respond to questions and queries
• Leadership in innovation projects and participation in multi-institutional research

Applications are welcomed from applicants with a disability. We can make reasonable adjustments and offer support and advice in a variety of ways throughout the application process. All applicants are welcome to apply regardless of age, disability, gender, marital status, race, nationality or ethnic origin, religion, or sexual orientation. Equality of opportunity is our policy.

Our Bank workers enjoy competitive market rates and flexible contract assignments across all of our sites, dependent on your availability and location.

For our Permanent workforce we offer a competitive benefits package.

All employees are entitled to:

• Contributory pension scheme
• Generous annual leave entitlement

Safeguarding children and vulnerable adults. All employees have a responsibility for safeguarding children and vulnerable adults in the course of their daily duties and for ensuring that they are aware of the specific duties relating to their role.

Please apply for this post on-line. If you have problems with using the online process, or need any assistance, please email [e-mail]

Your e-mail address is important to us. We communicate to all job applicants via the e-mail address which has been provided on the application form. Please ensure that you check your e-mail on a regular basis.

Due to the high volumes of applications we receive, we reserve the right to close any adverts before the published closing date once we have received a sufficient number of applications.

If you decide to apply for this post but do not hear back from us within three weeks of the closing date, please assume that you have not been short-listed on this occasion.

Thank you for your interest in Synnovis.

Employer certification / accreditation badges

You must have appropriate UK professional registration.

Our dedicated and talented staff make it their mission to provide outstanding care for our patients.

Fake job offers for medical professionals living abroad

The Trust has been made aware of a scam targeting medical professionals living abroad who are being sent fake letters offering a job. These letters contain the Trust’s contact details and are often signed by the Chief People Officer.

These letters are fake.

If you receive an offer of employment, please do not reply to the letter, provide any personal details, or send any money to anyone asking for a fee for the placement/job. If you have lost money or sent personal details you should immediately report it to your local law enforcement and contact your bank.

Please note that the Trust will only advertise job opportunities on our website, NHS jobs, LinkedIn, Indeed or Find a job.