Healthcare Scientist

University Hospital Southampton NHS FT; Southampton; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

A prominent NHS Foundation Trust is offering a full-time Clinical Scientist position in Cancer located at the Wessex Genomics Laboratory. The ideal candidate will possess an Honours degree and MSc in a relevant science field, alongside HCPC registration. Responsibilities include genomic data analysis and collaboration with healthcare professionals. This role requires strong communication skills and diagnostic lab experience. Embrace this opportunity to develop a significant impact in cancer diagnostics, with potential contract extensions.

Benefits

Wide range of learning and development opportunities

Flexible working environment

Commitment to anti-discriminatory practices

Qualifications

• Must be HCPC registered with considerable diagnostic laboratory experience.
• Possess excellent communication skills for multidisciplinary teamwork.
• Understanding of quality control and UKAS requirements.

Responsibilities

• Perform data analysis, interpretation, and reporting of genomic information.
• Liaise with clinicians and healthcare professionals.
• Contribute to quality management and training within the laboratory.

Skills

Knowledge of cancer genetics

Excellent communication skills

Laboratory practical skills

Ability to work independently and collaboratively

Leadership skills

Education

Honours degree in relevant science subject

MSc in relevant subject or equivalent

HCPC Registration as a Clinical Scientist

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

Job Overview

University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust is delighted to offer a fantastic opportunity to work with us. Please see below for detailed job description of the role.

Main duties of the job

An exciting opportunity has arisen at the Wessex Genomics Laboratory Service (WGLS - Salisbury) for a full-time fixed term position (12 month with possibility of further extension) as a Clinical Scientist in Cancer. We are looking for a scientist with sound knowledge of cancer genetics, considerable diagnostic laboratory experience and the ability to critically analyse and interpret scientific data. HCPC registration is a key requirement of the role.

WGLS is a member of the Central & South Genomic Laboratory Hub. Employment will be with UHS but the role will be based within Salisbury District Hospital.

• To contribute to the provision of an integrated cancer diagnostic genetic service for the Central South Coast Region, together with national and international referrals, as part of the Central and South Genomic Laboratory Hub
• The perform analysis and report specialised molecular investigations and manage areas of existing service work within the laboratory.
• To liaise with clinicians, oncologists and haematologists responsible for treating patients.
• To continuously develop their clinical, scientific or technical practice within a defined field.
• To support activities such as quality management, including compliance with laboratory accreditation standards, and training

Working for our organisation

University Hospital Southampton is one of England's largest acute teaching Trusts, offering a wide range of learning and development opportunities to support your career aspirations. Located on the south coast with an international airport and direct rail links to London, Southampton offers an ideal setting to live and work, with the New Forest, South Downs and Jurassic Coast.

We are committed to providing a flexible working environment where possible and to supporting you to balance family, study, or wellbeing with your career.

We champion individuality and are committed to creating an anti-racist, anti-discriminatory environment where everyone feels valued, safe, and empowered to make a meaningful impact in our communities. We welcome applicants of all backgrounds, identities, and experiences to join us in building a healthcare community where everyone can belong, thrive, and contribute.

Detailed Job Description And Main Responsibilities

Your responsibilities: You will join our diagnostic Cancer team who are committed to patient-centred service provision through accurate and timely data analysis, interpretation, and reporting of genomic information. Attention to detail is essential to ensure that patient results are delivered in a safe and efficient way in order to direct patient management and therapeutic decisions.

Key components of the role will be: data analysis, interpretation and reporting of genomic information following karyotyping, FISH, and a range of molecular genetic testing, including targeted Next Generation Sequencing panel testing and WGS. You will also be involved in training and education within the section and in liaising with other healthcare professionals to develop and maximise the effectiveness of the service.

What we are looking for: an HCPC registered scientist with considerable diagnostic laboratory experience; excellent communication skills to ensure effective multi-disciplinary team-working and communicate complex information at an appropriate level to service users; understanding of quality control / quality assurance procedures and UKAS requirements.

Person specification

Qualifications / Training Required

Essential criteria

• Honours degree in relevant science subject
• MSc in relevant subject or equivalent level of knowledge
• HCPC Registration as a Clinical Scientist

Desirable criteria

• Working towards FRCPath
• PhD in subject relevant to clinical speciality

Previous or relevant experience necessary

Essential criteria

• Highly skilled and knowledgeable in appropriate subject
• Leadership skills

Desirable criteria

• Comprehensive knowledge and experience of clinical (speciality) service and service provision in a range of sub-specialities

Aptitudes And Skills Required

Essential criteria

• To have the knowledge and experience necessary to participate in the provision of a diagnostic clinical service
• To keep abreast of current understanding of general aspects and develop more specialist knowledge in the discipline
• To use this knowledge to work towards professional qualifications (FRCPath), benefiting patient care
• To have laboratory practical skills necessary to trouble-shoot and develop methods and carry out research projects and audits
• To possess basic computer skills e.g. Microsoft Office
• To be a good communicator (oral and written); explaining complex information clearly to a range of staff groups
• To be able to work both independently and collaboratively with other medical and scientific staff
• To be responsible for training
• Able to maintain judgement under pressure and meet deadlines and contractual arrangements
• Able to maintain several tasks simultaneously
• Organised, decisive and confident
• Motivated and enthusiastic

Desirable criteria

• Publication record in relevant speciality
• Able to give professional advice to a laboratory section and face the challenge of conflicting priorities