Job Description
Job title:
Clinical Scientist
Division:
Queen Square
Board/corporate function: Specialist Hospitals
Salary band:
TBC
Responsible to:
Deputy Head of Neurogenetics Laboratory
Accountable to:
Head of Neurogenetics Laboratory
Hours per week:
37.5
Location:
Queens Square
University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust (UCLH) is one of the most
complex NHS trusts in the UK, serving a large and diverse population. In July 2004,
we were one of the first NHS trusts to achieve Foundation Trust status.
We provide academically-led acute and specialist services, to people from the local
area, from throughout the United Kingdom and overseas.
Our vision is to deliver top-quality patient care, excellent education and world-class
research. We provide first-class acute and specialist services across eight sites:

University College Hospital (incorporating the Elizabeth Garrett Anderson Wing)

National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery

Eastman Dental Hospital

Royal National Throat, Nose and Ear Hospital

Heart Hospital

Royal London Hospital for Integrated Medicine

University College Hospital Macmillan Cancer Centre

The Hospital for Tropical Diseases
We are dedicated to the diagnosis and treatment of many complex illnesses. UCLH
specialises in women’s health and the treatment of cancer, cardiac, infection,
neurological, gastrointestinal and oral disease. It has world class support services
including critical care, imaging, nuclear medicine and pathology.
The Neurogenetics Unit is situated within the Department of Molecular Neuroscience
at the National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery. The unit provides a regional
genetic service for inherited neurological disease and a national and international
diagnostic service for rare neurogenetic disorders.
Job Purpose
To participate in and facilitate the provision of the molecular genetic diagnostic service
for inherited neurological disorders in particular dementia and brain ion channel
diseases under the supervision of senior Clinical Scientists and the Head of
Laboratory.
Key Working Relationships
The role requires the communication of specialist knowledge on a regular basis in
relation to the genetic tests provided. This includes liaison with:
 Clinical Neurogenetics consultants
 Genetics counsellors and nurses
 Clinicians
 Academic researchers
 Head of Service, Head of Neurogenetics Laboratory and colleagues in
UK regional molecular genetics centres
 Internal and external service users
The organisational chart overleaf illustrates key working relationships within the
Neurogenetics Department.
Key Results Areas
Provide advice to clinicians, scientists and other health care professionals
Assist in the training and personal development of all members of staff.
Undertake research and development.
Participate in clinical and laboratory audit.
Main Duties and Responsibilities
Scientific
1. Participate in the provision of the Neurogenetics diagnostic service, working
within the agreed organizational structure of the department. The post
holder will apply their technical and scientific knowledge of inherited disease
to:
 Supervise the work of junior members of staff in the implementation of
laboratory procedures for the receipt of specimens, assessment of suitability
of referrals and recording of patient data. This involves daily exposure to
potentially harmful chemicals and human tissue.
 Direct, supervise and monitor technical and analytical procedures carried out
by junior members of staff.
2. Take personal responsibility for an appropriate proportion of the total
workload on a rotational basis as required by the Head of laboratory. Within
the designated area they will:
 Prioritise analysis of samples, taking into account the urgency of referral e.g.
prenatal analyses, analyses that affect clinical management
 Analyse samples using a broad range of complex scientific analytical
equipment and procedures.
 Interpret results of complex analyses.
 Interrogate laboratory and public genetic databases to allow the interpretation
of non-routine results, including the detection of novel mutations of unknown
clinical significance.
 Interpret complex results up to own level of competence and discuss with
senior members of staff.
 Generate reports using standard laboratory information management system
defaults.
 Check and validate results of other scientists up to level of competence,
referring on to senior members of staff where appropriate.
 Ensure accurate, expeditious and appropriate completion of work.
 Maintain standards of quality of work within the laboratory in accordance with
the requirements of the service and the specific protocols of the laboratory
and ensure that any remedial action if timely and effective.
 Advise clinical colleagues on submission of specimens, the appropriateness
of referrals and interpretation of results.
Organisational




Ensure that all incidents and errors are recorded, for review at appropriate
level.
Ensure implementation of procedures according to written laboratory
protocols where applicable and to be responsible for updating procedures
according to the departmental policy.
Communicate difficult and/or unresolved problems to senior members of staff.
Take personal responsibility for promoting a safe environment and safe
patient care by identifying areas of risk and following the Incident, Serious
Incidents and Near Misses reporting policy and procedure.
Technical

Maintain stocks of reagents and consumables to ensure the proper functioning
of the laboratory and efficient use of resources.

