NHS GREATER GLASGOW & CLYDE
JOB DESCRIPTION
1.
JOB IDENTIFICATION
Job Title:
Healthcare Scientist (Research and Development), Band 7
Responsible to:
Head of Laboratory
Department:
Laboratory Genetics
Directorate:
Acute Diagnostics
2. JOB PURPOSE

Healthcare scientist responsible for undertaking research and development initiatives for the
genetic diagnosis of cancer.

Performs critical evaluation of new technology and subsequent implementation into routine
diagnostic service.

Performs complex and highly complex data analysis and the interpretation of complex results.

Provides highly specialist advice to colleagues and clinicians involved in the laboratory’s
research and development initiatives.
3. ROLE OF DEPARTMENT
The Laboratory Genetics department, which forms part of the West of Scotland Genetic Services
provides a comprehensive diagnostic genetic service for the patients of the West of Scotland
(population >2.7 million) and as part of the Scottish Genetics Laboratories Consortium and the Scottish
Molecular Pathology Consortium, and specialised testing for particular disorders to the whole of
Scotland, the UK and overseas. Based at the state of the art Laboratory Medicine building at the
Southern General Hospital in Glasgow, the Laboratory Genetics department is responsible for the
specialist diagnosis and/ or monitoring of patients with constitutional (prenatal and postnatal) and
acquired (malignancy) genetic abnormalities in hereditary genetic disease, solid tumours as well as
adult and childhood leukaemia. The service is funded by National Services Division, NHS Scotland.
The Laboratory Genetics department is the largest of their type in Scotland and they process in excess
of 30,000 specimens a year. They collaborate closely with other laboratories in the Laboratory Medicine
building including pathology, and with various research groups at the University of Glasgow. The
genetic laboratories provide a specialist education and training programme for our healthcare scientists
and other healthcare professionals, including continuous professional development, ensuring our
workforce is appropriately trained and developed to deliver a high quality diagnostic genetics service. In
addition, the genetic laboratories deliver a component of the MSc in Medical Genetics in collaboration
with the University of Glasgow.
1
4. ORGANISATIONAL POSITION
Head of Service,
Genetics
Clinical Genetics
Service
Head of Laboratory
Genetics
Head of Biochemical
Genetics Laboratory
Deputy Heads of
Laboratory Genetics
Principal Clinical
Scientist
Quality Manager
Principal Clinical /
Healthcare Scientists
Principal Clinical
Scientist
Training Officer
Clinical Scientists /
Healthcare Scientists /
Senior
Biomedical Scientists
Trainee Clinical
Scientists
Current Post
Biomedical Scientists /
Senior Genetic
Technologists
Healthcare Scientist
Practitioners/Genetic
Technologists
Healthcare Scientist
Assistants
Departmental
Administrators
Healthcare Scientist
Support Workers
Laboratory Genetics
5. SCOPE and RANGE
The post holder is a Healthcare Scientist (Research and Development) who has day to day
responsibility for the implementation and delivery of laboratories research and development initiatives,
and will report to the Head of Laboratory. There are >90 members of staff in the Laboratory Genetics
department section including Consultant Clinical Scientists (Head of Laboratory and Deputy Head),
Principal Clinical Scientists, Principal Healthcare Scientists, Clinical Scientists/ Healthcare Scientists
Advanced, Healthcare Scientists, Biomedical Scientists, Genetic Technologists, Healthcare Scientist
Practitioners, Healthcare Scientist Assistants, Healthcare Science Support Workers and admin and
clerical staff. The Laboratory Genetics department receives specimens from hospitals, health centres
and general practitioners from the west coast of Scotland and offers a comprehensive genetic service to
these users. It works cooperatively with the genetics, molecular pathology and molecular haematology
2
laboratories in Aberdeen, Dundee and Edinburgh as part of the Scottish Genetics Laboratories
Consortium and the Scottish Molecular Pathology Consortium. It delivers a national service for some
genetic disorders, through the UK Genetic Testing Network.
6. MAIN TASKS, DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Clinical, scientific, technical, research and development

To adhere strictly to the departmental policies and Standard Operating Procedures.

To follow Health and Safety regulations, as outlined in the laboratories protocols and policies.

To perform and organise their own work in the laboratory.

To be responsible for the time management of multiple tasks and to respond to the changing
requirements of the laboratory by taking on additional tasks and responsibilities as required.

To maintain an accurate record of all work undertaken using the Laboratory Information
Management System and databases, to document tests and results.

To undertake a variety of highly specialised and complex techniques, including Next Generation
Sequencing, as required to deliver the laboratory’s research and development initiatives.

To participate in the evaluation and validation of changes to standard operating procedures.

To develop and validate service initiatives designed to improve the efficiency of existing
services, in consultation with the head of laboratory.

To develop, validate and implement new services, in consultation with the head of laboratory.

To take part in research initiatives and investigations at a local and national level, as directed by
the head of laboratory.

