Senior Scientist (Bms Or Cs) In Molecular Diagnostics

Royal Surrey Nhs Foundation Trust; Guildford; On-site; GBP 52,000 - 59,000; Full time

Job summary

Royal Surrey NHS Foundation Trust, Guildford, is seeking a highly motivated Senior Scientist (AfC Band 7) to lead molecular diagnostics work within the BSPS network. The post entails overseeing PCR, sequencing and diagnostic result release within a collaborative NHS environment.

The role includes day-to-day management of the laboratory, staff training, and contributing to ISO15189:2022 UKAS accreditation while working with clinical staff across multiple Trusts.

Qualifications

• Degree in biological science subject.
• Higher degree or equivalent extensive lab experience.
• State registration with HCPC (BMS or Clinical Scientist).
• Evidence of CPD and ongoing professional development.

Responsibilities

• Oversee manual and automated molecular assay preparation including PCR and sequencing.
• Manage day-to-day provision of services and ensure high standards.
• Assist in development of new molecular diagnostic services.
• Supervise junior staff and provide operational guidance.
• Train staff and assess competency.
• Contribute to UKAS submissions and maintain ISO15189:2022 accreditation.
• Stay updated with professional standards and national policies.
• Liaise with senior clinicians and nursing staff across partner NHS trusts.

Education

Biological sciences degree

Higher degree / equivalent

HCPC registration

CPD evidence

Job description

Job summary

We have an opportunity for an energetic, enthusiastic and well-motivated individual to join the Molecular Diagnostics Department at the Royal Surrey Foundation Trust as a full time Senior Scientist at AfC Band 7. This post is open to state registered biomedical scientists or clinical scientists with the appropriate experience and background.

The Department is part of Berkshire and Surrey Pathology Services (BSPS) and provides ISO15189 accredited specialist molecular diagnostic services to six NHS Trusts as well as private healthcare facilities across the region. The department specialises in the delivery of a number of genetic services and in the provision of specialist cancer services.

The job advertised here is to contribute to the development and delivery of specific cancer services.

Main duties of the job

We are looking for an experienced state registered scientist who is proactive in developing laboratory processes, has a keen eye for detail and works well in a team environment. Key responsibilities include overseeing the processing of both manual and automated complex molecular assay preparation such as PCR, sequencing and genetic signature analyses.

The post-holder will be active in the day-to-day management of our commercial laboratory services and will be expected to interact effectively with senior clinicians and nursing staff from numerous NHS and private healthcare facilities as well as oversee departmental junior staff.

They will have significant understanding of the maintenance of a quality management system.

The post-holder will assist in training junior staff. They will take responsibility for the assessment, authorisation and release of diagnostic patient results.

About us

Royal Surrey is a compassionate and collaborative acute and community Trust. Recognising that our 5,000 colleagues are our greatest strength, we offer a comprehensive health and wellbeing programme alongside a strong commitment to developing your career. Our diverse and welcoming Royal Surrey family ensures you feel valued from your initial interview and throughout your time with us.

We are clinically led and provide joined-up care by bridging hospital and community services, alongside delivering regional specialist cancer care. Our main acute hospital site is in Guildford, with community sites at Milford, Haslemere and Cranleigh, and services delivered in patients’ homes across Guildford and Waverley.

We work in partnership with Ashford & St Peter's Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust through a collaborative Group Model, supporting joined-up services, workforce flexibility and development opportunities.

The Care Quality Commission (CQC) has rated us as Outstanding. We are proud of our achievements and continue to invest in our people and infrastructure.

To learn more about life at Royal Surrey, please watch our short video

Details

Date posted: 30 September 2026

Pay scheme: Agenda for change

Band: Band 7

Salary: £51,657 to £58,785 a year per annum including High Cost Area Supplement

Contract: Permanent

Working pattern: Full-time

Reference number: 384-JH-EMF21397-B7

Job locations: Royal Surrey NHS Foundation Trust, Guildford, GU2 7XX, United Kingdom

Job responsibilities

• To assist in the provision of a high quality Molecular Diagnostics service across six acute NHS Foundation Trust Hospitals across Surrey, Sussex and Berkshire.
• To deliver the highest quality service in a comprehensive, efficient and cost effective manner.
• To be responsible for the day to day provision of services and ensure services within their remit are delivered to the highest standard.
• To support the Specialty Lead in the development of new services and the ongoing improvement of existing services.
• To deputise for the Specialty Lead in overseeing provision of the routine service, providing operational guidance and support for junior laboratory staff on as necessary.
• To manage the junior staff in the Molecular Diagnostic department.
• To teach and train staff in the discipline of Molecular Diagnostics, oversee their competency skills and ensure that these are maintained to the standards appropriate to their skill set.
• To contribute to UKAS submissions for the Department and ensure processes conform to the standards required in the Quality Management System (QMS) in order to maintain UKAS accreditation ISO15189:2022.
• To be aware of current and developments in professional standards and national policies that pertain to the delivery of Molecular Diagnostics services.

Person Specification

Qualifications

Essential

• Degree in biological science subject
• Higher degree or qualification in relevant specialism or equivalent extensive laboratory experience in a similar role/environment
• State registration with HCPC, either BMS or Clinical Scientist
• Evidence of Continuous Professional Development

Knowledge

Essential

• Knowledge and understanding of molecular techniques and its use in clinical diagnostics
• Experience of working in a relevant NHS laboratory
• Experience & knowledge of duties required to support senior lab staff gained by experience in a similar role
• Experience in working with a quality management system
• Experience of managing junior staff
• Experience in developing laboratory processes
• Experience in critically evaluation and validating new laboratory processes
• Experience in assessing diagnostic results and authorizing.
• Ability to write and develop Standard Operating Procedures
• Experience in training and supervising laboratory staff
• An understanding of budget management

Desirable

• Experience in recruiting staff
• Track record of developing clinical service

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.

Certificate of Sponsorship

Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).

From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).

UK Registration

Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).

Employer details

Employer name: Royal Surrey NHS Foundation Trust

Address: Royal Surrey NHS Foundation Trust, Guildford, GU2 7XX, United Kingdom

Employer's website: Apply through our website

Employer contact details: Consultant Clinical Scientist, Nadine Collins, [e-mail], 01483571122

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.

Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications.

Applicants must have current UK professional registration.