Ensure that all routine equipment is used appropriately and safely and that any
faults are reported for immediate rectification.

Ensure that all expensive and highly complex genetic analysers are used
appropriately, safely, effectively and economically.

Implement relevant documentation and record keeping processes including the
use of computerised laboratory information systems and assist with retrieval
and presentation of data as required.
Teaching and training

Participate in the training and teaching of junior members of staff and other
professional groups in all aspects of molecular genetics/Neurogenetics as
required.

As part of professional development attend seminars, tutorials and in-house
training sessions and other appropriate in-service education programmes as
required and keep up to date with changes and advances in bioinformatics
such as journals and professional literature.

Undertake private study to attain a high level of appropriate scientific skill and
knowledge, including keeping up to date with current journals and literature

Undertake private study to keep abreast of advances in bioinformatics
resources.
Research and development

Undertake relevant development and research programmes as discussed with
and approved by senior members of staff.

Publish in peer reviewed journals and present papers at scientific meetings as
required.

Present data and findings at National and International conferences.

Assist in the evaluation, development and implementation of new diagnostic
and technological procedures, including computerised laboratory information
system.

Evaluate complex genetic analytical software to improve the accuracy and
efficiency laboratory processes.

Participate in regular laboratory and clinical audit to maintain and improve the
quality of the service.

Propose alterations in standard protocols and procedures to improve the
efficiency and quality of the service.

Propose alterations to the computerised laboratory information management
system, as determined by service development.
General



Participate in internal and external quality assurance schemes.
Participate in ensuring all laboratory practices conform to the standards
specified by ISO15189.
Co-operate with management and safety representatives in matters
connected with the Health and Safety at Work Act and Codes of Practice for
safety in laboratories, and to take responsibility for ensuring that work within
the section is undertaken according to the laboratory safety protocols.

Provide cover for other members of staff as required. The post holder is
expected to work such hours as are required for the effective and timely
performance of duties as specified in terms of the professional contract of
employment.

Undertake responsibility for specialised areas of work or nominated
departmental duties, as approved or required by the Head of Department (see
personal role and responsibilities).

To adhere to the UCLH Service Commitment "Putting Patients First" and adopt
a professional approach to customer care at all times.
To comply with the Trust’s Equal Opportunities Policy and treat staff, patients,
colleagues and potential employees with dignity and respect at all times.
To take personal responsibility for ensuring that UCLH resources are used
efficiently and with minimum wastage and to comply with the Trust's Standing
Financial Instructions (SFIs).
To comply with Trust policies for personal and patient safety and for prevention
of healthcare-associated infection (HCAI); this includes a requirement for
rigorous and consistent compliance with Trust policies for hand hygiene, use of
personal protective equipment and safe disposal of sharps.
To be aware of and adhere to all Trust policies and procedures, the Health and
Safety at Work Act and the Data Protection Act.
To maintain confidentiality at all times.





Personal role and responsibilities
Take day to day responsibility for the analysis of dementia and brain ion channel
disorders. This involves applying specialist knowledge of molecular/Neurogenetics and
to:
Attend regular meetings with clinical consultant and senior members of
scientific staff to monitor the service, prioritise analysis, discuss results and
review service policies.

Perform highly complex analytical procedures using expensive and complex
equipment.

Interpret results and discuss findings with senior members of staff.

Generate reports for authorisation by senior members of staff.

Train other members of clinical and scientific staff in the theoretical and
practical aspects of the molecular genetic analysis.

Participate in reviewing, developing and implementing department policies and
procedures

Take an active role in identifying and implementing service improvements
liaising with key stakeholders within and outside of neurogenetics.

