Principal Clinical Scientist-Rare Disease Genomics

Job overview

The Cambridge Genomics Laboratory, lead provider for the East Genomic Medicine Service, is seeking to recruit a Principal Clinical Scientist (Band 8a).

We are looking for an enthusiastic, self-motivated Clinical Scientist with significant scientific and operational experience in genomics laboratory testing to lead and manage a team. You will bring extensive expertise in the analysis and interpretation of genomic data, as well as in the preparation and authorisation of clinical reports. Strong communication, leadership, management, and supervisory skills are essential.

In this role, you will be responsible for delivering a high-quality, patient-focused service, working in close collaboration with clinical colleagues and technical teams. As a key member of the rare disease management team, you will oversee the day-to-day delivery of a defined area of the rare disease service within the Cambridge Genomics Laboratory.

You will also play an active role in supporting innovation and service development, contributing to the continuous improvement of genomic testing pathways, technologies, and workflows, and supporting the implementation of new methodologies into routine practice.

A key aspect of the role is a strong commitment to quality management. You will contribute to, and help lead, quality management activities, ensuring compliance with laboratory accreditation standards and regulatory requirements. You will also be involved in teaching and training.

Main duties of the job

Applicants must hold HCPC registration as a Clinical Scientist.

Responsible for leading and managing a team of scientists undertaking genetic diagnostic tests in rare disease.

Analysis, interpretation of data, and writing and authorising of clinical reports.

Providing clinical scientific expertise for the repertoire of disorders/tests offered by the assigned team.

Training and mentoring of scientific staff.

Member of the laboratory leadership team, contributing to all aspects of providing a high quality service.

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

Please see the attached Applicant Information Pack (combined Job Description and Person Specification) for key duties and responsibilities.

Due to Home Office immigration rules, a full time permanent vacancy cannot be filled by individuals on a Student visa. Therefore, please be advised that if you are a Student visa holder, we will not be able to offer you a full time permanent contract unless you have: -    applied for a Graduate visa -    or you will have successfully completed your course and have applied for a Graduate visa before the anticipated start date of your employment -    or the Trust has agreed that they will Sponsor you as a Skilled Worker and you will complete your studies within 3 months of the anticipated start date of employment

This vacancy will close at midnight on 21st April 2026

Interviews are due to be held on 28th April 2026

Benefits to you

At Cambridge University Hospitals, we want to do all we can to support good working days. We offer development opportunities and a wide range of benefits, including on-site leisure facilities, shopping concourse and day nurseries. Our good work programme currently includes providing reduced cost Stagecoach bus travel to and from Cambridge University Hospital site. Park and Ride bus journeys between Babraham Road and Trumpington sites are free, as is the route to and from Cambridge train station and our hospitals. We also subsidise the cost of parking on site for eligible staff.

On CUH campus, hot food is available 24/7 and at a reduced cost for colleagues. Recently we launched the first of our staff pod break spaces. Located in the Deakin Centre, we have a purpose-created colleague-only café, with free tea and coffee, a break space and private outside area for colleagues to rest, refuel and recharge. Just one of the ways we are working hard to support good working days at CUH.

CUH is committed to assisting employees in achieving a good work-life balance irrespective of role or personal circumstances. Flexible arrangements may include, but are not limited to, part-time working, job-share, term-time working and flexible start and finish times.

Please note if you would like to discuss the required hours of this role further, you should approach the contact given. In some cases, alternative working hours will be considered.

We welcome applications from the Armed Forces.