Job summary 3 x BAND 7 CLINICAL SCIENTIST POSTS IN CANCER GENOMICS, RARE DISEASES AND BIOINFORMATICS We have an exciting opportunity to join our department as a Clinical Scientist within the rare disease, cancer, or bioinformatics team, as appropriate to the candidates experience and service needs. We are seeking enthusiastic, self-motivated individuals with strengths in analysing complex data and/or interpreting the significance of results, who wish to broaden their experience and develop new skills. STPs nearing completion of their training are also encouraged to apply. HCPC registration is required for appointment to band 7, STPs nearing completion of training will be appointed at band 6 until registration is attained. The Oxford Genetics Laboratories, part of the Central & South Genomic Laboratory Hub, provide state-of-the-art diagnostic testing for a comprehensive range of molecular and cytogenetic investigations across Specialist and Core Rare Disease services as well as both cytogenetic and molecular services testing in Haemato-oncology and Solid tumours; including NGS panel analysis and WGS interpretation as determined by the genomics test directory. Alongside this, we are active in research and development, undertaking translational projects, participating in the haemato-oncology Network of Excellence and collaborating closely with many of the genetic research leaders in Oxford as well as the NIHR Oxford BRC. Main duties of the job Main purpose of the post:To undertake clinical, scientific, technical and managerial duties with a considerable degree of autonomy within a designated section(s) providing a range of highly specialised or complex investigationsTo take a high level of responsibility for their own work with ultimateresponsibility for quality, accuracy and interpretation of results resting with more senior Clinical Scientists.To communicate complex scientific and technical information and provide highly specialised advice to other health care professionals.To undertake research and service development relevant to the aims of the department and acquire new scientific skills and expertise to maintain the laboratory at the forefront of scientific developments.To participate in the teaching and training of pre-registration clinical scientists and genetic technologists as well as Specialist Registrars and other visitors within the limits of their experience.To supervise junior scientific and technical staff in their day to day activitiesTo rotate between sections to obtain the breadth and depth of experience required at this level and undertake further training and CPD.The full range of duties for this post is documented below. Duties undertaken at a given time will be determined in accordance with the needs of the service. About us The Oxford Genetics Laboratories work in partnership with laboratories in the West Midlands and Wessex to form the Central & South Genomic Laboratory Hub (C&SGLH). The Oxford Laboratories are the designated provider of a number of Specialist Rare Disease services including those for Cardiac, Endocrine, Eye Disorders, Haematology, Mitochondrial, Musculoskeletal and Neurology. Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust is one of the largest NHS teaching trusts in the country. It provides a wide range of general and specialist clinical services and is a base for medical education, training and research. Find out more here www.ouh.nhs.uk The Trust comprises four hospitals - the John Radcliffe Hospital, Churchill Hospital and Nuffield Orthopaedic Centre in Headington and the Horton General Hospital in Banbury. Our values, standards and behaviours define the quality of clinical care we offer and the professional relationships we make with our patients, colleagues and the wider community. We call this Delivering Compassionate Excellence and its focus is on our values of compassion, respect, learning, delivery, improvement and excellence. These values put patients at the heart of what we do and underpin the quality healthcare we would like for ourselves or a member of our family. Watch how we set out to deliver compassionate excellence via theOUH YouTube channel. Date posted 24 March 2025 Pay scheme Agenda for change Band Band 7 Salary £46,148 to £52,809 a year per annum/ pro-rata Contract Permanent Working pattern Full-time Reference number 321-CSS-7048047-B7 Job locations Churchill Hospital Old Road Oxford OX3 7LE Job description Job responsibilities Clinical/Scientific1) Deliver the clinical service of a section/subsection of the laboratory or designated area of work to nationally accepted standards (CPA/UKAS or equivalent) with appropriate technical support to include the following:a. Undertake or supervise the receipt, processing and analysis of samples;and the checking, interpretation and reporting of results (both standardand complex).b. Access relevant sources of information to aid interpretation of patientresults, including critical appraisal of the information.c. Collate patient and clinical information to assist and support future patient management.d. Interpret results with advice on further action for patient or familymembers, including calculation of risk where appropriate, within relevantprofessional guidelines.2) Undertake appropriate complex or specialist technical and analytical procedures, as required, to process cells from a variety of biological specimens received which may be high risk (e.g. HIV, Hep C) and/ or derived from recognisable human or fetal parts. Work safely under exposure to toxic substances that are hazardous to health (e.g. PHA, colchicine)3) Undertake extended periods of analysis to identify genomic variation either through analysis of large data sets or examination of cytogenetic preparations4) Independently check and validate the analysis findings of other registered scientists, non-registered scientists and genetic technologists, authorising repeat analyses or subsequent investigations in accordance with laboratory protocols.Identify unusual results and bring them to the attention of senior scientists for further discussion5) Interpret findings from the range of investigations undertaken on a patient.Undertake detailed literature review and interrogation of databases to investigate the clinical significance of genomic variation detected. Prepare reports with clinical interpretation for final authorisation by Senior Registered Clinical Scientists/Principal Scientists/Consultant Scientists6) To authorise specified reports within their area of expertise where deemed competent by the Head