Healthcare Scientist (Research and Development) - Laboratory Genetics

NHS Scotland; Glasgow; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading healthcare provider in Scotland is seeking a Healthcare Scientist to undertake translational research for genetic diagnosis of cancer. This role involves implementing and validating new genomic tests and bioinformatics solutions for clinical trials. Candidates should hold an honours degree in biological science and have significant experience with genetic diagnostics techniques. This fixed-term position is based in Glasgow and requires a focus on complex data analysis and research in a collaborative laboratory setting.

Qualifications

• Honours degree or equivalent in a biological science.
• Post-graduate professional qualification as a Clinical Scientist or MSc/PhD.
• Specialist experience in genetic diagnostics techniques.

Responsibilities

• Perform critical evaluation of new technology for diagnostic service.
• Conduct complex data analysis for translational projects.
• Provide specialist advice in translational research initiatives.

Skills

Genetic diagnostics techniques

Complex data analysis

PCR

Sequencing

Microarrays

FISH

Good laboratory practice

Education

Honours degree in biological science

Post-graduate qualification as Clinical Scientist or MSc/PhD

Tools

Genetic diagnostics equipment

Genetic diagnostics software

Job description

Overview

NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde is one of the largest healthcare systems in the UK employing around 40,000 staff in a wide range of clinical and non-clinical professions and job roles. We deliver acute hospital, primary, community and mental health care services to a population of over 1.15 million and a wider population of 2.2 million when our regional and national services are included.

Shift Pattern

The shift pattern for this position is Monday Friday 9am-5pm, with one shorter day in line with the AfC working week (37 hours, moving to 36 hours on 1st April 2026).

Fixed Term Post

This is a Fixed term post for 1 year. Please be advised that, effective 1 April 2026, the full-time working hours for all Agenda for Change posts will be reduced to 36 hours.

West of Scotland Centre for Genomic Medicine

The West of Scotland Centre for Genomic Medicine provides a high-quality genetics service to the West of Scotland, population 2.7 million, and to the whole of Scotland through the Scottish Strategic Network for Genomic Medicine. Based at the state-of-the-art Laboratory Medicine building at the Queen Elizabeth University Hospital in Glasgow, the Laboratory Genetics department is responsible for the testing of inherited genetic disease and acquired genetic disease (solid and haematological malignancy).

Opportunity

An opportunity has arisen for a Healthcare Scientist responsible for undertaking translational research and development initiatives for the genetic diagnosis of cancer, that include the implementation and validation of new genomic tests and bioinformatic solutions that can be used to deliver testing for Clinical Trials and for future implementation as a routine clinical service.

Responsibilities

• Performing critical evaluation of new technology and subsequent translational implementation into routine diagnostic service.
• Performing complex and highly complex data analysis and the interpretation of complex results from translational projects that include the implementation and validation of new genetic tests.
• Provide highly specialist advice to colleagues and clinicians involved in the laboratory’s translational research and development initiatives, involving the implementation and validation of new genetic tests.
• Work within the Development Programme to implement and deliver the laboratory’s translational research and development initiatives, in consultation with the Development Manager
• Adhere strictly to the departmental policies and Standard Operating Procedures.
• Follow Health and Safety regulations, as outlined in the laboratories protocols and policies.
• Performing and organises their own work in the laboratory.

Qualifications

• Honours degree or equivalent in a biological science Post-graduate professional qualification as a Clinical Scientist or MSc or PhD along with appropriate equivalent experience in genomics (cancer or germline).
• Specialist experience of genetic diagnostics techniques, including PCR, sequencing, microarrays and FISH.
• Specialist knowledge of genetic diagnostics equipment and software packages.
• Considerable experience in complex genetic diagnostics data analysis and interpretation of complex results, including from next generation sequencing. Careful and meticulous, adhering to good laboratory practice.

Informal Contact

Informal contact: Niamh Mangion, Development Manager, On 0141 354 9323 or email [e-mail]

Recruitment Process

Due to the volume of applications that we receive, we will not be able to provide shortlisting feedback.

EEO Statement

NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde- NHS Scotland encourages applications from all sections of the community. We promote a culture of inclusion across the organisation and are proud of the diverse workforce we have. By signing the Armed Forces Covenant, NHSGGC has pledged its commitment to being a Forces Friendly Employer. We support applications from across the Armed Forces Community, recognisingmilitary skills, experience and qualifications during the recruitment and selection process. Candidates should provide original and authentic responses to all questions within the application form. The use of artificial intelligence (AI), automated tools, or other third-party assistance to generate, draft, or significantly modify responses is strongly discouraged. By submitting your application, you confirm that all answers are your own work, reflect your personal knowledge, skills and experience, and have not been solely produced or altered by AI or similar technologies. Failure to comply with this requirement may result in your application being withdrawn from the application process. For application portal/log-in issues, please contact in the first instance.