South East GLH Scientific Director

Job Summary

The South East Genomic Medicine Service (GMS) and Synnovis are seeking to appoint a Scientific Director which offers a fantastic opportunity for a senior scientist to direct and lead all aspects of the scientific and technical activities within the GMS and associated laboratories. This is a joint senior position within the GMS and Synnovis, reporting to the GMS Medical Director and the Synnovis Chief Scientific Officer and accountable to both the South East GMS Partnership Board and the Synnovis Director of Genomics.

Across the GLH, the post holder will provide strategic scientific leadership in line with the NHSE vision for the NHS Genomic Medicine Services and with any nationally and internationally agreed projects and initiatives in genomics. The Scientific Director will steer development of new technologies, platforms and approaches for genomic tests for the GLH and will provide expert advice on new tests to be included in the National Genomic Test Directory including the composition of gene panels.

Within Synnovis, the Scientific Director will directly line manage the test development and implementation team and the bioinformatics / informatics team. The postholder will be responsible for the development and implementation for all of Synnovis' Genomic scientific projects, including test developments.

Main Duties of the Job

The GLH Scientific Director post is a key senior management leadership role within the Genomic Laboratory Hub (GLH) Service Delivery Team and Synnovis, responsible for directing and leading all aspects of the scientific and innovation activities within the GLH and associated laboratories. The Scientific Director is accountable to the South East GMS Partnership Board and to the Synnovis Director of Genomics.

Job Responsibilities

4.1 Laboratory Operational Management

• Direct and lead all aspects of the scientific and innovation activity of the GLH and associated laboratories within the GLH.
• Responsible for the Synnovis bioinformatics/informatics team ensuring that the needs of the Synnovis laboratories are met and that processes are continuously streamlined.
• Work closely with and support the GLH Operational Director to ensure the overall operational direction and management of the GLH.
• Advise on new technologies and approaches including testing strategies and provide information on new tests to be included on the National Genomic Test Directory, appropriateness of testing procedures and composition of virtual gene panels.
• Responsible for the Synnovis Genomic test development and implementation team and the timely implementation of new tests and projects aligned to GLH requirements.
• Act as the senior scientific advisor in the GLH on the integrity and validity of results generated from genomic testing.

4.2 Strategic Scientific Leadership

• Set strategic direction in line with NHSE vision for the NHS Genomic Medicine Services and with any nationally or internationally agreed projects and initiatives in genomics.
• Maintain the GLH at the forefront of genomic science working with NIHR and other bodies as appropriate.
• Act as a senior scientist in the wider GMS both regionally, nationally and internationally.
• Work within the GLH National Network and with key stakeholders (NHSE, UKGTN, Genomics England and sequencing providers) to ensure services are fit for purpose.
• Act in a consultant capacity on validation and interpretation of genomic data and clinical reporting within the GLH.

4.3 Research and Development

• Direct, coordinate and undertake translational research and innovation activity in the GLH, playing a lead role in the development of scientific academic careers within the GLH and the broader research capacity and capability building in genomics.
• Coordinate the Synnovis and wider GLH scientific workforce to ensure alignment of project priorities, the timely implementation of developments, and professional development.
• Chair the GLH Science & Technical Committee which develops and delivers the scientific strategy for the consortium, including recommending novel technologies and solutions which will benefit clinical and laboratory services.
• Work with Genomics England to support the national genomics research and industry agenda and be an active member of relevant research and discovery fora contributing to research and industry collaboration.
• To be responsible for disseminating research findings through presentations at local, national and international meetings and through publications in scientific journals, as appropriate.
• Work collaboratively with the Health Innovation Network and be an active member of and help to shape the Genomics Innovation network.

4.4 Financial and Commercial Management

• Jointly review and approve business cases for investments required for the development of the GLH services, including for technologies and equipment.
• Evaluate the cost effectiveness of new services and technologies when compared to existing services and recommend new investments where required.
• Work with Procurement and IT colleagues to ensure the cost effectiveness of data storage.

4.5 Information Management

• Drive the continuous improvement of Synnovis Genomic LIMS and the use of Decision Support Software across the GLH to reduce manual steps, including the automation of processes and reporting.
• Oversee the development of bioinformatics systems and ensure systems across the consortium meet the technical requirements of the service, as well as any contractual obligations.
• Work with Informatics leads and the GLH IT & Bioinformatics Committee to define system requirements and select suitable suppliers or services to meet these requirements.
• Ensure all information systems meet information governance as well as scientific requirements.

4.6 Human Resources

• Work with the Education and Training leads and the Operational Director to develop and implement an education and training strategy across the GLH.
• Responsible for ensuring and maintaining scientific expertise within the GLH.
• Manage the GLH Scientific Leads as well as the Synnovis Bioinformatics / Informatics and new test development teams while providing leadership and coaching regarding sound operations management.
• Ensure that direct reports drive accountabilities for successful delivery throughout their teams.
• Promote employee engagement initiatives alongside HR Partners to lift morale and improve performance.
• Support the clinical, scientific and operational leads and their teams in ensuring that day to day operational decisions are delegated to as near to where the service is delivered as possible.
• Carry out regular performance planning reviews with all direct reports and teams managing objectives and providing feedback while investing in the development needs of the individual and the team.

4.7 External Duties

• Act as a key player/leader within key national organisations and forums on genetics and the development of genetic services and new technological developments.
• Lead on development of national policies and best practice standards for Genetics Laboratories by undertaking local and national professional roles as appropriate to enhance the profile of the service.

4.8 Personal Development

• Lead by example, provide leadership and act as a positive role model for all staff taking responsibility for your own personal development.
• Maintain personal standards of conduct and behaviour which are consistent with Trust standards and requirements.
• Ensure that professional knowledge is continuously updated and training undertaken if appropriate.
• Participate in an annual individual performance review process where objectives will be agreed, performance monitored and personal development needs discussed.

Person Specification

Knowledge/Qualifications

• Healthcare Professions Council registered Scientist.
• Holds an academic appointment with a leading HEI (including honorary appointments).
• Leadership roles in professional scientific activities at national and/or international level.
• Fellowship of The Royal College of Pathologists, PhD or equivalent international qualification in the relevant scientific discipline.

Desirable

• FIBMS or equivalent.
• Post-graduate Management qualification.

Previous Experience

Essential

• National/international expert in own field of genomics.
• Highly specialist knowledge of a wide range of molecular biology analytical techniques.
• Recognised national scientific role within a chosen discipline.
• Experience of supervising MSC/PhD students.
• Extensive work experience at a senior level in a diagnostic genetics laboratory, post HPC registration.

Desirable

• Expertise in a particular field of clinical diagnostic genetic testing and be able to act in an advisory capacity on that subject at national level.
• Comprehensive knowledge of all areas within a Clinical Diagnostic Genetics service.

Skills

Essential

• Proven track record of published research papers in peer-reviewed journals.
• Proven track record in service development, translating research into best practice.
• Up to date awareness of national policies affecting the NHS and Genetic Testing.

Desirable

• Competent in use of current software packages for data analysis and up to date knowledge of the use and limitations of various analytical techniques.

Disclosure and Barring Service Check

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.

Certificate of Sponsorship

Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website.

From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants.

UK Registration

Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see the NHS Careers website.

Employer Details

Employer Name: Guy's and St Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust

Address: Guy's & St Thomas' Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, London, SE1 9RT

Employer's Website: Career Opportunities