of Laboratory under the direction of the Head of Section7) Act in an advisory capacity to clinical colleagues on the submission of samples,appropriate tests and in the interpretation of results in designated areas of the service8) Under the guidance of the Head of Service, attend appropriate multidisciplinary team meetings on behalf of the service to give professional opinion on clinical cases9) Supply a high level of scientific skill and expertise in the investigative procedures involved and take a high level of responsibility for his/her own work, with limited supervision from senior personnel in the laboratory. Be adaptable to changing diagnostic workload pressures, by making independent day-to-day decisions about own workload (e.g. prioritising own diagnostic cases or deciding when to undertake additional investigations). The post holder must communicate with,and when necessary obtain help/advice from, appropriate senior staff10)Maintain up to date specialist level knowledge of current scientific literature and information (e.g. Professional Best Practice) for defined services in order to ensure that the designated services are of high quality11)Maintain proficiency in the use of complex software for the analysis of genomic samples12)Maintain proficiency in the navigation, interrogation and application of all relevant and up to date genome browsers/information databases (e.g. DGV, DECIPHER, Exome Variant Server and Alamut Visual) to assess significance of copy number variants and/or identified mutations and maintain up to date knowledge of scientific and clinical advances in the field. Job description Job responsibilities Clinical/Scientific1) Deliver the clinical service of a section/subsection of the laboratory or designated area of work to nationally accepted standards (CPA/UKAS or equivalent) with appropriate technical support to include the following:a. Undertake or supervise the receipt, processing and analysis of samples;and the checking, interpretation and reporting of results (both standardand complex).b. Access relevant sources of information to aid interpretation of patientresults, including critical appraisal of the information.c. Collate patient and clinical information to assist and support future patient management.d. Interpret results with advice on further action for patient or familymembers, including calculation of risk where appropriate, within relevantprofessional guidelines.2) Undertake appropriate complex or specialist technical and analytical procedures, as required, to process cells from a variety of biological specimens received which may be high risk (e.g. HIV, Hep C) and/ or derived from recognisable human or fetal parts. Work safely under exposure to toxic substances that are hazardous to health (e.g. PHA, colchicine)3) Undertake extended periods of analysis to identify genomic variation either through analysis of large data sets or examination of cytogenetic preparations4) Independently check and validate the analysis findings of other registered scientists, non-registered scientists and genetic technologists, authorising repeat analyses or subsequent investigations in accordance with laboratory protocols.Identify unusual results and bring them to the attention of senior scientists for further discussion5) Interpret findings from the range of investigations undertaken on a patient.Undertake detailed literature review and interrogation of databases to investigate the clinical significance of genomic variation detected. Prepare reports with clinical interpretation for final authorisation by Senior Registered Clinical Scientists/Principal Scientists/Consultant Scientists6) To authorise specified reports within their area of expertise where deemed competent by the Head of Laboratory under the direction of the Head of Section7) Act in an advisory capacity to clinical colleagues on the submission of samples,appropriate tests and in the interpretation of results in designated areas of the service8) Under the guidance of the Head of Service, attend appropriate multidisciplinary team meetings on behalf of the service to give professional opinion on clinical cases9) Supply a high level of scientific skill and expertise in the investigative procedures involved and take a high level of responsibility for his/her own work, with limited supervision from senior personnel in the laboratory. Be adaptable to changing diagnostic workload pressures, by making independent day-to-day decisions about own workload (e.g. prioritising own diagnostic cases or deciding when to undertake additional investigations). The post holder must communicate with,and when necessary obtain help/advice from, appropriate senior staff10)Maintain up to date specialist level knowledge of current scientific literature and information (e.g. Professional Best Practice) for defined services in order to ensure that the designated services are of high quality11)Maintain proficiency in the use of complex software for the analysis of genomic samples12)Maintain proficiency in the navigation, interrogation and application of all relevant and up to date genome browsers/information databases (e.g. DGV, DECIPHER, Exome Variant Server and Alamut Visual) to assess significance of copy number variants and/or identified mutations and maintain up to date knowledge of scientific and clinical advances in the field. Person Specification Education/Qualifications, Experience, Skills, Knowledge and Abilities Essential Good first degree in Genetics or Biological Science with a genetics component Post graduate professional qualification (Certificate of Competence in Clinical Cytogenetics/STP) or equivalent experience Registration - Clinical Scientist (Clinical Cytogenetics or Genetics) Desirable FRCPath part 1 PhD /DPhil in a relevant subject area Experience Essential Proven, extensive experience of Clinical Molecular Genetics in a diagnostic laboratory or similar if combined with relevant research experience Good working knowledge of the majority of analytical methodologies used in the laboratory achieved through training and experience Experience of a providing clinical technical services for a range of inherited conditions Result evaluation and interpretation Writing complex clinical reports Clinical liaison Experience of dealing with telephone enquiries in an informed manner Troubleshooting techniques, instrumentation and software and tests Developing new methodologies, designing new tests Teaching and Training Desirable Translational research and development through formal funded programmes of work