Clinical Scientist in Genomics

Job overview

Bristol Genetics Laboratory - South West Genomic Laboratory Hub

Southmead Hospital, Bristol

Registered Clinical Scientist in Rare Disease Genomics.

Open to HCPC registered Clinical Scientists and those approaching completion of the Clinical Scientist Training Programme. Appointment at Band 6 will be considered for candidates who are on course to complete their training within 6-9 months of appointment.

Full time or part time considered.

With a complement of more than 200 scientific and technical staff, BGL is housed in new state of  the art Pathology laboratories in North Bristol NHS Trust. BGL is a fully integrated Genomics Laboratory providing comprehensive and expanding Rare Inherited Disease and Cancer genomic testing to the South West with extensive specialist services attracting a large number of national and international referrals.

BGL has a significant R&D programme and also benefits from  co-location with the University of Bristol Learning and Research Centre in the Trust Science Quarter.

Successful candidates will join a dynamic, friendly and motivated team committed to providing excellent services for patients. BGL is fully committed to the provision of high quality staff training at all levels, as an accredited training centre

Please see this short video showcasing Pathology at NBT.

Main duties of the job

A vacancy has arisen in BGL's prenatal/postnatal cytogenomics rare disease section for a dedicated and diligent scientist to join our dynamic team.  Successful Candidates will use scientific and clinical skills to analyse genomic data  and prepare and authorise patient reports. The roles also involve significant clinical communication /education, research and development, and quality assurance/ improvement.

Recent scientific experience in the management of prenatal scenarios and delivery of relevant cytogenomic and molecular testing relevant to this area, inclusive of cell culture, karyotyping/FISH, SNP array and QF-PCR is highly desirable.

Applicants will be expected to demonstrate: *A good first degree/higher qualification in Genetics or equivalent, higher degree desirable. *HCPC registration as a Clinical Scientist in Cancer genetics/Genomics or close to achieving registration. *Clinical service experience. *Completion of the Modernising Scientific Careers Training Scheme (STP) including MSc in Genetics/Genomic Science OR a Postgraduate Certificate of competence in Molecular Genetics or Cytogenetics.

Full time 37.5 hours per week. Part time and job share considered. There are excellent opportunities for progression for qualified and motivated applicants.

Contact Ian Berry (Lead Scientist for Rare Disease) for further information.

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

To apply highly specialist scientific skill and expertise in diagnostic laboratory genetics including troubleshooting of assays and techniques both existing and in development.

*To ensure that the service is effective and current by regular literature review. *To implement laboratory procedures for sample receipt, processing, IQC,  analysis, checking, interpretation, preparation of reports (both standard and complex) and reporting of results. *In partnership with others, to be responsible for the accuracy, timeliness and appropriateness of a variety of routine and non-routine highly specialised genomic tests. *To correctly interpret and explain results with advice on further action for patient or family members, including calculation of risk and use of appropriate online resources, literature and databases as appropriate, within relevant professional guidelines and subject to supervision from senior staff. *To contribute to appropriate multidisciplinary team meetings to give a  professional opinion on clinical cases. *To communicate scientific data and results at local, national and international meetings and in the scientific literature under the overall direction of senior staff. *Authorisation of a subset of clinical and administrative reports, as directed by senior staff. *To work with the team to ensure achievement of and adherence to the  standards required of a UKAS accredited Laboratory, in close liaison with the Quality Lead and Quality Manager and under the direction of the Head of Section and ultimately the Head of Department. *The post holder will participate and lead with medium-term service  development and enhancement under the overall direction of more senior staff. This may include:

• Contribution to evaluation and implementation of new methods or new ways of working etc.
• Evaluation of published developments and innovations and their transfer into clinical practice.
• Project supervision.

*To undertake continued training and development and to acquire, improve and apply new skills to ensure safe efficient and effective service delivery and to comply with the appropriate CPD scheme.

*The post holder is encouraged to work towards further qualifications  (eg FRCPath).