To validate new equipment, and implement into routine service.

To demonstrate and apply a thorough understanding of the scientific principles involved in the
delivery of a genetic diagnostics service, including trouble shooting of existing assays, offering
advice to other colleagues and junior staff.

To analyse genetic data sets using highly specialised software packages, and to use specialist
scientific and clinical skills to interpret the results of these tests.

To offer advice to members of staff, referring clinicians and other healthcare professionals on
their work regarding the laboratory’s research and development initiatives.

Participate in internal and external quality control procedures and assessments, as directed by
the quality manager.

To present the results of service development to colleagues at internal and national meetings.

To perform other duties as deemed appropriate by the head of laboratory.
Managerial

To direct and supervise the workload of junior members of staff, as directed by the head of
laboratory

Participate in the weekly laboratory meeting, lectures, seminars and courses to facilitate
personal training and development.
3

Prepare and update documentation including Standard Operating Procedures, as directed by the
quality manager, to ensure that the department maintains its Clinical Pathology Accreditation
(CPA) UK/UKAS accreditation status

To participate in the laboratory internal audit programme as directed by the quality manager.

To present the results of audit work to colleagues at internal and national meetings.

To communicate non-compliances to the head of laboratory and quality manager.

To be aware of and follow the current regional and national policies and legislature, along
with UK best practice guidelines for genetics diagnostics for their area of work, and promote
these to others.

To assist in any other aspects of the laboratory management, including administration, and
policy and procedure updating, as directed by the head of laboratory.
Teaching and training

To train and supervise clinical/ healthcare scientists and other laboratory staff, as directed by the
training officer.

To train and supervise undergraduates, medical staff, MSc and PhD students, and other
visiting healthcare professionals in consultation with the head of laboratory or training officer.

To report any training issues to the head of laboratory or the training officer.

To take part in Continuing Professional Development activities to acquire new knowledge and
skills for service and personal development.

To represent the laboratory at local, national and international meetings, as deemed
appropriate by the head of laboratory, and to disseminating information gathered at these
meeting back to laboratory colleagues.
Enabling the employer to meet statutory requirements

Comply at all times with the departmental and NHS GG&C Health and Safety policies, security
policies, departmental operating procedures and disciplinary codes.

Report/ensure that any defect or occurrence which may affect safety at work is brought to the
attention of the Safety Officer.

Maintain an awareness of the Data Protection Act, preserving confidential patient information.
4
7a. EQUIPMENT AND MACHINERY
The post holder will:

Use basic laboratory equipment including pipettes, balances, a spectrophotometer, centrifuges
and micro-centrifuges.

Use biological safety cabinets and fume hoods for the safe handling of human specimens and
chemicals.

Operate automated laboratory equipment and instrumentation.

Operate complex, highly complex, and extremely expensive analytical equipment.

Use a personal computer and other appropriate IT equipment.
7b. SYSTEMS
The post holder will use a personal computer:

To record and extract patient information, to produce worksheets and to generate patient reports
using the Laboratory Information Management System.

To update and manage disorder specific laboratory databases, for a subset of genetic disorders.

To access the laboratories document control system (INVU).

To access the laboratory’s quality management system (Q-Pulse).

To analyse results using specialised and highly specialised software packages.

To participate in departmental audits.

To search for patient test information and simple/complex audit to produce standard and nonstandard reports as required by the head of laboratory.

To produce electronic data e.g. Word, Access, Excel, PowerPoint.

To access the intranet and internet including the e-library, for pertinent scientific literature,
particularly important for the reporting and interpretation of highly complex genetic test results.

For Datix incident reporting.
The post holder will use:

Photocopier for duplicating documentation.

Fax Machine for sending and receiving documents.

Scanners for document archiving.

Telephone for communication both internally and externally.
8.
DECISIONS AND JUDGEMENTS
The post holder must take responsibility for their work, prioritising workload when necessary. Decisions
often need to be made which require an understanding of the laboratories policies, procedures and
methodologies. These include:
5

Deciding on and prioritising own workload and the workload of others involved in the laboratory’s
research and development initiatives.

Deciding whether genetic data sets meet internal quality control parameters from research and
development initiatives.

Using their expertise and knowledge to establish new quality control parameters for new test or
technologies for implementation into routine diagnostic practice.

Using their expertise, knowledge and judgement on the most appropriate testing strategy for the
implementation of new services and developments which arise from their work.

Making decisions regarding problem assays and technical issues, troubleshooting and offering
advice and guidance to junior staff where appropriate, in consultation with head of laboratory
when necessary.

Exercising specialist professional judgements in the interpretation of complex results which
when implemented into routine diagnostic service, could have an impact on the diagnosis and
management of patients with inherited and acquired genetic disorders (e.g. prophylactic breast
surgery in patients with a family history of hereditary breast cancer or personalised and tailored
chemotherapeutic treatment in patients with lung cancer).
9. COMMUNICATIONS AND RELATIONSHIPS
The post-holder will:

Communicate as an effective team member within the Laboratory Genetics department, to
ensure optimal use of resources and the delivery of an efficient, high quality service.

