Job summary
The Genomics service provides risk assessment, genetic testing and psychosocial support to families at risk of a genetic or inherited condition.
We currently have an exciting opportunity for a motivated and passionate Genomic Practitioner to support our friendly, dynamic and supportive team of Clinical Geneticists and Genetic Counsellors. The ideal candidate will have an interest in, and some prior knowledge of the national plans for mainstreaming genomic medicine, and a desire to learn clinical genetics in practice.
The post holder will be supported by clinical leadership within the Genomics service, chiefly through the Genetic Counselling Team.
This post would be suited to individuals seeking experience in a Clinical Genetics service with a view to applying for future positions to access formal genetic counselling training.
Main duties of the job
The Genomic Practitioner role is central to supporting the integration of genomics into clinical practice. Germline testing increasingly informs treatment, surveillance, and family cascade testing, and Clinical Genetics services coordinate both diagnostic testing and communication of results. This role acts as a bridge between administrative processes, clinical pathways and patient care to ensure that genomic testing is undertaken efficiently and appropriately.
Primarily based within Clinical Genetics at St George's Hospital, the postholder will support the development, embedding and delivery of a robust referral, triage and testing pathway.
Responsibilities include pathway development, direct patient contact, collection and dissemination of information with appropriate consent, and high-quality documentation aligned with local and national standards. The role will also contribute to clinical audit, evaluation and ongoing service improvement.
A key remit of the role will be to support mainstreaming of Lynch syndrome testing across cancer MDTs. The postholder will provide coordination across the South East GMSA, ensuring that Lynch syndrome diagnoses are managed consistently.
They will contribute to audit, research and system improvement, and provide support to:
- Regional Lynch Expert Network MDT
- Local cancer MDTs via designated Lynch champions
- Mainstreaming pathways
- Family history services
- Primary care clinicians
- South East Cancer Alliances
- The South East GMSA
About us
The South East Lynch Syndrome Expert Network is a regional project group established following the completion of the national Lynch Syndrome Transformation Project, jointly led by the North Thames and South East GMSAs. The Network aims to deliver a comprehensive, standardised approach to diagnosing Lynch syndrome by aligning pathways and processes to support equity of access and improved clinical outcomes.
The South East GMSA is committed to enhancing the diagnosis and lifelong management of individuals with Lynch syndrome. Each region in England has developed, or is in the process of developing, an expert network to ensure patients receive coordinated care wherever they live.
This role will support the continuation and further development of the South East Expert Network.
Principles of Regional Expert Networks
- Ensure and monitor equity of access for patients with Lynch syndrome
- Support mainstreaming pathways (e.g., genetic testing within cancer services)
- Promote consistency across mainstreaming service providers
- Oversee the lifelong management of individuals with Lynch syndrome
Job description
Job responsibilities
The ideal candidate will have an interest in, and ideally some prior understanding of, national plans for mainstreaming genomic medicine, as well as a desire to develop skills in clinical genomics. They will have strong IT skills, and a willingness to learn practical clinical skills within Genetics.
The postholder will work with a high level of autonomy, taking delegated responsibility from Lead Consultants and other clinical specialists, and will be line-managed and supported by a Principal Genetic Counsellor. The role does not include line management responsibilities and is well suited to individuals seeking experience within a dynamic clinical genetics service.
For a full job description please see attached document.
Job description
Job responsibilities
The ideal candidate will have an interest in, and ideally some prior understanding of, national plans for mainstreaming genomic medicine, as well as a desire to develop skills in clinical genomics. They will have strong IT skills, and a willingness to learn practical clinical skills within Genetics.
The postholder will work with a high level of autonomy, taking delegated responsibility from Lead Consultants and other clinical specialists, and will be line-managed and supported by a Principal Genetic Counsellor. The role does not include line management responsibilities and is well suited to individuals seeking experience within a dynamic clinical genetics service.
For a full job description please see attached document.
Person Specification
Qualifications / Education
Essential
- Registered nurse (paediatric or adult) OR Educated to Degree level in a relevant subject (e.g. Biology, Genetics, Biomedical Sciences, Psychology) supplemented by specialist training and/or experience
- Knowledge of the 100,000 Genomes Project and NHS plans for mainstreaming of genomics, and/or other demonstrable interest in genetics
- Strong foundation in genetics, inheritance, and rare inherited conditions at Degree level, demonstrated by relevant Undergraduate course modules
- Evidence of ongoing continuing professional development
Desirable
- Postgraduate qualification in genetics
Professional/ Statutory Registration
Essential
- NMC Registration (if applicable)
Previous Experience
Essential
- Experience in a clinical / research/academic environment
- Experience of working in a public facing role and or caring environment
- Leadership experience
Desirable
- Experience of developing and implementing policies and procedures
- Operational experience of working within a clinical genetics service
- Experience of recruiting, educating and monitoring patients within a clinical environment
Skills/ Knowledge/ Ability
Essential
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, and ability to demonstrate sensitivity and maturity when faced with difficult personal circumstances.
- Understanding of resource management, health and safety, clinical risk and quality issues
- Proficient use of Microsoft Applications (Word, Excel and Outlook)
- Ability to organise , prioritise and co-ordinate work of self and others
- Accountability - Takes responsibility for own actions and promotes good team working
- Openness - Shares information and good practice appropriately
Desirable
- Knowledge of research design and methodologies
- Knowledge of analytical processes
- Able to give advice on the organization and management of research processes
Person Specification
Qualifications / Education
Essential
- Registered nurse (paediatric or adult) OR Educated to Degree level in a relevant subject (e.g. Biology, Genetics, Biomedical Sciences, Psychology) supplemented by specialist training and/or experience
- Knowledge of the 100,000 Genomes Project and NHS plans for mainstreaming of genomics, and/or other demonstrable interest in genetics
- Strong foundation in genetics, inheritance, and rare inherited conditions at Degree level, demonstrated by relevant Undergraduate course modules
- Evidence of ongoing continuing professional development
Desirable
- Postgraduate qualification in genetics
Professional/ Statutory Registration
Essential
- NMC Registration (if applicable)
Previous Experience
Essential
- Experience in a clinical / research/academic environment
- Experience of working in a public facing role and or caring environment
- Leadership experience
Desirable
- Experience of developing and implementing policies and procedures
- Operational experience of working within a clinical genetics service
- Experience of recruiting, educating and monitoring patients within a clinical environment
Skills/ Knowledge/ Ability
Essential
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, and ability to demonstrate sensitivity and maturity when faced with difficult personal circumstances.
- Understanding of resource management, health and safety, clinical risk and quality issues
- Proficient use of Microsoft Applications (Word, Excel and Outlook)
- Ability to organise , prioritise and co-ordinate work of self and others
- Accountability - Takes responsibility for own actions and promotes good team working
- Openness - Shares information and good practice appropriately
Desirable
- Knowledge of research design and methodologies
- Knowledge of analytical processes
- Able to give advice on the organization and management of research processes
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.
