Clinical Scientist

Job overview

BAND 7 CLINICAL SCIENTIST POST

We have an exciting opportunity to join our department as a Clinical Scientist within the rare disease, cancer, or bioinformatics team, as appropriate to the candidates experience and service needs. We are seeking enthusiastic, self-motivated individuals with strengths in analysing complex data and/or interpreting the significance of results, who wish to broaden their experience and develop new skills. STPs nearing completion of their training are also encouraged to apply. HCPC registration is required for appointment to band 7, STPs nearing completion of training will be appointed at band 6 until registration is attained. The Oxford Genetics Laboratories, part of the Central & South Genomic Laboratory Hub, provide state-of-the-art diagnostic testing for a comprehensive range of molecular and cytogenetic investigations across Specialist and Core Rare Disease services as well as both cytogenetic and molecular services testing in Haemato-oncology and Solid tumours; including NGS panel analysis and WGS interpretation as determined by the genomics test directory. Alongside this, we are active in research and development, undertaking translational projects, participating in the haemato-oncology Network of Excellence and collaborating closely with many of the genetic research leaders in Oxford as well as the NIHR Oxford BRC.

Main duties of the job

Main purpose of the post: To undertake clinical, scientific, technical and managerial duties with a considerable degree of autonomy within a designated section(s) providing a range of highly specialised or complex investigations To take a high level of responsibility for their own work with ultimate responsibility for quality, accuracy and interpretation of results resting with more senior Clinical Scientists. To communicate complex scientific and technical information and provide highly specialised advice to other health care professionals. To undertake research and service development relevant to the aims of the department and acquire new scientific skills and expertise to maintain the laboratory at the forefront of scientific developments. To participate in the teaching and training of pre-registration clinical scientists and genetic technologists as well as Specialist Registrars and other visitors within the limits of their experience. To supervise junior scientific and technical staff in their day to day activities To rotate between sections to obtain the breadth and depth of experience required at this level and undertake further training and CPD. The full range of duties for this post is documented below. Duties undertaken at a given time will be determined in accordance with the needs of the service.

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

Clinical/Scientific 1) Deliver the clinical service of a section/subsection of the laboratory or designated area of work to nationally accepted standards (CPA/UKAS or equivalent) with appropriate technical support to include the following: a. Undertake or supervise the receipt, processing and analysis of samples; and the checking, interpretation and reporting of results (both standard and complex). b. Access relevant sources of information to aid interpretation of patient results, including critical appraisal of the information. c. Collate patient and clinical information to assist and support future patient management. d. Interpret results with advice on further action for patient or family members, including calculation of risk where appropriate, within relevant professional guidelines. 2) Undertake appropriate complex or specialist technical and analytical procedures, as required, to process cells from a variety of biological specimens received which may be high risk (e.g. HIV, Hep C) and/ or derived from recognisable human or fetal parts. Work safely under exposure to toxic substances that are hazardous to health (e.g. PHA, colchicine) 3) Undertake extended periods of analysis to identify genomic variation either through analysis of large data sets or examination of cytogenetic preparations 4) Independently check and validate the analysis findings of other registered scientists, non-registered scientists and genetic technologists, authorising repeat analyses or subsequent investigations in accordance with laboratory protocols. Identify unusual results and bring them to the attention of senior scientists for further discussion 5) Interpret findings from the range of investigations undertaken on a patient. Undertake detailed literature review and interrogation of databases to investigate the clinical significance of genomic variation detected. Prepare reports with clinical interpretation for final authorisation by Senior Registered Clinical Scientists/Principal Scientists/Consultant Scientists 6) To authorise specified reports within their area of expertise where deemed competent by the Head of Laboratory under the direction of the Head of Section 7) Act in an advisory capacity to clinical colleagues on the submission of samples, appropriate tests and in the interpretation of results in designated areas of the service 8) Under the guidance of the Head of Service, attend appropriate multidisciplinary team meetings on behalf of the service to give professional opinion on clinical cases 9) Supply a high level of scientific skill and expertise in the investigative procedures involved and take a high level of responsibility for his/her own work, with limited supervision from senior personnel in the laboratory. Be adaptable to changing diagnostic workload pressures, by making independent day-to-day decisions about own workload (e.g. prioritising own diagnostic cases or deciding when to undertake additional investigations). The post holder must communicate with, and when necessary obtain help/advice from, appropriate senior staff 10)Maintain up to date specialist level knowledge of current scientific literature and information (e.g. Professional Best Practice) for defined services in order to ensure that the designated services are of high quality 11)Maintain proficiency in the use of complex software for the analysis of genomic samples 12)Maintain proficiency in the navigation, interrogation and application of all relevant and up to date genome browsers/information databases (e.g. DGV, DECIPHER, Exome Variant Server and Alamut Visual) to assess significance of copy number variants and/or identified mutations and maintain up to date knowledge of scientific and clinical advances in the field.

Applicant requirements

You must have appropriate UK professional registration.