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Job description

We are seeking an enthusiastic HCPC-registered Clinical Scientist to further their career and knowledge of the haematological malignancies. Substantial experience of cancer genomics, excellent communication skills and a strong work ethic are essential. The Laboratory for Molecular Haemato-Oncology (LMH) provides a wide repertoire of molecular investigation to the King’s Haematological Malignancy Diagnostic Service (SE-HMDS) within the South East NHS Genomic Laboratory Hub (GLH), which involves the identification and quantification of molecular abnormalities/markers for diagnostic, prognostic and monitoring purposes

The role will involve variant analysis and interpretation from NGS gene panels and WGS data, as well as the helping develop new digital PCR tests. The post holder will work closely with clinical teams as well as the other laboratories that make up the SE-HMDS, including immunophenotyping, cytogenetics and histopathology.

The post holder will ensure the timely reporting of complex analyses to enable rapid patient treatment decisions. Previous experience in a haemato-oncology molecular diagnostic laboratory is highly desirable.

Candidates preparing portfolios for submission within 6 months to the HCPC for registration as Clinical Scientists or STP Genomics/Cancer Genomics candidates, and with appropriate experience, will be considered for the role, and if successful, employed at band 6 equivalence until registration is achieved.

The post holder will be required to have their own caseload and take responsibility for delivering a high-quality service covering a range of specialised molecular investigations. Their role involves data analysis, result evaluation, interpretation and reporting of haematological malignancies, ensuring work is carried out to a high standard and within relevant target reporting times. The post holder will participate at a senior level in all aspects of the work carried out by the Molecular Haemato-Oncology Laboratory

A large part of the role will be to analyse and report variants from NGS panels as well as from whole genome sequencing data, however authorisation of other molecular tests will be part of this role, as will presenting data to clinical colleagues in genomic tumour advisory board meetings and new test development. You will be expected to contribute to quality management activities, including compliance with UKAS laboratory accreditation standards, teaching, training and performing audits. Good communication, team working and supervisory skills are essential to guide and manage more junior and trainee staff

Although mainly a haematological malignancy role, other tumours, including neurological and hepatobiliary cancers, are submitted for whole genome sequencing, which the post holder may be involved in reporting.

Depending on other requirements of the laboratory, some home working will be possible. Occasional weekend work might be required, with time off in lieu.

You will have a suite of learning opportunities available through The Synnovis Way Development programme, the Scientific Learning and Development Fund and the Synnovis Academy through which you can receive funding / support for advanced qualifications.

Through our Innovation Accelerator Fund, you can apply for finance to get that new innovative scientific project off the ground, and participate with the wider scientific community through symposiums, conferences and other peer group meetings.

We will assist you to maintain a portfolio that demonstrates CPD achievement and is compliant with the requirements of ongoing HCPC registration. We support flexible working patterns and remote working for activities that can be performed off-site to promote a healthy work/life balance.
Technical and Scientific• Accurately perform complex analysis and interpretation. This requires frequent and prolonged periods of concentration. Analytical techniques used will depend on individual competencies and training; duties will include but are not restricted to; variant pathogenicity assessment from custom next generation sequencing panels, structural variant analysis, and whole genome sequencing data analysis, with the possibility of analysing SNP array data in the future.

• Participate or lead on new test development if required, for example digital PCR assays.
• Participate at a senior level in all aspects of the LMH workload, including laboratory processing, analysis, interpretation and timely reporting and authorisation.
• Responsibility for liaising with the LMH technical team to organise and supervise laboratory work. Specific laboratory practical duties may be performed when necessary according to individual competencies.
• Authorisation of laboratory investigations, ordering relevant follow-up laboratory tests, discussing results with clinical staff, and provide approved departmental information and advice to other multidisciplinary healthcare professionals.
• Leading on policy and SOP formulation within own area, including writing and revisions of existing SOPs and service provision policies in a timely fashion.
• Maintain a portfolio that demonstrates CPD achievement and is compliant with the requirements of ongoing HCPC registration.

Communication• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.

• Participate in departmental meetings to communicate results and their clinical implications.
• Maintain good working relations with all members of staff, and promote effective teamwork while recognising others’ skills and priorities.
• Communicate with support services and suppliers for orders/issues as necessary.

Quality & Clinical Governance• Ensure adherence to the standards required for a UKAS ISO15189-accredited laboratory, in close liaison with the Quality Lead.

• Maintain the highest levels of patient confidentiality, and comply with Trust and other relevant standards. Comply with local and national policies for the safe, secure and confidential processing and storage of patient and other laboratory information
• Contribute to audits, external quality assurance schemes and to monitor the accuracy and precision of diagnostic tests. Communicate performance to the Section Lead and or Laboratory Director.

Laboratory Informatics• Strong IT skills, including proficient use of the Laboratory Information System (LIMS) and clinical databases in accordance with the relevant SOPs

• Preferably experience using Excel for complex data analysis.

Health and Safety/Risk Management• The post holder has a general duty of care for the health, safety and well-being of work colleagues and visitors within the laboratory environment. Employees must be aware of the responsibilities placed on them under the Health and Safety at Work Act (1974).

• Work within the LMH and the Rayne Institute’s Health and Safety Policy and Local Codes of Practice, and maintain Health and Safety Standards in the laboratory.

Synnovis is a pathology partnership between SYNLAB UK and Ireland, and the NHS, including sites, Guy’s & St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust and King’s College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, to deliver and transform pathology services across South East London.

The partnership provides services to 1.7 million people living in South East London, as well as to hundreds of thousands of patients from outside the region who use local healthcare services.

The partnership provides diagnostics, testing and digital pathology for hospital trusts, GP services and other healthcare providers.

King’s College Hospital Foundation Trust is one of the UK’s leading NHS Foundation Trusts in specialist teaching. King’s has various divisions including Neurosciences, Haematology, Cancer and Cardiovascular sciences, where there are unlimited opportunities to develop and perfect your career.

Over the last 170 years, King’s has delivered nothing but world class service to all its patients from deprived communities as well as some of the wealthiest in London.