Establish and maintain good communication with colleagues within the West of Scotland
Genetics Service (Laboratory Genetics Biochemical Genetics, Clinical Genetics) and in the other
laboratory disciplines within NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde, to provide an integrated high
quality service.

Communicate outcomes and updates regarding the laboratory’s research and development
initiatives with colleagues and other healthcare professionals as appropriate.

Provide easy to understand interpretation of complex laboratory data sets and results to staff
and service users.

Attend the weekly laboratory meeting and discuss laboratory issues with colleagues.

Participate in internal multi-disciplinary clinical case meetings.

Present clinical cases, laboratory data and research findings at local, national and international
scientific meetings and conferences.

Explain procedures and demonstrate techniques accurately and concisely, to other staff and
colleagues for training purposes.

Liaise with the training officer when training other members of staff.

Liaise with the quality manager for issues relating to CPA/UKAS accreditation and quality
management.

Liaise with senior management, including the head of laboratory, on other issues relating to
laboratory management.
6

Abide by the NHSGG&C policy on patient confidentiality.

Attend an annual staff review.
10. PHYSICAL, MENTAL, EMOTIONAL AND ENVIROMENTAL DEMANDS OF THE JOB
Physical demands

A combination of sitting, standing and walking is required.

A very high level of manual dexterity with excellent hand to eye co-ordination is required to carry
out highly complex analytical procedures. Often highly intricate work using tiny volumes in
single and multi-channel micro pipettes is required (less than 10ul).

Frequent requirement for sitting in a restricted position for extended periods whilst using a
computer workstation and specialist software to analyse complex data and results, or to write
and authorise patient reports with little opportunity to exercise during this time.

Requires highly developed physical skills in the use of specialist genetic diagnostic equipment of
high monetary value.
Mental demands

Ensuring accurate diagnosis of inherited conditions for which there is generally limited therapy
and the unambiguous interpretation of results for the referring clinician.

There is a frequent requirement for prolonged, intense concentration when analysing and
interpreting highly complex genetic diagnostics data and results. Often processing very large
and complex data sets from a range of different procedures.

Organisational skills, especially time management, and the ability to multi-task are very
important.

There is a requirement to prioritise workload to meet deadlines with regards to research and
development initiatives.

A laboratory is a busy environment, which makes demands on the concentration.

Regular use of extremely expensive and very fragile equipment.
Emotional demands

The handling of patient records maintaining patient confidentiality whilst liaising with multiple
healthcare professionals is particularly demanding in genetic diagnostic cases as results from
one patient often influence risks to other family members.

Emotional stress of ensuring the accurate diagnosis of inherited and acquired genetic conditions,
and the unambiguous and accurate interpretation of results and data sets.

Emotional stress of discussion patient cohorts for research and development initiatives for
example in the diagnosis of children with cancer.

The specimens can be from various sources some of which can be distressing (for example
recognisable fetal parts).
7

Frequent exposure to unpleasant working conditions, hazardous chemicals and potentially
infectious body fluids and specimens.
11. MOST CHALLENGING/DIFFICULT PARTS OF THE JOB

Working to very demanding Professional Standard Guidelines. These cover both the
necessary quality of the work undertaken and also the acceptable turn-around times.

Must have the ability to concentrate for long periods of time whilst analysing and interpreting
complex genetic diagnostic data and results.

Must be able to multi-task and deal with the unpredictable and often stressful nature of the work
carried out by the Laboratory Genetics department.

The acquisition and maintenance of knowledge with regards to laboratory procedures, and the
interpretation and the reporting of results, which must be constantly refreshed as practice and
guidelines change.

Participation in continuous personal development where there are time constraints due to
service commitments.

The ability to maintain scientific knowledge and expertise in a rapidly changing discipline to
ensure to the laboratory is able to provide the best research and development outcomes.
12. KNOWLEDGE, TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE REQUIRED TO DO THE JOB

First or Second Class Honours degree or equivalent in a biological science.

Post-graduate professional qualification as a Clinical Scientist or MSc or PhD along with
appropriate equivalent experience in cancer genetics.

Previous experience in a molecular diagnostics laboratory undertaking research and
development initiatives.

Specialist experience of molecular diagnostics techniques, including PCR, sequencing,
microarrays and FISH.

Specialist knowledge of molecular diagnostics equipment and software packages.

Considerable experience in complex molecular diagnostics data analysis and interpretation of
complex results.

Careful and meticulous, adhering to good laboratory practice.

Ability to work as a team member.

Enthusiastic, motivated and capable of prolonged concentration and attention to detail.

Computer literate.

Demonstrate continuous professional development.
8
12. JOB DESCRIPTION AGREEMENT
Job Holder’s Signature:
Date:
Head of Laboratory Signature:
Date:
9