Clinical Scientist

Clinical Scientist (Band 7) – Incentive Bonus Offered

Incentive recruitment and retention bonus of 5%

Exciting Opportunity in Clinical Genomics

Are you ready to make a profound impact in the field of Clinical Genomics and help shape the future of cancer diagnostics? If you're a passionate HCPC state-registered Clinical Scientist with exceptional interpersonal skills and a strong team spirit, we have a remarkable opportunity waiting for you!

Join the Pioneers at Royal Marsden's Clinical Genomics Lab

Join the innovative healthcare team at the Royal Marsden Hospital and work alongside the new Oak Centre in Sutton. Be part of cutting‑edge medical advancements, compassionate patient care, and a dynamic work environment. Shape the future of healthcare while enjoying a fulfilling career in a state‑of‑the‑art facility dedicated to excellence.

The Clinical Genomics laboratory at the prestigious Royal Marsden is at the forefront of innovation and research in the North Thames Genomic Laboratory Hub. As one of the seven national Genomic Laboratory Hubs in England, we are leading the way in Cancer Genomic testing.

Main duties of the job

The post holder will be expected to offer an appropriate level of scientific expertise and skill in a range of cytogenetic procedures.

They will be expected to undertake an appropriate share of the department’s general diagnostic workload and may be required to work in different sections of the laboratory according to the needs of the department. They will maintain long periods of a high degree of analytical accuracy during microscopy. They will be required to report their findings and will be proficient in communicating these findings with the relevant clinician and healthcare professionals.

After appropriate training they will be expected to join the Duty Scientist rota.

When required they will undertake the documentation, initiation, culture and harvest of samples under the supervision of the Head of the Section and provide cover for the support staff.

They will be expected to contribute to the overall efficiency and quality of the Service.

Working for our organisation

The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust is a world‑leading cancer centre. Our role is to offer our patients the best cancer care available anywhere in the world, and to continue to make a global contribution to finding better ways of diagnosing and treating cancer. We employ over 4,500 staff in a diverse range of careers including nursing, medical, science, radiography, pharmacy, occupational therapy, finance and administrative services. We have two hospitals – one in Chelsea, London, and one in Sutton, Surrey – as well as a Medical Daycare Unit in Kingston Hospital.

At The Royal Marsden, we deal with cancer every day, so we understand how valuable life is. When people entrust their lives to us, they have the right to demand the very best. That is why the pursuit of excellence lies at the heart of everything we do.

At the heart of the hospital is our dedicated team. We offer a stimulating and dynamic working environment, a wide range of staff benefits, learning and development opportunities and clear career pathways. There are opportunities to work flexibly across a range of areas and specialities and we welcome flexible working requests from point of hire to support employees work‑life balance. We are looking for employees who aspire to excellence, share our values and can play a crucial role in our on‑going achievements.

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

For further information please refer to the job description and personal specification

To undertake the analysis on an appropriate proportion of the total workload of the Service under the direction of the Head of the Section.

To provide a reliable accurate analysis of samples.

To ensure the correct analytic process is undertaken on each sample they analyse.

To check the analysis of other scientists.

• Cutting‑Edge Research: You will be responsible for conducting genomics investigations using cytogenetics, molecular diagnostic and genomics testing. Your work will be essential in advancing personalized cancer medicine.
• Innovative Service Development: Take a leading role in service development and validation, implementing new tests, and utilizing complex genetics software to revolutionise cancer diagnostics.
• Collaboration: You will collaborate closely with clinicians, oncologists, and histopathologists, ensuring your work directly impacts the treatment and care of patients.
• Leadership and Mentorship: Supervise and mentor junior staff, guaranteeing the highest quality of service while maintaining professional standards.
• Diverse Responsibilities: Your role will involve not only lab work but also activities such as quality management, compliance with laboratory accreditation standards, training, and contributing to the department’s translational research programme.

What We’re Looking For

• An MSc in a biological science (or equivalent).
• HCPC state registration.
• Considerable experience in Cytogenetics service delivery.

Why Choose Us

At Royal Marsden's Clinical Genomics Department, you’ll be part of a dynamic team committed to pushing the boundaries of cancer diagnostics. We offer an inspiring and collaborative work environment where you can excel in your field and make a significant difference in the lives of cancer patients. The major focus of the role will be in performing cytogenetics analysis of haematological and solid tumour samples, but you may also be involved with molecular and genomics analysis.

For further information on this role please see the attached detailed Job Description and Person Specification.

Person specification

Skills and Abilities

• Ability to write clearly and concisely.
• Ability to use Microsoft software or equivalent.
• Good interpersonal skills.
• Ability to perform complex scientific calculations and data analysis.
• Able to deal with all simple day‑to‑day problems and troubleshooting.
• Able to take specific responsibilities in an area of defined specialist knowledge.
• Awareness of organisational and logistic issues.

Personal Qualities

• Evidence of professional development.
• Enthusiasm for job and profession.
• Self‑confident, contributes to laboratory meetings.
• Able to work unsupervised.
• Commitment to team working.
• Flexible approach to work.

Specific Experience

• BSc degree in Biological Sciences/Genetics.
• Evidence of training related to a compatible laboratory discipline.
• In‑depth postgraduate experience related to specific area.
• HCPC registration as a Clinical Scientist.
• Evidence of CPD.
• Experience in working in all areas of relevant diagnostic laboratory.
• Able to understand / follow SOPs.
• Experience in FFPE FISH analysis.
• Able to perform basic training.
• Full understanding of all laboratory H&S and COSHH procedures.
• Able to work to deadlines.
• Full understanding of EQA and IQC and their implications.
• Ability to take corrective and preventive actions for non‑compliances.
• Knowledge and understanding of ISO standards.
• Awareness of clinical significance of laboratory work and implications for patients.
• Understand the relationship between laboratory investigations and clinical practice.
• Practical and theoretical knowledge of cytogenetic/genomic technologies and their clinical application.
• Ability to recognise unexpected findings and alert senior staff to perform investigations.

The Royal Marsden values diversity and is committed to the recruitment and retention of under‑represented minority groups. We particularly welcome applications from Black, Asian and minority ethnic candidates, LGBTQ+ candidates, and candidates with disabilities.

As a Disability Confident Employer, we are working to create a workplace that enables all staff to reach their full potential. We are committed to this because we know that greater diversity and inclusion will lead to an even greater positive impact for the people we serve.

Due to the high volumes of applications we receive, we reserve the right to close any adverts before the published closing date once we have received a sufficient number of applications. We advise you to submit your application as early as possible to prevent disappointment. Please ensure your information is accurate to avoid errors with processing your application.

All applicants will be contacted by email to the address supplied on your application. Applicants are advised to check their email accounts regularly and to ensure that email filters are set to allow our emails.

Flu Vaccination – What We Expect of our Staff

At The Royal Marsden we have an immune‑compromised patient population who we must protect as much as we can against the flu virus. Each year, seasonal flu affects thousands of people in the UK. Occurring mainly in winter, it is an infectious respiratory disease capable of producing symptoms ranging from those similar to a common cold, through to very severe or even fatal disease.

The wellbeing of our staff and patients is of the utmost importance to us, and it is the expectation of The Royal Marsden that all patient‑facing staff have an annual flu vaccination, provided free of charge by the Trust.

Employer certification / accreditation badges

You must have appropriate UK professional registration.