Oxford University Hospitals NHS Trust
Job Description
JOB TITLE:Clinical Scientist for Haematology Constitutional Genetics
GRADE:Band 8a, Principal Clinical Scientist
DEPARTMENT:Oxford Molecular Diagnostics Centre
HOURS OF DUTY:Full time – 37.5 per week
ANNUAL LEAVE:27 days + Bank holidays, increasing to 33 days + Bank holidays after 10 years NHS service
RESPONSIBLE TO:Consultant Clinical Scientist and Clinical Director of the Oxford Molecular Diagnostics Centre
LOCATION:Molecular Haematology Department, Level Four, John Radcliffe Hospital
The Oxford Molecular Diagnostics Centre (OMDC) is an inter-disciplinary centre which has recently been funded to undertake a major programme of translational research in molecular diagnostics, with a particular focus on genomics technologies. This translational programme will build on and integrate with the long-standing clinical diagnostics expertise and facilities in the Oxford University Hospitals NHS Trust.
The post holder will be responsible for running and developing the Constitutional Haematology Genetics section within the OMDC, which offers next generation sequencing, arrays and complementary technologies for use in translational research and clinical diagnostics.
The OMDC supports a range of customers from academia, clinical departments and pharma/biotech.
The OMDC is divided into 3 main sections:
Molecular Haematology and Oncology: National Reference Laboratory for Haemoglobinopathies and other inherited red cell defects; Reference Laboratory for Haemostasis and Haemochromatosis; Specialist Integrated Molecular Diagnostic Service (SIHMDS) for the NCRN and NCAT Cancer Networks; Molecular Cancer Diagnostics
Clinical Bio-informatics: Diagnostic pipeline development in collaboration with the Wellcome Trust Centre of Human Genetics
Molecular Pathology: provision of innovative protein-based diagnostics (immuno-stains, tissue microarrays, immunophenotyping)
Each of these sections is headed by senior clinical scientists or pathologist responsible for providing state-of-the-art diagnostics, and for working together with the consultant clinical scientist and the clinical director on the successful delivery of translational research programmes.
JOB SUMMARY
This is a senior role and the post holder will be directly responsible for the running, development and expansion of the haemoglobinopathy and inherited red cell defects diagnostic services within the OMDC. He/she will also assist with the supervision and development of the Haemostasis and Hemochromatosis services. The person will assume the responsibility for individual patient outcomes within the overall responsibility of the consultant clinical scientist and the clinical director.
The post holder is expected to engage with the on-going translational research programmes and to work together with the management team to promote expansion of the centre’s activities through research, the development and introduction of new diagnostic technology, and to develop service-related professional relationships and responsibilities at a national level.
MAIN DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES
1. / Clinical service1.1 / To be responsible with a high level of autonomyfor the running and. management of the Constitutional Haematology Genetics section. To ensure that an efficient, high quality service is maintained at all times. To cover for the diagnostic work in all other areas of the service if required
1.2 / To be a lead specialist and a source of special expertise for Haematology Constitutional Genetics.
1.3 / Deputise for designated duties of the consultant clinical scientist in his/her absence.
1.4 / To be responsible for checking and authorising the reports generated by the laboratory staff in section of responsibility, ensuring the results and interpretations are accurate and that reports meet national professional guidelines.
1.5 / To be responsible for the analysis of abnormal scientific test results & their implications by collating complex scientific evidence from database searches, literature searches and collaboration with other scientific and clinical colleagues.
1.6 / To be responsible for communicating, interpreting and the reporting of results of highly complex scientific tests to clinical staff and other scientists.
1.7 / To be responsible for organising and allocating the workload for the Genetic Technologists and Clinical Scientists for the Service, ensuring that adequate backup is always available.
1.8 / To undertake audit activities, documentation and analysis of patient results and initiation and implementation of any resulting actions to improve the quality of service
1.9 / To be responsible for the monitoring and processing of referrals to the laboratory, ensuring that specimens are prioritised and tested appropriately. To discuss cases with referring clinicians or clinical geneticists as necessary.
2 /
Management and Administration
2.1 / To plan and co-ordinate the activities of the Constitutional Haematology Genetics section.2.2 / To manage the staff within the Section of responsibility. To ensure they achieve appropriate professional training, regularly review progress and ensure compliance with HPC requirements for continuing professional development. To be responsible for the initial stages of grievances and disciplinary procedures.
2.3 / To supervise the induction of new staff
2.4 / To develop and implement laboratory policy to ensure the service complies with quality standards.
2.5 / To assist the Heads of the Laboratory with the initiation and development of Constitutional Haematology Genetics Service objectives, strategies and policies.
2.6 / To assist the Heads of the Laboratory in obtaining and managing funding forConstitutional Haematology Genetics including research and development grants, and be responsible for procurement authorisation of equipment and supplies.
2.7 / To be responsible for authorising leave, collating data for all staff absences and co-ordinating appropriate staff cover if required.
2.8 / To assist the Heads of the Laboratory with staff recruitment and retention. To compile advertisements for posts, to short list applicants, to sit on interview panels and participate in the selection process. To supervise the induction of new staff.
