Clinical Scientist in Kingston upon Thames

Main duties of the job

The main objective of the post holder is to contribute to the provision of a timely and efficient Molecular Diagnostics service within the Clinical Genomics Department, both for internal and external cases. The post holder will perform analysis using complex genetics software and report specialised molecular investigations and manage areas of existing service work in the laboratory, in order to provide an efficient and high quality molecular diagnostic service in haematological and solid tumours. The range of tests available will be in continuous development and the post holder will be responsible for standardisation of new technologies and tests for molecular diagnostics. The post holder is expected to liaise with clinicians, oncologists and histopathologists responsible for treating patients.

They will be involved in the service development and validation, including the implementation of clinical NGS and other protocols for personalised cancer medicine. The post holder will supervise junior staff within the department to ensure the quality of service provision at all times and to ensure compliance with professional standards. In addition the post holder will be required to support activities such as quality management, including compliance with laboratory accreditation standards, training and the department’s translational research programme. There will be occasions when the post holder will have to take sole responsibility for the laboratory work.

Responsibilities

• Provide a timely and efficient Molecular Diagnostics service in haemato‑oncology and solid tumour molecular testing.
• Perform analysis using complex genetics software and report specialised investigations.
• Standardise new technologies and tests for molecular diagnostics.
• Liaise with clinicians, oncologists and histopathologists.
• Develop, validate and implement clinical NGS and other personalised cancer medicine protocols.
• Supervise junior staff and ensure quality of service provision.
• Support quality management activities, including laboratory accreditation compliance, training and translational research programme.
• Take responsibility for daily laboratory work when required.

Qualifications

• MSc in a biological science or equivalent.
• HCPC registration or close to registration.
• Considerable experience in molecular diagnostics service delivery.
• Experience in working with complex genetics software.
• Competence in use of Microsoft software or equivalent.

Skills and Abilities

• Ability to express and communicate ideas, concepts and findings in all circumstances including email and telephone.
• Experience of clinical report writing.
• Ability to write clearly and concisely.
• Experience in working with complex genetics software.
• Competence in use of Microsoft software or equivalent.

Personal Qualities

• Evidence of personal development.
• Self confident, contributes to laboratory meetings.
• Able to work unsupervised.

Specific Experience

• MSc degree or equivalent experience.
• Evidence of training related to specific area.
• Evidence of continuous professional development.
• Experience of working in all areas of relevant diagnostic laboratory.
• Able to write, review and follow SOPs.
• Able to perform advanced training and ensuring compliance with professional standards.
• HCPC registration (Essential for Clinical Scientist appointments).
• Evidence of technological development e.g. NGS for diagnostic and/or clinical trial use.
• Ability to manage stock.
• Ability to manage the specific laboratory areas and related staff on a daily basis.

EEO statement

The Royal Marsden values diversity and is committed to the recruitment and retention of underrepresented 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.

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