Principal Clinical Scientist

University Hospital Southampton NHS Trust; Salisbury; Hybrid; GBP 55,000 - 63,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading healthcare institution in Salisbury is seeking a Principal Clinical Scientist to provide high-quality diagnostic services in cancer genomics. This full-time, permanent role requires extensive diagnostic laboratory experience and HCPC Registration. The candidate will oversee service quality and collaborate with multidisciplinary teams. A flexible working environment is offered, supporting on-site and remote options. Competitive annual salary ranging from £55,690 to £62,682.

Qualifications

• Extensive laboratory experience in genomics.
• Competent in reporting complex genomic results.
• Experience in audits and project work.

Responsibilities

• Provide a high-quality clinical diagnostic service.
• Oversee quality and implement policies.
• Supervise training for staff in relevant training programmes.

Skills

Diagnostic laboratory experience

Clinical knowledge of human genetics

Effective communication skills

Quality control understanding

Leadership skills

Education

Honours degree in a scientific subject

MSc in relevant discipline

HCPC Registration as a Clinical Scientist

PhD or FRCPath Part 1

Job description

Principal Clinical Scientist

The closing date is 10 February 2026

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, permanent post as Principal Clinical Scientist working in cancer genomics to join our scientific team. Although this a role within the cancer team, candidates with prior experience as clinical scientists in rare disease will be considered for the role depending on previous experience.

Progressional role could be supported and relevant training would be provided, depending on the candidate\'s experience. Progression to AfC Band 8A will be based upon achievement of a set of agreed objectives.

About us

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.

At UHS, we proudly champion individuality, recognizing that outstanding care is only possible with a diverse, inclusive team. We\'re 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.

Job responsibilities

The WGLS is an integrated genomics testing service formed from the amalgamation of Wessex Regional Genetics Laboratory, now WGLS (Salisbury), operating from Salisbury District Hospital, and Molecular pathology now WGLS (Southampton), operating from University Hospital Southampton (UHS). The 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.

Your responsibilities: You will join our diagnostic team who are committed to patient-centered 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, report authorisation and responsibility for service delivery in a specified area of the department including line management of scientists. Through collaboration with relevant management teams, you will contribute to the overall management and direction of the Department. You will also be involved in training and education within your section and in liaising with other healthcare professionals to develop and maximise the effectiveness of the service.

What we are looking for is one HCPC registered scientists with: considerable diagnostic laboratory experience; excellent clinical and scientific knowledge of human genetics; excellent communication skills to ensure effective multi-disciplinary team-working and communicate complex information at an appropriate level to service users; comprehensive understanding of quality control / quality assurance procedures and UKAS requirements; evidence of continuing professional development; leadership skills. PhD or FRCPath Part 1 is desirable.

At UHS were committed to providing a flexible working environment where possible. Whether you are balancing family, study, or your wellbeing with your career, we want to support you so you can help our patients. Specific to this role is the suitability for agile working which is a mixture of on-site and remote working. In addition, we are open to discussing flexibility in the hours that you work. Please talk to us at interview about the flexibility you need, and we will explore whats possible for the role and service.

• With specialist knowledge, provide a high quality clinical diagnostic service on diagnoses and treatment of patients to medical staff within the Trust, Primary Care and external referrals from other Trusts, by the analysis, interpretation and reporting of clinical results.
• To provide expert analytical and advisory service nationally, on request.
• To co-ordinate and initiate Development and Research as a major job role.
• As a Principal Clinical Scientist oversee the quality of service, make decisions and implement policies.
• To train staff to ensure compliance with professional standards.
• To perform local, regional and national audits and implement their findings.
• To liaise regularly with clinical users to ensure provision of a high quality diagnostic service to achieve improved clinical governance.
• To supervise Scientist Training Programme staff on appropriate training programmes, Specialist Registrars in training for the FRCPath and Biomedical Scientists.

Person Specification

Trust Values

• Always Improving
• Working Together

Qualifications / training required

• Honours degree in a scientific subject
• MSc in relevant discipline or equivalent level of knowledge
• HCPC Registration as a Clinical Scientist with evidence of further specialist training
• PhD or FRCPath Part 1

Previous or relevant experience necessary

• Postgraduate laboratory experience in Genomics
• Experience and competent in reporting of complex genomic results
• Experience in audit, developmental and project work
• Experience in a Research publications in a relevant field.

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.

University Hospital Southampton NHS Trust

£55,690 to £62,682 a yearPer Annum (PA) Pro Rata

Contract

Permanent

Working pattern

Full-time,Part-time,Flexible working,Home or remote working