Job summary
The Lead Consultant Clinical Scientist will provide strategic and clinical scientific leadership for the Local Genomics Laboratory (LGL) Service at Nottingham University Hospital, a key part of the East Genomics Laboratory Hub (East GLH), hosted by Cambridge University Hospitals. This role involves planning, organising, and implementing a National Genomics service, focusing on areas such as rare and inherited diseases, cancer, and haematological malignancy.
The post holder will work collaboratively with a multidisciplinary team to deliver efficient and innovative genomic services, ensuring adherence to National Genomic Test Directory standards. Additionally, the role includes responsibilities in providing highly complex clinical scientific advice, leading research and development initiatives, managing the service budget, and contributing to staff training and development.
The Lead Consultant will also work closely with various stakeholders to ensure the Genomics service operates seamlessly and aligns with the broader objectives of the East GLH and the National Genomics Medicines Service.
Main duties of the job
Clinical Leadership
Provide expert advice on genomic test selection and interpretation, especially in complex cases. Develop investigative strategies for rare diseases and cancer. Communicate clinical advice to patients and staff. Ensure the validity of genomic reports and stay updated with genomics research.
Professional Leadership
Disseminate knowledge through scientific presentations. Engage in professional development and maintain state registration. Participate in scientific meetings and Trust appraisals, setting team objectives and identifying development needs.
Operational Leadership
Collaborate with users to address service needs. Optimise test processes and evaluate external lab requests. Promote quality assurance and develop evidence-based clinical guidelines. Implement innovative strategies and review assays and technologies. Maintain UKAS standards and participate in audits.
Strategic Leadership
Lead service development aligned with NUH and GLH strategies. Contribute to regional goals, apply research in genomics, and develop new services. Provide strategic direction and engage with stakeholders.
Research and Development
Lead R&D activities, mentor staff, ensure adherence to high standards, and seek funding opportunities. Participate in R&D meetings and stay updated in genomics.
Training
Mentor staff, lead post-graduate teaching, and promote professional development. Maintain training records and support continuous development with the Departmental Training Lead.
About us
With over 19,000 staff, we play a crucial role in supporting local health and wellbeing, excelling in research, education, and innovation.
Join NUH, where diversity is celebrated, and new ideas are embraced. We offer personal development opportunities to turn your job into a rewarding career.
We particularly welcome applications from Black, Asian, and Minority Ethnic individuals and Disabled individuals, striving for better representation at NUH.
The NUH Genomic and Molecular Medicine Service Our Service, at the City Hospital campus is part of the East Genomics Laboratory Hub, we collaborate with University Hospitals Leicester and Cambridge University Hospitals. The department provides extensive testing and interpretative services. We provide comprehensive germ line and malignancy testing, redefining patient care through pioneering genomic techniques.
The Opportunity We seek a visionary Lead Consultant Clinical Scientist to guide our team during this crucial time of national genomics development. This role focuses on leadership, transformation, and driving standards.
Why Join Us? Influence patient care and outcomes through departmental transformation and innovative genomic research. Enjoy professional development in a supportive environment that rewards initiative and excellence.
Join Us in Shaping the Future If you are driven to lead, innovate, and transform, apply today to be at the forefront of genomic medicine.
Job description
Job responsibilities
This position involves a combination of strategic, clinical, operational, and research responsibilities, aimed at advancing NUH genomic services and ensuring excellence in patient care.
Clinical Leadership
1. Expert Clinical Advice: Provide specialised advice on genomic test selection and interpretation, particularly for complex cases.
2. Investigative Strategies: Advise on and select appropriate investigative strategies for complex clinical scenarios, supporting the rare and inherited diseases and cancer service.
3. Communication: Ensure clear and timely communication of clinical advice to patients, clinical colleagues, and relevant staff, aiding in prompt and accurate patient management.
4. Validation of Reports: Assess the technical and clinical validity of genomic reports, request rechecking when necessary, and make informed decisions on abnormal results in consultation with technical and medical staff.
5. Research Awareness: Stay abreast of published research and innovations in genomics to integrate the latest advancements into clinical practice.
Professional Leadership
6. Knowledge Dissemination: Share knowledge through presentations at scientific meetings, contributing to the department's profile within the scientific community.
7. Professional Development: Engage in continuing professional development activities, maintaining state registration.
8. Collaboration: Participate in scientific and clinical meetings at various levels, fostering beneficial collaborations.
9. Appraisal Procedures: Participate in the Trust's appraisal procedures, setting objectives and identifying development needs for the team.
Operational Leadership
10. Service Development: Collaborate with laboratory users to understand and address service development needs.
11. Process Optimization: Optimize test request combinations, sample handling, and results reporting processes.
12. External Laboratory Evaluation: Evaluate the suitability of test requests referred to external laboratories.
13. Quality Assurance: Promote and participate in quality assurance and technical development initiatives.
14. Guideline Development: Develop and review clinical guidelines and patient care pathways, ensuring they are evidence-based.
