Laboratory Services Director in Cambridge

Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust (CUH) is recruiting an experienced, strategic Laboratory Services Director to lead the operational delivery of the Cambridge Genomics Laboratory — the lead laboratory for the East Genomic Medicine Service (GMS). The East GMS supports genomic testing and laboratory services for 29 NHS Trusts across the East Midlands and the East of England, underpinning patient care at scale and enabling the next generation of precision medicine.

Reporting to the East GMS Director of Operations, you will work as part of a multidisciplinary senior leadership team covering clinical engagement, growth and capacity management, operational delivery, data and digital, and wider corporate functions. The remit extends beyond day-to-day management: you will collaborate closely with research and innovation partners and manage a dedicated service development team to implement change, embed new ways of working and support continuous improvement in a fast-moving and highly strategic environment.

Main duties of the job

• The post holder will be responsible for the operational management of the Cambridge University Hospitals Genomics Laboratory, the lead laboratory of the East Genomic Medicine Service.
• The postholder will manage the overall delivery and development of the NHS clinical testing services for cancer, haematology-oncology, rare disease and population health.
• The postholder will ensure that all service and operational KPIs are met and close relationships with service users are maintained.
• The post holder will have a key role in working with the GMS Director of Operations and GMS Clinical Director to develop the strategic direction of the service.
• The post holder will have budget authority for the service and work with the GMS Director of Operations to monitor the financial performance of the laboratory.
• The postholder will have oversight over contracted testing services across the East GMS region.
• In addition, the post holder will provide leadership and expert management advice and will interact and liaise with a wide range of multidisciplinary healthcare professionals, including Consultants and other Clinicians, Clinical Scientists, technologists, and other healthcare providers and managers.

To fulfil this role effectively, the post holder will be required to maintain a complete understanding of the delivery of genomic laboratory services.

Working for our organisation

Our Trust comprises Addenbrooke’s Hospital and the Rosie Hospital in Cambridge. With over 13,000 staff and over 1100 beds, the priorities of the Trust focus on a quality service which is all about people – patients, staff and partners. Recognised as providing ‘outstanding’ care to our patients and rated ‘Good’ overall by the Care Quality Commissioner, is testament to the skill and dedication of the people who work here. CUH’s values – Together - Safe, Kind, Excellent – are at the heart of patient care, defining the way all staff work and behave.

CUH is committed to promoting a diverse and inclusive community - a place where we can all be ourselves. We value our differences and fully advocate and support an inclusive working environment where every individual can fulfil their potential.

Person specification

Qualifications

• Fellowship of the Royal College of Pathology FRCPath in appropriate discipline or PhD or equivalent level experience.
• Honours degree or equivalent in an appropriate scientific subject.
• Management qualification or equivalent level of experience.
• Evidence of continuing professional development.
• Registration as a Clinical Scientist with the HCPC.

Experience

• Significant experience of leadership and line management of teams.
• Comprehensive knowledge of all areas within a Clinical Diagnostic Genomics Service.
• Significant experience of working at a senior level to deliver specialist diagnostic services.
• Experience in providing a key role at local and national level in professional activities, working and advisory groups.
• Evidence of successful operational and business planning.
• Experience of leading and managing change to improve service delivery.
• Ability to supervise and train others in aspects of the diagnostic work.
• Experience in analysing, interpreting and reporting complex genomic test results.
• Experience of development, validation and introduction of new techniques into clinical practice.

Knowledge

• Up to date knowledge of national professional and NHS guidelines in relation to provision and quality of genomic services.
• Knowledge of UKAS ISO15189 standards and quality management systems and ability to monitor their compliance.
• Good knowledge of financial management and procurement.
• Good knowledge of personnel and management issues.
• Knowledge of Health & Safety issues.
• Advanced level of knowledge across the full range of working procedures and practices involved in the diagnosis and monitoring of genomic conditions.

Skills

• Skill in managing, delivering and initiating projects across a wide range of services.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Computer literate and ability to understand and use genomic IT tools and software and to analyse genomic data.
• Experience and proven ability to manage laboratory operations.
• Able to conduct audit of services and take corrective actions.
• Ability to conduct performance appraisals.

Additional Requirements

• The ability to understand and behave at all times, towards patients, visitors and colleagues according to the Trust values of safe, kind, excellent.
• Prepared to be flexible in relation to working hours.
• Ability to work under pressure and to deadlines.
• Ability to work as part of a team.
• Self-confidence.