Job summary
Clinical Scientist in Infection Sciences (17 months fixed term)
Be part of our journey through transformational change and implementation of cutting-edge technologies.
An exciting opportunity for a 17-month fixed term Clinical Scientist specialising in Microbiology has arisen, based within the Synnovis Infection Sciences Department at St. Thomas' Hospital.
We are looking for an HCPC-registered Clinical Scientist to support the microbiology service with in depth knowledge of molecular and non-molecular diagnostics. Emphasis will be on selection and validation/verification of new assays for use in our transformed service in a state-of-the-art hub at Blackfriars, due in late 2024. Therefore some cross-site working is expected.
Infection Sciences carries out a large range of diagnostic tests for both microbiology and virology. We have a successful collaboration with scientific and medical teams at Guy's and St Thomas' Hospital, resulting in being at the forefront of implementing next generation sequencing into clinical service. The post holder will be part of a small, enthusiastic Clinical Scientist team that leads an active service development programme in order to develop and maintain a high quality service. Responsibilities will include delivering service improvements and providing training for other staff from Synnovis and the Trust. There will be opportunities to get involved in implementation of next generation sequencing using Oxford Nanopore Technology workflows.
Main duties of the job
Duties will include the provision of scientific leadership in microbiology diagnostic services particularly in terms of implementation of new assays for the new hub laboratory due in late 2024. The post-holder will be required to follow the change control process to ensure new assays and technologies are appropriately validated and implemented. They will initiate, develop and supervise appropriate evaluations of new assays and technologies, ensuring Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and competencies are written and signed off prior to translation of new assays into service.
The Infection Sciences Laboratory is UKAS ISO15189 accredited and uses traditional and automated methods across microbiology and virology, including AusDiagnostics, BDMax, Liaison XL, Abbott Architect, Abbott AlinityM and Hologic Panthers. Work is ongoing for the implementation of Oxford Nanopore Technologies for viral sequencing and respiratory metagenomics. The move to the hub will see the introduction of new equipment including BD Kiestra and Phoenix, and the postholder will be expected to be involved in verification of these new platforms.
This is a fantastic opportunity for a self-motivated individual to work with a dedicated and friendly team in Infection Sciences supporting the Service Delivery Manager and Clinical Scientists to help transform our services.
To arrange a visit or discuss this post please contact Penny Cliff, Lead Clinical Scientist at penny.cliff@gstt.nhs.uk
About us
In partnership with the Directorate of Infection, there are regular opportunities to access discipline-specific clinical and scientific professional development. You will also have a suite of learning opportunities available through The Synnovis Way Development programme and the Scientific Learning and Development Fund.
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.
Job description
Job responsibilities
At Synnovis, we are currently shaping the future of pathology services by creating a world-leading Hub and Spoke pathology network with our NHS partners. A large part of this modernisation will involve moving 70% of our services to a purpose built, state of the art Hub laboratory in the heart of London.
For now, the job you are applying for will be based at one of our hospital sites however, from 1 April 2024 our people and services will start to move to our Hub laboratory in Blackfriars, Southwark, SE1, with some work remaining in refurbished essential services laboratories across our hospital network, focusing on the rapid turnover of urgent tests. Please do ask your recruiting manager if you wish to find out more.
Summary of job description
Service development:
- To provide scientific leadership in specialist microbiology and virology diagnostic services particularly in terms of molecular assays.
- To design, initiate and develop robust assays of relevance to patient management.
- The post holder will also be expected to monitor current assays in service, recommending improvements when indicated.
- To initiate and supervise appropriate evaluations of new assays and technologies.
- Search and appraise scientific literature and other sources of information critically.
- Ensure that all assay development and evaluations are ISO compliant and conducted in a timely manner, and all validation processes and documentation are completed according to designated laboratory protocols.
- Responsibility for ensuring that Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and competencies are written and signed off prior to translation of new assays into service.
- To provide highly specialised scientific advice and technical support for the development and translation of assays into the diagnostic service.
- To initiate, develop and conduct novel service development projects in a self-directed manner.
- To propose changes to diagnostic policies and procedures based upon research and development evidence and to implement those changes within defined parameters.
- To participate in working parties and liaison groups as necessary, in order to provide specialist scientific support.
Service delivery:
- To implement further as required or routine molecular and non-molecular diagnostic services with analysis and interpretation of complex results.
- As part of service support, conduct diagnostic assays as required.
- To propose changes to, and produce and implement, SOPs and service provision policies for diagnostic assays.
Synnovis is a pathology partnership between SYNLAB UK and Ireland, and the NHS, including sites, Guys & St Thomas NHS Foundation Trust and Kings 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.
GSTT
Guys and St Thomas Hospital Foundation Trust is a major emergency and specialist teaching Trust which has all the specialties associated with a fascinating and career defining case load including: Womens Services, Fetal Medicine, Haematology, Oncology, Transplantation, and is also home to the Evelina Childrens Hospital and the Cancer Centre on the Guys site.