Responsible for supervision of Junior staff and trainees on a daily basis.
Other
The job description is not intended to be exhaustive and it is likely that duties may be
altered from time to time in the light of changing circumstances and after consultation
with the post holder.
You will be expected to actively participate in annual appraisals and set objectives in
conjunction with your manager. Performance will be monitored against set objectives.
Our Vision and Values
The Trust is committed to delivering top quality patient care, excellent education and
world-class research.
We deliver our vision through values to describe how we serve patients, their families
and how we are with colleagues in the Trust and beyond.
We put your safety and wellbeing above everything
Deliver the best
outcomes
Keep people safe
Reassuringly
professional
Take personal
responsibility
We offer you the kindness we would want for a loved one
Respect
individuals
Friendly and
courteous
Attentive and
helpful
Protect your
dignity
Work in
partnership
Respect
everyone’s time
Develop through
learning
Innovate and
research
We achieve through teamwork
Listen and hear
Explain and involve
We strive to keep improving
Courage to give and
receive feedback
Efficient and
simplified
Person Specification
REQUIREMENTS
ESSENTIAL
DESIRABLE
ASSESSMENT CRITERIA
A
Knowledge and Qualifications
Up-to-date knowledge of human genetics.
I
R
T/P
E
√
Knowledge of the policies and procedures
of a diagnostic genetic laboratory.
E
√
Knowledge of Laboratory Information
Management Systems.
E
√
Knowledge of software commonly used in
the molecular genetic/neurogenetic
laboratory.
E
√
√
√
Knowledge of Bioinformatics.
D
√
Knowledge of quality management.
D
√
Understand good laboratory practice.
E
PhD in Human Genetics
√
D
√
Masters in Human Genetics or related
subject/CMGS Certificate of Competence
completed STP training/ equivalent level of
experience
E
√
Part 1 membership of the Royal College of
Pathologists (OR working towards).
E
√
State registered Clinical Scientist (HCPC)
E
√
E
√
√
√
√
√
√
Experience
Experience working as a clinical molecular
scientist within a Genetics Diagnostic
Laboratory
Experience of Human Genetics
E
Experience in a molecular genetics
laboratory
E
Experience of laboratory audit
D
Evidence of relevant research as
demonstrated by publication of peer
reviewed papers
D
Experience of using genetic analysers and
√
√
√
√
√
√
REQUIREMENTS
ESSENTIAL
DESIRABLE
ASSESSMENT CRITERIA
A
associate software packages
E
Experience of Word Processing including
the use of MS Office
E
I
R
T/P
√
Skills and Abilites
Experience of taking responsibility for :
the analysis and interpretation of genetic
test results applied to a range of diseases
and including prenatal diagnosis
E
√
maintaining specialist knowledge relevant
to new genetic tests and new technologies
E
√
providing informed opinions on equivocal
test results
E
√
ability to evaluate and implement new
genomics technologies
E
√
ability to troubleshoot, refine and improve
experimental protocols
E
√
√
√
√
√
Knowledge and understanding of:
Next generation sequencing (NGS) using
Illumina chemisty and HiSeq/MiSeq
patforms
D
√
√
√
Computer literate with experience of NGS
DNA sequencing data analysis
E
√
Sanger DNA sequencing
E
√
E
√
Participate in the maintenance of the
laboratory database
E
√
Participate in maintaining the laboratory
Quality Management system
E
√
Responsible for personally generated
records, reports and laboratory tests
E
Planning and Organisation Skills
Ensures tests are performed in
accordance with national guidelines
Information Resources
√
√
REQUIREMENTS
ESSENTIAL
DESIRABLE
ASSESSMENT CRITERIA
A
I
R
T/P
Communication
Communicates specialist knowledge on a
regular basis in relation to genetic tests
and service provided
√
E
√
Personal and People Development
Maintains an active CPD programme,
attending seminars, training courses and
best practice meetings
E
√
Supervision and training of junior staff
E
√
√
Specific Requirements
Highly developed physical skills where
accuracy necessary for manipulation of
fine tools, materials/high degree precision,
co-ordination. Hand eye co-ordination
essential for manipulating specimens for
analysis and use of fine tools or materials
requiring high degree of precision and
hand-eye co-ordination
E
√
Mental effort and concentration required to
ensure accuracy of interpretation and
reporting of test results; dealing with
regular interruptions to provide colleagues
with advice, data interpretation and opinion
E
√
Regular exposure to urgent requests for
prenatal diagnosis
E
The role involves working with and
supervising staff working with biological
materials and hazardous chemicals
E
A= Application Form
I= Interview
R-References
T/P=Test/Presentation
√
√
√