Job overview

The Wessex Genomics Laboratory Service (WGLS) are seeking a full time, permanent HCPC registered Clinical Scientist working in cancer genomics to join our scientific team. 

The WGLS is a new integrated genomics testing service managed by University Hospital Southampton and formed from the amalgamation of Wessex Regional Genetics Laboratory, now WGLS (Salisbury), and Molecular pathology, now WGLS (Southampton) The WGLS is a Local Genomics Laboratory (LGL) of the Central & South Genomic Laboratory Hub with a broad repertoire of cancer genomics testing across the two Wessex sites. This role is based at our Southampton site but there will be opportunity for your professional development in haem-onc and solid tumour across our service. We work flexibly and there will be the possibility of some remote working.  

You will join our innovative Oncology Genomics team who are committed to patient-centred service provision through accurate and timely data analysis, interpretation and reporting of genetic/genomic information. The service provides a comprehensive range of molecular investigations and complex interpretation for haematological disease, MRD, solid organ tumours, and pharmacogenomics.

Main duties of the job

Attached you will find the person specification document which provides more detail about the essential and desirable skills and experience needed for this role. We highly recommend you review this document and use it when completing your application as these criteria are used by hiring managers as guidance during shortlisting. 

For an overview of the main duties of the role please see the ‘Job Description and Main Responsibilities’ section below. To understand the day-to-day responsibilities in more detail please read the full job description document attached. 

Working for our organisation

As one of the largest acute teaching Trusts in England, we offer learning and development opportunities to help you achieve the career you aspire to. UHS is rated ‘Good’ by the CQC and in the latest national NHS Staff Survey, we were in the top 10 acute trusts for staff engagement and for staff recommending the hospital as a place to work or receive care. 

All non-clinical roles may involve a mixture of on site and remote working, Specific details and flexible working options can be discussed as part of the interview process. UHS employees are able to access a range of NHS discounts, are entitled to a minimum of 35 days paid holiday (pro rata), and we offer a generous pension scheme.

Southampton is an attractive place to live and work situated on the south coast, with an international airport and direct trains to London. The New Forest National Park and beaches of the Jurassic coast are also right on our doorstep. The city offers living costs 20% lower than London and 14 schools rated outstanding by Ofsted.

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

You will be responsible for, using your specialist knowledge, providing a high quality clinical diagnostic service on diagnoses and treatment of patients to medical and scientific staff within the Trust, Primary Care and external referrals from other Trusts.

You will provide accurate and timely data analysis, interpretation and reporting of genetic/genomic information following a range of molecular genetic testing, including targeted Next Generation Sequencing panel testing and whole genome sequencing (WGS).

You will also support developments in personalised medicine including the transfer of assays to NGS platforms, complex interpretation, active engagement in MDTs and opportunities for research developments. As Principal Clinical Scientist you will oversee the quality of the service, make decisions and implement policies. 

You will be highly involved in contributing to the training and education of all grades of staff within the section and in liaising with other healthcare professionals to develop and maximise the effectiveness of the service and act as a mentor for STP trainees within the department. Equally, you will be supported by the department in your future development, training and progression. There will be opportunity to gain experience in the other specialist sections of the department, across both sites. This will be based on your existing skills and experience and service needs.

Attention to detail is essential to ensure that patient results are delivered in a safe and efficient way to direct patient management and therapeutic decisions. 

What we’re looking for

•    an HCPC registered clinical scientist with experience and knowledge in molecular diagnostics with evidence of further specialist training.
•    a scientist with excellent knowledge of cancer genomics and the ability to critically analyse and interpret scientific data. Experience of variant classification according to published guidelines and WGS analysis is desirable, although not essential.
•    a scientist able to produce clear and concise patient reports adhering to agreed templates and sample turnaround times 
•    a scientist with excellent communication skills to ensure effective multi-disciplinary team-working and communicate complex information at an appropriate level to service users.
•    a scientist able to demonstrate an understanding of quality control / quality assurance procedures and UKAS requirements.
•    a scientist able to show evidence of continuing professional development to demonstrate specialist knowledge.

