Clinical Scientist in London

We are seeking an enthusiastic, self-motivated scientist with experience of rare disease genomic service delivery and a sound understanding of molecular and cytogenetic techniques and analysis. Applications are invited from State Registered Clinical Scientists in Genomics; scientists close to registration will also be considered.

The scientist will be joining a growing team at the North Thames Rare Disease Laboratory Hub at Great Ormond Street Hospital. Accomplished communication and organisational skills are required. An interest in quality (ISO15189:2022), innovation/automation, or workforce development/training would be an advantage. We support trained scientists who wish to adopt flexible and/or hybrid working patterns. For Clinical Scientists, after a successful probation period, there is a requirement to work on-site for 40% of working hours.

The Rare Disease Laboratory has an establishment of approximately 180 including technologists, Clinical Scientists, translational scientists, bioinformaticians and administrative support staff. Along with two Clinical Genetics teams we form a strategic Genetics Unit within the hospital and provide North London with a Regional Genetics Service serving a population of approximately 10 million. Having been awarded 11 specialisms in the NHSE Genomic Medicine Service, the rare disease laboratory provides an in-house diagnostic service for molecular and cytogenetic testing in accordance with the NHS England Genomic Test Directory. Testing is provided for both prenatal and postnatal samples using Next generation sequencing, SNP microarray, karyotyping, FISH, MLPA, qPCR, ddPCR, NIPD and other targeted tests. We are also engaged in the delivery of the NHSE GMS Whole Genome Sequencing programme for our North Thames patients and specialist WGS for larger areas of England.

GOSH is committed to recruiting the best person for the job, based solely on their ability and individual merit as measured against the criteria for the role; through a process that is fair, open, consistent and free from bias and discrimination. We are committed to being a diverse and inclusive employer and foster a culture where all staff are valued, respected and acknowledged. All applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, colour, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, age, disability status or length of time spent unemployed. We particularly welcome applications from BAME communities, people with disabilities and/or long-term health conditions and LGBT+ community members. We have policies and procedures in place to ensure that all applicants and employees are treated fairly and consistently. We are proud to be accredited as a Disability Confident Employer, a member of Business Disability Forum and a Stonewall Diversity Champion. We have active and Executive supported BAME, LGBT+ and Allies, Disability and Long-Term Health Conditions and Women’s staff networks. Staff networks are employee-led groups formed around interests, issues and a common bond or background. Staff network members create a positive and inclusive work environment at Great Ormond Street Hospital by actively contributing to the Trust’s mission, values and efforts specific to inclusion. All of our staff networks are open to any employee.

The full job description provides an overview of the key tasks and responsibilities of the role, and the person specification outlines the qualifications, skills, experience and knowledge required.

• Essential criteria

• Knowledge and Understanding of diverse backgrounds and perspectives
• Understanding of Diversity and Inclusion challenges in the workplace
• Demonstrable contribution to advancing Equality, Diversity and Inclusion in the Workplace

• Academic/Professional qualification/Training

• First or Second Class Degree in Molecular Biology, Genetics, Biochemistry or related subject
• HCPC Clinical Scientist Registration Certificate

• Desirable criteria

• Postgraduate qualification in Genomics

• Experience/Knowledge

• At least 2 years postgraduate experience in a genomics laboratory
• Extensive knowledge of clinical genomics and a demonstrable track record in the delivery of a diagnostic service
• Knowledge of structural chromosome rearrangements and segregation, CNV analytical methods and clinical applications OR Knowledge and experience of molecular variant classification in accordance with ACGS guidance and their application for all modes of inheritance
• Track record of scientific Publications/presentations

• Desirable criteria

• Evidence of supervising/training other staff
• Experience with laboratory information and quality management systems

• Skills/Abilities

• Skilled in the use and application of molecular genetics and/or cytogenetic techniques
• Skilled in genomic CNV analysis by use of G banded chromosomes / FISH / Microarray OR Skilled in Next Generation Sequencing Applications / Sanger Sequencing / Dosage analysis
• Able to establish and validate new techniques/tests including ability to troubleshoot. Willing to adapt to changes in methodology
• Computer literate, including use of DNA/Genetic databases, analytical software, variant classification
• Able to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing (by email and by appropriate documentation)
• Able to write protocols