2.9 / Participate in and represent the Constitutional Haematology Genetics service at appropriate internal and external scientific and managerial meetings as required.
3.0 / To be responsible for ensuring the Constitutional Haematology Genetics meets the standards required by CPA, and requirements of clinical governance.
3 /
Scientific
3.13.2 / To be accountable for the delivery of highly specialist technical analyses for the complex repertoire of molecular genetics analyses provided by the laboratory.
To participate in the delivery of the centre’s main research programmes on technology evaluation and next generation mutation detection methods.
3.3 / To undertake complex data manipulation and analysis requiring a high level of computer skills.
3.4 / To provide scientific knowledge and expertise in constitutional haematology genetics.
3.5 / To be responsible for ensuring that all members of the laboratory follow the standard operating procedures at all times, that they maintain up to date SOP’s for the duties assigned to them, and that annual review of all SOP’s is carried out.
3.6 / Respond to written and verbal enquires from users of the service and other laboratories, offering advice on the interpretation of results, appropriateness and availability of tests; type of samples required and undertake research to answer such questions if necessary.
3.7 / Participate in internal and external quality control programmes.
3.8 / To represent the Constitutional Haematology Genetics services at appropriate national and/or European Best Practice meetings, to participate in formulating the Best Practice guidelines, and to disseminate resulting information to the Laboratory.
3.9 / To promote and supervise research and development in the laboratory, develop new technology and mutation detection methods for Haematology Genetics , to present data/papers at national and international scientific meetings.
4 /
Teaching and Training
4.1 / To organise laboratory meetings, seminars and tutorials as required.4.2 /
To trainand supervise the trainingof laboratory staff. To plan and co-ordinate appropriate training schedules for individual staff.
4.3 /To monitor and review progress and ensure staff meet requirements for maintenance of registration.
4.4 /Participate with general teaching, if required.
4.5 /Keep up to date with current knowledge in haematology, haematology genetics, and clinical molecular genetics and maintain a record of continuing professional development.
4.6 /Present laboratory findings at appropriate internal and external seminars or meetings, and through publications.
5 /General
5.1 / To co-operate with management and safety representatives in matters connected with the Health and Safety at Work Act of Practice for safety in laboratories, including Radiation Protection if appropriate.5.2 / To work such hours as are required for the effective and timely performance of his/her duties, as specified in the terms of the contract of employment.
5.3 / To undertake other duties commensuratewith the post as a result of changes to the service, as agreed by the Director of the Laboratory or Trust and reviewed as part of the annual staff appraisal system.
5.4 / The post holder must maintain the confidentiality of information about patients, staff and other health service business in accordance with the Data Protection Act of 1984.
Risk Management
- The post holder is responsible for the management of risk and will be provided with the necessary education, training and support to enable them to meet this responsibility.
- The post holder should be familiar with Trust policies, including Major Incident Policy and Fire Policy
Responsibilities for Health and Safety
- The post holder is responsible for ensuring that all duties and responsibilities of this post are carried out in compliance with the Health & Safety at Work Act 1974, Statutory Regulations and Trust Policies and Procedures. This will be supported by the provision of training and specialist advice where required.
Infection Control
Infection Control is everyone’s responsibility. All staff, both clinical and non clinical, are required to adhere to the Trusts’ Infection Prevention and Control Policies and make every effort to maintain high standards of infection control at all times thereby reducing the burden of Healthcare Associated Infections including MRSA.
All staff employed by the OUH Trust have the following key responsibilities:
- Staff must wash their hands or use alcohol gel on entry and exit from all clinical areas and/or between each patient contact.
- Staff members have a duty to attend mandatory infection control training provided for them by the Trust.
- Staff members who develop an infection (other than common colds and illness) that may be transmittable to patients have a duty to contact Occupational Health.
PERSON SPECIFICATION
Principal Clinical Scientist – for Constitutional Haematology Genetics
Essential /Desirable
AttainmentsBSc in an appropriate biological science /
Higher degree in Biological Science /
HPC registration as a Clinical Scientist /
PhD or FRCPath part1/part 2 /
Knowledge
Highly developed knowledge of principles of molecular biology & clinical molecular genetics / Up to date knowledge of the molecular basis of Haematological disorders and appropriate molecular diagnostic tests. /
Highly developed knowledge of haematological phenotypes /
Knowledge of requirements for day-to-day running of a diagnostic laboratory, including Health & Safety issues. /
Skills
Highly developed laboratory skills / Ability to develop new protocols and be innovative /
Excellent organisational skills /
Frequent requirement for prolonged concentration to be able to work under pressure /
Excellent verbal and written communication /
Knowledge of personnel and management issues /
Good at team working /
Computer literate /
Experience
Proven experience in clinical molecular diagnostics / Proven molecular experience in haemoglobinopathies or other haematological disorders /
Experience of writing and authorising clinical diagnostic reports. /
Laboratory management or supervision experience /
Research experience and track record of publishing scientific papers in peer reviewed journals /
Active participation in conferences and scientific meetings /