Additional information

Successful candidates would be involved in the reporting of a host of different techniques including a range of molecular genetic testing including ddPCR, RT PCR, fragment analysis, Next Generation Sequencing panels and whole genome sequencing (WGS).  

The service supports the training of STPs in genomics, cancer genomics and bioinformatics as well as HSST in Molecular Pathology of Acquired Disease and the training of rotating STPs in other closely related disciplines.

Person specification

Aptitudes and Skills

Essential criteria

• Use of laboratory computing systems.

Desirable criteria

• Leadership experience
• Evidence of working with multidisciplinary teams
• Evidence of complex genomic analysis and interpretation across a range of technologies.

Trust Values

Essential criteria

• Patients First
• Always Improving
• Working Together

Qualifications / training required

Essential criteria

• Honours degree in a scientific subject
• MSc in relevant discipline or equivalent level of knowledge.
• HCPC Registration as a Clinical Scientist with evidence of further specialist training

Desirable criteria

• PhD or FRCPath Part 1

Previous or relevant experience necessary

Essential criteria

• Postgraduate laboratory experience in Genomics
• Experience and competent in reporting of complex genomic results

Desirable criteria

• Experience in audit, developmental and project work.
• Research publications in a relevant field.

Please be advised that this vacancy may close earlier than stated if large numbers of applications are received.

Due to the volume of applications we receive, we are unable to acknowledge receipt of your application. If you have not heard from us within four weeks of the closing date of this post, please presume that you have not been selected for interview.

Applicants from University Hospitals Southampton NHS Foundation Trust whose posts are considered to be ‘At Risk’ will be given prior consideration for this post

Our Trust runs the return to practice course each year for nurses who have been out of the profession and wish to return. To find out more please visit our website:

http://www.uhs.nhs.uk/WorkingHere/Typesofjob/Nurses/Returntonursing.aspx

http://www.discoversouthampton.co.uk/   Information on Southampton as a place to live and enjoy

https://www.uhs-vle.co.uk/   See what fantastic training and development we have on offer at UHS

http://www.youtube.com/user/SouthamptonHospitals learn about the Trust through visiting our YouTube channel 

Getting to Work

Application can be made for parking on site at UHS or through one of the park and ride schemes. This will be based on specific criteria to determine eligibility for site parking as this can be very limited.  UHS encourages staff to utilise other green methods of getting to work such as cycling or walking where possible. UHS is well connected through bus services to the city centre and other areas.

Please note that we will not accept any applications or queries via agencies, under any circumstances.

Our staff are positive about working at UHS and rate us above average compared to other NHS Trusts in the Staff Attitude Survey. We are rated strongly on a number of areas including teamwork, communication and engagement.

Equality remains at the centre of all Trust policy making, service delivery and employment practice with all employees being given equality of opportunity to develop, apply for promotion and have working arrangements that enable them to achieve a manageable work-life balance.

The Trust actively promotes a work environment free from harassment and discrimination and provides training for managers and staff to ensure this happens. The Trust also closely monitors recruitment activity, training and development and employment practices to ensure equality of practice with regard to race, colour, ethnic or national origin, religion or belief, gender, sexual orientation, disability, marital status and age.

As a service provider the Trust ensures equality of access and delivery of our services through the provision of interpreter services, facilities for the disabled and sensitivity for patients ethnic and religious differences and needs.

Relocating to Southampton

If you are thinking of moving to the Hampshire area, please find below a link to our website which offers guidance on finding accommodation:

http://www.uhs.nhs.uk/relocating-to-southampton

The Trust is under a duty to protect the public funds it administers, and to this end may use the information you have provided on this form for the prevention and detection of fraud. It may also share this information with other bodies responsible for auditing or administering public funds for these purposes.