15. Innovation: Implement innovative strategies to enhance the delivery of laboratory and clinical expertise.
16. Assay and Technology Review: Periodically review and introduce new assays and technologies to align with service goals.
17. Procurement: Participate in procurement processes for new laboratory equipment, liaising with commercial providers and coordinating with departmental finance.
18. Budget Management: Control and oversee the service budget, preparing financial projections and managing resource allocation.
19. Standards Maintenance: Establish and maintain standards in Genomics according to UKAS criteria, working closely with the Quality Manager.
20. Line Management: Act as a line manager, overseeing recruitment, training, and professional development of the team.
21. Audits: Participate in audits to ensure continuous improvement in service quality and regulatory compliance.
Strategic Leadership
22. Service Development: Lead service development in line with the NUH Genomics and GLH Genomics strategy.
23. Regional Leadership: Provide leadership at the GLH level, contributing to the design and delivery of regional goals.
24. Research Integration: Apply up-to-date research in the strategic design and operational rollout of genomics testing.
25. New Service Initiatives: Lead new service development initiatives, aligning with national Genomics service visions.
26. Vision and Strategy: Engage with Trust stakeholders to provide vision and strategic direction for the Genomics service.
27. Strategic Collaboration: Develop strategic visions for local and regional genomics services in collaboration with clinical stakeholders.
28. Diagnostic Services: Introduce new diagnostic services based on advancements in the field.
Research and Development
29. R&D Leadership: Lead department-approved R&D activities, aligning with the Trusts R&D program.
30. Mentorship: Mentor and supervise staff involved in R&D projects, fostering a collaborative environment.
31. Scientific Integrity: Ensure all R&D activities adhere to high standards of scientific rigor, ethics, and integrity.
32. Knowledge Sharing: Participate in departmental R&D meetings and disseminate research findings through various channels.
33. Funding: Seek external funding opportunities to support R&D activities.
34. Continuous Learning: Stay updated with the latest advancements in genomics and related fields.
Training
35. Mentorship and Supervision: Mentor and supervise various staff levels, ensuring smooth onboarding and continuous support.
36. Post-Graduate Teaching: Engage in post-graduate teaching and lead training in specialized genomic techniques.
37. Learning Sessions: Facilitate departmental seminars and learning sessions, promoting continuous professional development.
38. Training Records: Maintain accurate training records and ensure adherence to regulatory requirements.
39. Professional Development: Champion continuous professional development within the department, setting objectives and identifying development needs in collaboration with the Departmental Training Lead.
Person Specification
Experience
Essential
40. Significant experience as a Senior Clinical Scientist within a Genomics laboratory.
41. Experience in service development and implementation, including setting service standards, evaluation, and implementation of new methods.
42. Knowledge and experience of quality management systems, including compliance with ISO15189 and UKAS standards.
43. Experience in analysing interpreting and reporting complex genomic test results
44. Experience in all aspects of the leadership and management of a genetic diagnostic laboratory.
45. Experience in providing consultative advice to clinical colleagues and staff about the investigation, diagnosis, and understanding of genetic diseases.
Desirable
46. Experience of working in an NHS Genomics Laboratory.
47. Knowledge and understanding of national genomic agenda
Training & Qualifications
Essential
48. Postgraduate qualification or equivalent level of experience, knowledge, in a subject relevant to genomics.
49. Fellowship of the Royal College of Pathology FRCPath in appropriate discipline
50. HCPC registration as a Clinical Scientist
51. Advanced specialist scientific and clinical knowledge in the diagnostic field of genomics.
Desirable
52. Leadership/management Qualification or equivalent level of experience
Communication and Relationship skills
Essential
53. Ability to communicate effectively with staff of the Department, scientists, trainees, researchers, students, administrative staff, and clinical colleagues.
54. Ability to communicate the results of highly complex scientific tests and explain the implications of abnormal test results to other health professionals.
Analytical and Judgement skills
Essential
55. Ability to make complex decisions related to genomic diagnostics, including the selection of appropriate investigative strategies and the interpretation of genomic tests.
56. Must be able to assess the technical and clinical validity of reports and decide on the most appropriate course of action for abnormal results.
57. Involvement in strategic decision-making related to genomics, including the evaluation and implementation of new methods and technologies.
Planning and Organisation Skills
Essential
58. Ability to develop and implement local and national service policies, including longer-term strategic and budgetary planning.
59. Proven ability to work to tight deadlines with excellent time management skills.
60. Experience in leading a team of Clinical Scientists, Healthcare Science Assistants, Associates, and Practitioners.