Principal Clinical Scientist (Band 8a)

Principal Clinical Scientist in Cancer Genomics - AfC Band 8A

An opportunity for a permanent 8A Clinical Scientist post has arisen in the Haematological Malignancy team in the South West Cancer Genomics service following continued service growth and development.

Bristol Genetics Laboratory (BGL) hosts a fully integrated Cancer Genomic service delivering all Cancer Genomic testing for the South West Genomics Laboratory Hub (SWGLH). We are seeking a motivated, highly qualified and ambitious individual with experience in Cancer Genomics (Solid tumour or Haematological Cancer) to play a key leadership role within our busy and friendly team.

Main duties of the job

Clinical Scientist Band 8A - key member of operational management team responsible for day to day delivery of a Cancer section and other services as appropriate. Successful applicants must be registered with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) as a clinical scientist and have an upper second or first class honours degree and/or higher degree in a relevant scientific subject. Possession of FRCPath Part One is highly desirable (candidates actively working towards Part One are encouraged to apply). Good communication, team working and supervisory skills are also essential.

The post-holder will be responsible for leading a team of scientists delivering Haematological services within the Cancer team. Considerable experience of the analysis, interpretation and authorisation of clinical reports using cytogenetic methods, NGS as well as more targeted techniques is highly desirable.

The successful candidate will be expected to work 37 1/2 hours per week full-time over 7 days a week, including participation in regular weekend and out of hours working. Applications from part-time applicants will also be considered.

About us

With a scientific and technical staff of over 200, BGL is housed in new state of the art Pathology laboratories in North Bristol NHS Trust and is the designated lead laboratory and sole Cancer Genomic provider for the South West Genomics Laboratory Hub (SWGLH).

BGL is a fully integrated genomics laboratory providing comprehensive 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.

BGL is fully committed to the provision of high quality training at all levels, as an accredited training centre.

Job responsibilities

Leadership and Management

1. To take responsibility for the running of a section or sub-section of the laboratory.
2. To develop and improve existing services by continual review of quality, productivity and efficiency.
3. To actively participate in business and operational planning of the service within the framework of directorate and departmental objectives, including service redesign.
4. To ensure the accuracy and timeliness of all results leaving the section.
5. To co-ordinate the workload of the section and collaborate with other heads of sections to ensure that the workload of the laboratory is efficiently and fairly allocated.
6. To participate in the recruitment and selection of staff.
7. To undertake other appropriate duties as delegated by the Head of Department.

Clinical

1. To provide a high level of personal scientific skill and expertise in the processing and interpretation of the full range of routine and specialised investigations and procedures relevant to the section.
2. To discuss highly complex results of tests and issue appropriate clinical advice to referring clinicians.
3. To prepare, authorise and issue appropriate clinical reports including those of a highly complex nature.
4. To ensure the accuracy and timeliness of all patient results.
5. To maintain continued professional development to an adequate level.

Clinical Governance

1. To provide a clinical service within the designated section ensuring that the service meets established high quality demands for safety and patient care.
2. To ensure achievement of and adherence to the standards required of a UKAS ISO 15189 (2012) accredited laboratory under the direction of the Head of Department.
3. To actively participate in the preparation of the department for UKAS accreditation.
4. To participate in the organisation and monitoring of internal and external quality control procedures.

Education And Training

1. To contribute to teaching or training of other health care professionals and students.
2. To ensure the organisation and delivery of induction and training programmes for staff new to the section.
3. To participate in and undertake staff appraisal and performance reviews of staff within the section.

Research and Development

1. Making recommendations on clinical protocols, local policy and implementation of these.
2. Supervise staff undertaking R&D activities.

Policy

1. Assist and contribute to the formulation of policies, protocols, standard operating procedures and codes of practice for the service.
2. To manage internal grievance and disciplinary incidents/situations in accordance with the Trust policy and procedures.

Other

1. The post holder will provide Clinical Scientist out of hours support as deemed necessary.
2. This job description will be reviewed as part of staff appraisal.

Person Specification

Qualifications

Essential

• BSc (1st/2nd)
• HCPC Registered CS
• CPD

Desirable

• Other management qualification/formal Trust course
• Other courses relevant to clinical practice e.g. FRCPath preparation course
• FRCPath Part One
• FRCPath Part Two

Clinical Experience

Essential

• Evidence of up-to-date experience & knowledge of complex genetic investigations.
• Evidence of report authorisation experience.
• Experience of formal training e.g. STP DOPs/CBD, delivering seminars, managing training programmes.

Desirable

• Research and development experience.

Management/Leadership Experience

Essential

• Personal leadership of a section or laboratory disease service.
• Experience of quality aspects ISO15189 & H&S requirements.

Desirable

• Knowledge and participation in national policies and initiatives relating to NHS Genomics.
• Line management experience incl. interpersonal experience, motivation of team, sickness and performance management etc.

Employer details

Employer name

North Bristol NHS Trust

Address

North Bristol NHS Trust, Southmead Hospital
Bristol
BS10 5NB