Bioinformatics, handling and manipulating large data sets Experience of writing papers and publishing in peer reviewed journals Final authorisation of simple routine reports Skills, Knowledge and Abilities Essential Thorough in depth knowledge of human genetics, theoretical and practical aspects of clinical cytogenetics, a thorough knowledge of modes of inheritance and the science which underpins a broad range of genetic conditions To have developing specialist knowledge of a specific area of clinical molecular genetics (eg cardiac, cancer, neurogenetics) To have a sound knowledge of analytical methods, quality assurance and problem solving To have a basic knowledge/awareness of managerial procedures To have developed analytical skills in all major areas of the work of the laboratory Able to conduct research and development activities Able to advise medical and other health care professions on investigations and clinical interpretation of own area of work with back -up from senior staff where necessary Able to advise on designated aspects of service provision and development Developing ability and confidence to challenge established views Able to use and manipulate laboratory computer systems (databases) Ability to organise and manage complex activities Able to use and manipulate a variety of software packages to analyse data, some of which are complex and developed in research rather than corporate environments Able to use and navigate through a variety of internet based scientific databases Good written and verbal communication skills Able to prepare and present scientific and clinical information at meetings or as part of teaching commitment Able to organise and manage complex activities Able to maintain intense and prolonged concentration on important tasks despite frequent interruptions Ability to cope with the fast pace of change in Genetics eg emerging technologies and changes to practice Teaching and training abilities Personal attributes Essential Ability to assimilate information quickly Able to work as part of a team Methodical approach to work Able to work under pressure and demonstrate resilience Professional attitude Desire to learn and develop further Person Specification Education/Qualifications, Experience, Skills, Knowledge and Abilities Essential Good first degree in Genetics or Biological Science with a genetics component Post graduate professional qualification (Certificate of Competence in Clinical Cytogenetics/STP) or equivalent experience Registration - Clinical Scientist (Clinical Cytogenetics or Genetics) Desirable FRCPath part 1 PhD /DPhil in a relevant subject area Experience Essential Proven, extensive experience of Clinical Molecular Genetics in a diagnostic laboratory or similar if combined with relevant research experience Good working knowledge of the majority of analytical methodologies used in the laboratory achieved through training and experience Experience of a providing clinical technical services for a range of inherited conditions Result evaluation and interpretation Writing complex clinical reports Clinical liaison Experience of dealing with telephone enquiries in an informed manner Troubleshooting techniques, instrumentation and software and tests Developing new methodologies, designing new tests Teaching and Training Desirable Translational research and development through formal funded programmes of work Bioinformatics, handling and manipulating large data sets Experience of writing papers and publishing in peer reviewed journals Final authorisation of simple routine reports Skills, Knowledge and Abilities Essential Thorough in depth knowledge of human genetics, theoretical and practical aspects of clinical cytogenetics, a thorough knowledge of modes of inheritance and the science which underpins a broad range of genetic conditions To have developing specialist knowledge of a specific area of clinical molecular genetics (eg cardiac, cancer, neurogenetics) To have a sound knowledge of analytical methods, quality assurance and problem solving To have a basic knowledge/awareness of managerial procedures To have developed analytical skills in all major areas of the work of the laboratory Able to conduct research and development activities Able to advise medical and other health care professions on investigations and clinical interpretation of own area of work with back -up from senior staff where necessary Able to advise on designated aspects of service provision and development Developing ability and confidence to challenge established views Able to use and manipulate laboratory computer systems (databases) Ability to organise and manage complex activities Able to use and manipulate a variety of software packages to analyse data, some of which are complex and developed in research rather than corporate environments Able to use and navigate through a variety of internet based scientific databases Good written and verbal communication skills Able to prepare and present scientific and clinical information at meetings or as part of teaching commitment Able to organise and manage complex activities Able to maintain intense and prolonged concentration on important tasks despite frequent interruptions Ability to cope with the fast pace of change in Genetics eg emerging technologies and changes to practice Teaching and training abilities Personal attributes Essential Ability to assimilate information quickly Able to work as part of a team Methodical approach to work Able to work under pressure and demonstrate resilience Professional attitude Desire to learn and develop further Disclosure and Barring Service Check This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions. Certificate of Sponsorship Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab). From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab). UK Registration Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see NHS Careers website (opens in a new window). Additional information Disclosure and Barring Service Check This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions. Certificate of Sponsorship Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab). From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab). UK Registration Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see NHS Careers website (opens in a new window). Employer details Employer name Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust Address Churchill Hospital Old Road Oxford OX3 7LE Employer's website https://www.ouh.nhs.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)