Registered Clinical Scientist - Genetics

NHS; Leicester; On-site; GBP 35,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading healthcare provider is looking for a Registered Clinical Scientist in Genetics to deliver high-quality laboratory services. The role involves analyzing cytogenetic samples, preparing clinical reports, and contributing to service development. Candidates should hold a relevant science degree, have HCPC registration, and experience in cytogenetics. Communication and analysis skills are essential. Join a team committed to high-quality patient care in Leicester.

Qualifications

• Hold registration as a Clinical Scientist with HCPC.
• Experience in writing clinical diagnostic reports.
• Knowledge of laboratory accreditation to ISO:15189 standards.

Responsibilities

• Perform high-quality cytogenetic and molecular pathology analysis.
• Provide interpretation and prepare reports for clinicians.
• Assist in training and supervising junior staff.

Skills

Cytogenetic analysis

Molecular pathology testing

Report writing

Supervisory skills

Analytical skills

Education

Science degree, minimum 2.2 (Hons)

Registration as Clinical Scientist with HCPC

FRCPath Part 1

Tools

Microscopy

Image analysis software

PCR/NGS software

Microarray software

Job description

University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust

Registered Clinical Scientist - Genetics

The closing date is 09 February 2026.

The postholder will undertake the scientific duties and responsibilities of a clinical scientist in genetics in the provision of an effective and high quality ISO 15189(2022) accredited service to patients. They will participate in any required further training and will take measures necessary to acquire, improve and apply the skills and expertise needed for defined routine preparative, analytical and associated procedures.

The postholder will be personally responsible for their own work, subject to the supervision and direction of the Head of Service or other designated senior staff. They will undertake Continuing Professional Development and will hold HCPC Registration as a Clinical Scientist in Cytogenetics/Genetics.

Main duties of the job

• Perform high-quality, accurate cytogenetic, microarray and molecular pathology analysis across the sample range. This involves the use of microscopy, an image analysis system, microarray software and related bioinformatic packages and relevant PCR/NGS software.
• Provide appropriate interpretation and prepare informative reports to referring clinicians, which includes recommendations for future testing and clinical outcomes, under the guidance of registered scientists, the Section Heads or Head of Service.
• Check the accuracy of the cytogenetic/microarray/molecular pathology analysis including the interpretation and report‑writing of the analysis performed by registered and non‑registered analytical colleagues.
• Undertake a role in service development and enhancement, through the use of clinical audit and R & D.
• Participate in staff rotation through all laboratory sections to achieve experience and to assist in the full range of procedures.
• Assist in the supervision, training and co‑ordination of other members of staff, such as biomedical assistants, genetic technologists and other trainee scientists.
• Act as deputy to the section heads when necessary and as directed.

About us

Our new strategy, developed with the support and feedback of colleagues, patients, and partners, is our compass for the next seven years (2023-2030).

We have four primary goals:

• high-quality care for all
• being a great place to work
• partnerships for impact
• research and education excellence

And we will embed health equality in all we do – taking active steps to reduce the avoidable differences in healthcare that some people face, working in partnership with communities.

Our strategy is underpinned by new values and we will work to ensure they are an everyday reality for all:

• we are compassionate
• we are proud
• we are inclusive
• we are one team

This is an exciting moment as we look to the future with clarity on what we already do well and where we need to focus our energies to make an even bigger difference for the people we serve.

Job responsibilities

Service Delivery & Development

• Take responsibility for their own work and to undertake an appropriate proportion of the total work-load of the department including participation in all relevant rotas.
• Perform high-quality, accurate cytogenetic, microarray and molecular pathology analysis across the sample range, employing microscopy, an image analysis system, microarray software and related bioinformatic packages and relevant PCR/NGS software.
• Provide appropriate interpretation and prepare informative reports to referring clinicians, which includes recommendations for future testing and clinical outcomes, under the guidance of registered scientists, the Section Heads or Head of Service.
• Check the accuracy of the cytogenetic/microarray/molecular pathology analysis including the interpretation and report‑writing of the analysis performed by registered scientist colleagues.
• Undertake a role in service development and enhancement, through the use of clinical audit and R & D.
• Participate in staff rotation through all laboratory sections to achieve experience and to assist in the full range of procedures.
• Collaborate with all other members of the staff within the department and across pathology where joint operation is necessary to achieve optimal use of resources.
• Assist in the supervision, training and co‑ordination of other members of staff, such as biomedical assistants, genetic technologists and other trainee scientists.
• Act as deputy to the section heads when necessary and as directed.
• Present scientific work at national and local meetings and discussion groups.

Governance

• Use and maintain all necessary manual and computerised records of the department and maintain their confidentiality.
• Supervise and participate in internal and external quality control procedures and abide by all codes of practice, safety regulations, protocols and operational policies of the laboratory and the service, ensuring that all members of staff abide by such codes.
• Demonstrate a sound understanding of Clinical Governance and risk management as applied to the work situation.
• Comply with the organisational and departmental policies and procedures and be involved in the formulation, review and updating of these as appropriate. This includes all requirements for UKAS and ISO:15189 standards.

Personal Scientific Skills

Supply a high level of personal scientific skill and expertise in the full range of routine and specialised investigations and procedures demanded by the provision of a cytogenetic service.

Hold registration as a Clinical Scientist with the Health and Care Professions Council.

Take all necessary measures to acquire, improve and apply the scientific skills and expertise necessary to perform the duties of the job at a high level of quality and reliability. This will include private study and participation in lectures, seminars, meetings and courses for further training as required or directed, and maintenance of a personal portfolio record for CPD.

Person Specification

Commitment to Trust Values and Behaviours

• Must be able to demonstrate behaviours consistent with the Trust's Values and Behaviours.

Training & Qualifications

• Science degree, 2.2 (Hons) minimum and Certificate of competence in Clinical Cytogenetics or equivalent or MSc and MSC certificate of workplace based training in genetics.
• Registration as Clinical Scientist with HCPC.
• FRCPath Part 1.

Experience

• Experience in writing clinical diagnostic reports and interpretation of results.
• Experience in literature searches and using databases including relevant bioinformatic resources.
• Experience in all areas of cytogenetics including microarrays.
• Experience in process and clinical audit.
• Knowledge of laboratory accreditation to ISO:15189 standards.
• Knowledge of laboratory Health and Safety issues e.g. COSHH.
• Experience in molecular pathology analysis.
• Ability to carry out research and development.

Communication and relationship skills

• Good interpersonal and communication skills.
• Ability to supervise junior staff.

Analytical and Judgement skills

• Good technical and analytical skills.
• Ability to analyse cytogenetic preparations using microscopy and image analysis.
• Molecular pathology testing and NGS analysis.
• Ability to analyse haematological cytogenetic preparations.

Physical Skills

• Required to perform microscope analysis in restricted position for extended period of time.

Planning and organisation skills

• Ability to work under pressure, good personal organisational and presentation skills.

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

• Able to demonstrate a commitment to and understanding of the importance of treating all individuals with dignity and respect appropriate to their individual needs.
• All staff are expected to engage in compassionate and inclusive leadership in the provision of high quality care and interactions with others.

Other requirements specific to the role

• Enthusiastic, flexible, motivated; committed to CPD.

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 Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust