Important Job Application Information
Thank you for your interest in NHS Tayside vacancies
Please see below Job Description/Specification and General Conditions of Service
Your Application Form must be completed in full. Please note copies of Curriculum
Vitae, Qualifications and Course Certificates will not be accepted at this stage.
Please return your completed Application Form to recruitment.tayside@nhs.net
(quoting the vacancy reference number in the subject box) or to the postal address
given on the General Conditions of Service.
All completed applications are held in Human Resources until the closing date. After
the closing date a panel will meet to prepare an interview shortlist. Once this
decision has been made, all shortlisted applicants will be emailed to invite them to
attend for interview. It is important that you check your emails regularly.
This process takes approximately 6 weeks. Therefore, if you have not been
contacted regarding interview within 6 weeks of the closing date, your application has
been unsuccessful and you will receive no further correspondence from Human
Resources.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:Find out more about living and working in Tayside at:
www.dundeecity.gov.uk
www.angus.gov.uk
www.pkc.gov.uk
Job Description
1. JOB IDENTIFICATION
Job Title
Research Scientist
Department(s)/Location
Genetics
Ninewells Hospital
Number of Job Holders
2. JOB PURPOSE
The Clinical Scientist is a career grade scientific post working in the East of
Scotland Regional Genetic Service, accountable to the Head of Service. The
post-holder is responsible for the analysis of a wide range of genetic disorders
and the interpretation and reporting of results in the context of the patient’s
clinical picture. In addition, they provide expert scientific advice to clinicians and
other healthcare professionals regarding the interpretation of diagnostic reports
and advise on the appropriateness of any further testing. They are responsible
for the development, validation and implementation of new genetic tests and
services in consultation with the Head of Laboratory, and in compliance with
relevant regulations. In addition, they also undertake the training and education
of other healthcare professionals and provide information about the discipline to
members of the public.
3. ORGANISATIONAL POSITION
See attached organisational chart
Consultant Clinical
Scientists
&
Senior Clinical
Scientists
University
Scientists
Research
Scientist
Clinical
Scientists
Laboratory
Manager
Quality
Manager
Technical
Team
4. SCOPE AND RANGE
 Provide comprehensive genetic testing for the Laboratory Genetic service.
 Provide expert scientific and clinical advice to clinicians and other healthcare
professionals regarding genetic investigations.
 Act autonomously within accepted professional guidelines while referring to a
Senior or Consultant Clinical Scientist where necessary.
 Responsible for the development, validation and implementation of new tests
and equipment into the diagnostic service
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Provides scientific and practical training to trainee Scientists, Technologists
and undergraduate medical and science students.
Take responsibility for a designated activity necessary for the Service eg
Health and Safety Lead.
Undertake clinical audit activity in consultation with a Senior Clinical Scientist
and/or Quality Manager
Spend a proportion of time on focused research and service development
Undertake Continuous Professional Development
Actively participate in the development of an integrated laboratory genetic
service.
5. MAIN DUTIES/RESPONSIBILITIES
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Undertake specialist laboratory testing for a wide range of genetic disorders.
Be responsible for managing their own diagnostic workload and that of technical
staff to prioritise sample testing based on clinical need.
Decide the most effective testing strategy to use for a particular disorder based
on the clinical information provided.
Fulfil the role of Duty Scientist on a rota basis.
Check results generated by more junior laboratory staff.
Correctly interpret the test results and write clear and concise diagnostic reports.
This interpretation may involve complex software packages for data analysis.
Check and authorise diagnostic reports for specific disorders when deemed
competent by the Head of Laboratory.
Know limits of competency and responsibility and when to seek advice from a
Senior Clinical Scientist.
Adhere to nationally agreed reporting times.
Adhere to departmental COSHH and Health and Safety regulations.
Provide expert scientific and clinical advice to other healthcare professionals
regarding genetic tests and results.
Ensure the accurate recording of patient information and the outcome of genetic
testing
Review workload and reporting time and QA performance against best practice
guidelines.
Preserve the confidentiality of patient, clinical and laboratory information with due
regards to the sensitive nature of genetic test results.
Liaise with colleagues in other genetic centres throughout the UK as well as in
other diagnostic disciplines.
Undertake all required external Quality Assessment schemes in consultation with
a Senior Clinical Scientist and Quality Manager.
Develop and implement internal Quality Assessment and Quality Control
measures in consultation with the Quality Manager.
Undertake clinical audit activity in consultation with a Senior Clinical Scientist and
/or Quality Manager.
Develop, validate and introduce new diagnostic tests and equipment into the
diagnostic service in consultation with a Senior Clinical Scientist.
Write, implement and adhere to laboratory standard operating procedures.
Provide relevant teaching and training to undergraduate medical and science
students, as well as other healthcare professionals.
Undertake and participate in focused research and development activity.
Maintain an up-to-date body of scientific and clinical knowledge sufficient to
provide appropriate test results to service users.
Participate in appropriate Continuing Professional Development activities,
including such training events specified by the Head of Laboratory.
Other responsibilities as agreed with the Head of Laboratory.
6. COMMUNICATIONS AND RELATIONSHIPS
In the course of their job, the post-holder will:
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Communicate with clinicians and other healthcare professionals concerning
patient clinical information, sample details and what genetic testing is
required/appropriate. This can be difficult when details about the patient and/or
clinician are incomplete.
Provide verbal reports on the results of genetic testing to clinicians and other
healthcare professionals while adhering to laboratory reporting policies.
Liaise with other laboratory and clinical colleagues regarding sample processing
and testing.
Prepare diagnostic reports in line with professional Best Practice guidelines.
Provide expert scientific and clinical advice to clinicians and other healthcare
professionals.
Liaise with the Quality Manager in issues relating to quality, audit and
accreditation.
Present data and information at internal departmental meetings as part of
Continuing Professional Development.
Supervise the training of more junior staff and undergraduate students
7. KNOWLEDGE, TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE REQUIRED
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First or Second Class Honours degree in a relevant biological science as a
minimum.
Evidence of having undergone approved training in Genetics (eg ACS / AHCS
Certificate of Attainment or Equivalence)
Registered as a Clinical Scientist with HCPC.
Good knowledge of standard techniques used in laboratory genetics.
Ability to perform all work in a careful and meticulous manner.
Ability to work as an effective team member in a diagnostic service.
Able to adhere to laboratory Standard Operating procedures.
Able to adhere to laboratory Health and Safety and COSHH regulations.
An understanding of the paramount need for patient confidentiality.
Commitment to Continuing Professional Development.
Computer literate
8. SYSTEMS AND EQUIPMENT
The post-holder will use dedicated laboratory information systems on a daily basis
for:
 Inputting and checking patient details and specimen information
 Selecting appropriate genetic tests and requesting diagnostic reports.
 Generating worksheets for genetic testing.
 Inputting test results and compiling patient reports.
 Generating data required by the Quality Manager for laboratory audit activity.
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Personal computer for:
 Accessing medical, scientific, technical and commercial websites for information
relating to assay design and development.
 Preparing documents and presentations as part of CPD.
 Electronic data storage e.g. Word, Access, Excel, PowerPoint used for obtaining,
inputting, searching, updating and producing information.
 Specialist genetic analysis software and accessing databases of genetic
variation.
 Accessing Q-Pulse document management system.
 Accessing the laboratory databases and electronic reporting systems.
Laboratory Equipment
 Standard laboratory equipment.
 Specialised laboratory equipment, microscopes and analysers used in the
preparation testing and analysis of patient samples covering all areas of the
laboratory repertoire.
 Electrophoresis equipment for the fractionation and analysis of nucleic acid.
 Digital image analysis systems for the visualisation and capture of data and
results.
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Responsibility for Records Management
All records created in the course of the business of NHS Tayside are corporate
records and are public records under the terms of the Public Records (Scotland)
Act 1937. This includes email messages and other electronic records. It is your
responsibility to ensure that you keep appropriate records of your work in NHS
Tayside and manage those records in keeping with the NHS Tayside Records
Management Policy and with any guidance produced by NHS Tayside specific to
your employment.