You will be close to the vibrant Borough Market and the South Bank, which are exceptional London locations; perfect places to work and relax next to such iconic venues as Big Ben, The London Eye and The Shard!
Job description
Job responsibilities
At Synnovis, we are currently shaping the future of pathology services by creating a world-leading Hub and Spoke pathology network with our NHS partners. A large part of this modernisation will involve moving 70% of our services to a purpose built, state of the art Hub laboratory in the heart of London.
For now, the job you are applying for will be based at one of our hospital sites however, from 1 April 2024 our people and services will start to move to our Hub laboratory in Blackfriars, Southwark, SE1, with some work remaining in refurbished essential services laboratories across our hospital network, focusing on the rapid turnover of urgent tests. Please do ask your recruiting manager if you wish to find out more.
Summary of job description
Service development:
- To provide scientific leadership in specialist microbiology and virology diagnostic services particularly in terms of molecular assays.
- To design, initiate and develop robust assays of relevance to patient management.
- The post holder will also be expected to monitor current assays in service, recommending improvements when indicated.
- To initiate and supervise appropriate evaluations of new assays and technologies.
- Search and appraise scientific literature and other sources of information critically.
- Ensure that all assay development and evaluations are ISO compliant and conducted in a timely manner, and all validation processes and documentation are completed according to designated laboratory protocols.
- Responsibility for ensuring that Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and competencies are written and signed off prior to translation of new assays into service.
- To provide highly specialised scientific advice and technical support for the development and translation of assays into the diagnostic service.
- To initiate, develop and conduct novel service development projects in a self-directed manner.
- To propose changes to diagnostic policies and procedures based upon research and development evidence and to implement those changes within defined parameters.
- To participate in working parties and liaison groups as necessary, in order to provide specialist scientific support.
Service delivery:
- To implement further as required or routine molecular and non-molecular diagnostic services with analysis and interpretation of complex results.
- As part of service support, conduct diagnostic assays as required.
- To propose changes to, and produce and implement, SOPs and service provision policies for diagnostic assays.
Synnovis is a pathology partnership between SYNLAB UK and Ireland, and the NHS, including sites, Guys & St Thomas NHS Foundation Trust and Kings 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.
GSTT
Guys and St Thomas Hospital Foundation Trust is a major emergency and specialist teaching Trust which has all the specialties associated with a fascinating and career defining case load including: Womens Services, Fetal Medicine, Haematology, Oncology, Transplantation, and is also home to the Evelina Childrens Hospital and the Cancer Centre on the Guys site.
You will be close to the vibrant Borough Market and the South Bank, which are exceptional London locations; perfect places to work and relax next to such iconic venues as Big Ben, The London Eye and The Shard!
Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential
- Registration as a Clinical Scientist with the HCPC
- MSc in relevant subject
- Evidence of continuing professional development
Desirable
- FRCPath Part 1
- PhD or equivalent in a relevant subject
Experience
Essential
- Experience of assay design, evaluation and validation of molecular and non-molecular assays in Infection Sciences
- General diagnostic microbiology
- Microbiology research and development
- Team leadership and project management
- Teaching, training and supervision
Desirable
- Experience of next generation sequencing
- General diagnostic virology
- Virology research and development
Skills and Knowledge
Essential
- Ability to independently develop molecular and non-molecular techniques
- Good knowledge of molecular and non-molecular clinical diagnostics
- Specialist knowledge in research and development of diagnostic assays and translation into service
- Health & Safety legislation and procedures required for direct contact with clinical samples and pathogenic organisms, including at Containment Level 3, and Control of Substances Hazardous to Health regulations
- Quality Control and Assurance
Desirable
- Familiarity with molecular diagnostic software for example; sequence annotation, PCR primer design, bioinformatics databases etc.
Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential
- Registration as a Clinical Scientist with the HCPC
- MSc in relevant subject
- Evidence of continuing professional development
Desirable
- FRCPath Part 1
- PhD or equivalent in a relevant subject
Experience
Essential
- Experience of assay design, evaluation and validation of molecular and non-molecular assays in Infection Sciences
- General diagnostic microbiology
- Microbiology research and development
- Team leadership and project management
- Teaching, training and supervision
Desirable
- Experience of next generation sequencing
- General diagnostic virology
- Virology research and development
Skills and Knowledge
Essential
- Ability to independently develop molecular and non-molecular techniques
- Good knowledge of molecular and non-molecular clinical diagnostics
- Specialist knowledge in research and development of diagnostic assays and translation into service
- Health & Safety legislation and procedures required for direct contact with clinical samples and pathogenic organisms, including at Containment Level 3, and Control of Substances Hazardous to Health regulations
- Quality Control and Assurance
Desirable
- Familiarity with molecular diagnostic software for example; sequence annotation, PCR primer design, bioinformatics databases etc.
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.
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.
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).
