Senior Clinical Scientist

Royal Marsden; Sutton; On-site; GBP 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust invites applications for a HCPC registered Senior Clinical Scientist to join the Clinical Genomics department and contribute to the newly opened Centre for Cancer Genomics. You will work within NT GLH and report on complex genomic analyses to support personalised cancer treatment.

They seek a self-motivated scientist with substantial experience in molecular diagnostics and a track record of leading technical development, data governance, and staff

Qualifications

• Significant post-qualification experience in molecular diagnostics/genetics.
• Experience with interpreting germline and somatic variants.
• Experience writing and authorising clinical reports.

Responsibilities

• Provide high-quality clinical genomic testing and reporting for haematological and solid tumours.
• Lead the development and validation of clinical NGS and digital PCR protocols for personalised cancer medicine.
• Monitor KPIs, train staff, and supervise lab personnel.
• Support quality management, governance of data and automated reporting.

Skills

Genomics analysis

NGS data analysis

Variant interpretation

Clinical reporting

Quality control

Education

MSc/PhD in molecular diagnostics/genetics

Tools

MS Office

Genomics software

Job description

The Royal Marsden has a vital role in championing change and improving cancer care through research and innovation, education, and leading-edge practice. We are incredibly proud of our international reputation for pushing the boundaries and for our ground-breaking work ensuring our patients receive the best and latest cancer treatment and care.
As part of the department expansion, an opportunity has arisen for an HCPC state registered Senior Clinical Scientist with good interpersonal skills and a committed team member to join the Clinical Genomics department to work within our newly opened Centre for Cancer Genomics. The Clinical Genomics laboratory at the Royal Marsden is part of the North Thames Genomic Laboratory Hub (NT GLH), one of seven national Genomic Laboratory Hubs offering Cancer Genomic testing in England. The department provides a reference Molecular Diagnostics and Cytogenetics Service for solid tumours and haematological malignancies, as well as participating in clinical trials and collaborating with the industry to provide cutting-edge genomic technologies to support personalised cancer treatment.

We seek an enthusiastic, self-motivated Clinical Scientist with experience in genetic analysis to contribute to the provision of a timely and efficient ISO 15189 accredited Clinical Genomics Service. You would be joining a dynamic team of clinical scientists and pre-registered scientists.

Main duties of the job

• The post holder will offer a high level of scientific and clinical knowledge, expertise and skill for the provision of a high quality and efficient service in the field of Clinical Genomics. They will be responsible for the variant interpretation and reporting of specialised clinical genomics investigations in haematological and solid tumours, as well as reporting whole genome sequencing results.
• The post holder will be expected to contribute to the provision of a timely and efficient Clinical Genomics service. They will be expected to lead in their designated area in the development, validation, including the design and implementation of clinical NGS and digital PCR protocols for personalised cancer medicine. Other key activities include monitoring and reporting key performance indicators, training staff in variant interpretation and reporting complex NGS results and supervision of staff, as well as contributing to the quality management of the department, to ensure continuity of service at all times and compliance with professional standards. There will be regular occasions when the post holder takes sole responsibility for laboratory work. The post will involve integrated working with the translational team of the department.

Working for our organisation

The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust is a world-leading cancer centre. Our role is to offer our patients the best cancer care available anywhere in the world, and to continue to make a global contribution to finding better ways of diagnosing and treating cancer. We employ over 4,500 staff in a diverse range of careers including nursing, medical, science, radiography, pharmacy, occupational therapy, finance and administrative services. We have two hospitals – one in Chelsea, London, and one in Sutton, Surrey – as well as a Medical Daycare Unit in Kingston Hospital.

At The Royal Marsden, we deal with cancer every day, so we understand how valuable life is. When people entrust their lives to us, they have the right to demand the very best. That's why the pursuit of excellence lies at the heart of everything we do.

At the heart of the hospital is our dedicated team. We offer a stimulating and dynamic working environment, a wide range of staff benefits, learning and development opportunities and clear career pathways. There are opportunities to work flexibly across a range of areas and specialities and we welcome flexible working requests from point of hire to support employees work life balance. We are looking for employees who aspire to excellence, share our values and can play a crucial role in our on-going achievements.

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

For further information on this role, please see the attached detailed Job Description and Person Specification

• To report to the Head of Clinical Genomics on a regular basis .
• To ensure the timely and efficient provision of core and technologically complex analytical/diagnostic service.
• To be competent with the use of computers and software, both scientific and office-based.
• To use molecular genetics software packages for the collection and manipulation of data
• To plan and carry out analyses and report on range of highly complex tests performed.
• To support the Quality manager and laboratory manager with the ongoing review and improvement of quality of services within the department.
• To promote a robust approach for governance of data produced by the department and to produce and authorise clinical reports.

Person specification

Qualifications & Registration

• HCPC registration as a Clinical Scientist
• MSc/PhD or equivalent in molecular diagnostics/genetics
• Evidence of CPD and relevant training

Technical & Clinical Experience

• Significant post-registration experience in molecular diagnostics/genetics
• Experience in variant interpretation (germline & somatic)
• Experience with NGS data analysis
• Experience writing and authorising clinical reports
• Knowledge of ISO 15189, IQA/EQA and audit processes
• Senior-level experience in a clinical diagnostic lab

Skills

• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to present findings clearly to diverse audiences
• Competent in using lab and data analysis software (e.g., variant interpretation tools, MS Office)
• Analytical, detail-focused and able to troubleshoot complex issues
• Able to plan and manage own workload and supervise others

Personal Qualities

• Team player with a flexible, proactive attitude
• Demonstrates commitment to high standards and patient care
• Self-motivated, able to work independently
• Committed to service improvement and innovation

The Royal Marsden values diversity and is committed to the recruitment and retention of underrepresented minority groups. We particularly welcome applications from Black, Asian and minority ethnic candidates, LGBTQ+ candidates and candidates with disabilities.

As a Disability Confident Employer, we are working to create a workplace that enables all staff to reach their full potential. We are committed to this because we know that greater diversity and inclusion will lead to an even greater positive impact for the people we serve.

Due to the high volumes of applications we receive, we reserve the right to close any adverts before the published closing date once we have received a sufficient number of applications. We advise you to submit your application as early as possible to prevent disappointment. Please ensure your information is accurate to avoid errors with processing your application

All applicants will be contacted by email to the address supplied on your application. Applicants are advised to check their email accounts regularly and to ensure that email filters are set to allow our emails.

Flu Vaccination – What We Expect of our Staff

At The Royal Marsden we have an immune compromised patient population who we must protect as much as we can against the flu virus. Each year, seasonal flu affects thousands of people in the UK. Occurring mainly in winter, it is an infectious respiratory disease capable of producing symptoms ranging from those similar to a common cold, through to very severe or even fatal disease.

The wellbeing of our staff and patients is of the upmost importance to us, and it is the expectation of The Royal Marsden that all patient-facing staff have an annual flu vaccination, provided free of charge by the Trust.

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