Principal Clinical Scientist

University Hospital Southampton NHS FT; Salisbury; Hybrid; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading healthcare provider in Salisbury is looking for an experienced Principal Clinical Scientist specializing in cancer genomics to join their scientific team. The role involves providing high-quality diagnostic services, managing staff, and overseeing departmental quality. Candidates should have considerable laboratory experience and a strong understanding of human genetics. The position supports professional development and offers flexible working arrangements, ensuring a good work-life balance.

Qualifications

• Extensive experience in a diagnostic laboratory setting.
• Ability to communicate complex genetic information effectively.
• A track record in maintaining quality control and assurance procedures.

Responsibilities

• Provide high quality clinical diagnostic service for patient treatment.
• Oversee service quality and implement policy decisions.
• Train staff for compliance with professional standards.

Skills

Diagnostic laboratory experience

Clinical and scientific knowledge of human genetics

Excellent communication skills

Understanding of quality control/quality assurance

Leadership skills

Education

HCPC registration

PhD or FRCPath Part 1 (desirable)

Job description

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.
• 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.

What we are looking for

One HCPC registered scientist 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.

Working arrangements

At UHS we’re 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 what’s possible for the role and service.

Responsibilities (additional)

• 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.

This advert closes on Tuesday 10 Feb 2026