9. PHYSICAL DEMANDS OF THE JOB
The job demands a high degree of manual dexterity with excellent hand-eye
co-ordination to manipulate samples and dispense laboratory reagents.
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Accurate keyboard skills are required to enter sample information and results
onto the laboratory database, and the use of external curated databases in
interpreting findings. This can often involve the prolonged use of a personal
computer.
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The post-holder will often be required to sit for extensive periods of time either
setting up genetic tests or analysing results at a microscope or PC. This can
often be uncomfortable and demands high levels of prolonged concentration.
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Manual handling is often required as part of the job.
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10. DECISIONS AND JUDGEMENTS
The post-holder will be responsible for:
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Managing their own workload with regard to undertaking a set of genetic tests
and compiling diagnostic reports based on clinical need.
Making decisions on behalf of a group of staff, including trouble shooting and test
optimisation.
Direct and authorise appropriate testing at early stage in test pathway.
Checking patient details and sample information entered onto the laboratory
database as rota Duty Clinical Scientist. They are also responsible for selecting
the appropriate tests for each sample, requesting patient reports where
appropriate and communicating with other healthcare professionals.
Checking the work of other laboratory colleagues and reviewing the results and
work of staff in training.
Authorising patient reports when deemed competent by the Head of Laboratory.
Knowing when to seek advice from a Senior Clinical Scientist.
Anticipating and dealing with problems relating to testing for a set of genetic
disorders as well as liaising with technical staff to deal with problems with
laboratory reagents and equipment.
Undertaking focused research, development and validation activity in consultation
with the Head of Laboratory.
11. MOST CHALLENGING/DIFFICULT PARTS OF THE JOB
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Extremely high levels of prolonged concentration are required when setting
up genetic tests and subsequently analysing and entering results onto the
laboratory database. This can be extremely stressful when the laboratory is
busy and there are high demands on the post-holder’s time.
Collation, analysis and interpretation of large amounts of information and
data. This work requires high levels of concentration and attention to detail to
write complicated and interpretive reports.
Working to deadlines for issuing diagnostic reports is a continuous source of
stress that is continually increasing as the workload increases.
The primary emotional demand of the job is that very often the genetic test
result can have potentially adverse consequences for the patient. This is
particularly so when the sample is from a child or unborn baby and cases can
result in the termination of a pregnancy.
Samples are often referred to the laboratory that are distressing, for example
those from foetuses. These require to be handled and set up appropriately.
There are potential hazards, particularly a risk of infection, associated with
handling blood and other tissues from patients. In the majority of cases,
samples from high-risk individuals (Hepatitis B, C and HIV) are clearly marked
so that additional safety precautions can be taken.
There are potential hazards associated with a number of laboratory reagents
used on a regular basis. These chemicals can be toxic or cause cancer if
handled inappropriately and the risks are not only to the person handling the
substance but also to other members of the laboratory
PERSON SPECIFICATION
POST REF NO:
D/CH/91/14
POST TITLE, BAND:
Clinical Scientist Band 7
LOCATION:
Genetics, Level 6, Ninewells Hospital, Dundee
HOURS:
37.5 per week
CRITERIA
ESSENTIAL
EXPERIENCE:
Laboratory experience of Genetics
gained in an NHS laboratory
QUALIFICATIONS:
(Training; Research;
Publications)
Honours Degree in Genetics or a
Biological Science with a strong
Genetic component.
Must have undertaken an
approved postgraduate
Healthcare Scientist training
programme.
DESIRABLE
Additional experience of the
application of genetic
testing within Pathology and
Haematology.
Commitment to attain
FRCPath part1.
Registration with or eligibility to
register with the Health and Care
Professions Council (HCPC) as a
Clinical Scientist
KNOWLEDGE &
SKILLS:
PERSONAL QUALITIES:
Comprehensive knowledge of
Genetics with an in depth
knowledge of acquired disease.
Competence in standard
laboratory techniques and
applications.
Must have a high level of
computer literacy
Must have good communication
and people management skills
Conscientious and careful
Reliable worker
Good communicator with a
friendly approachable personality.
Must be highly organised
Team player who is able to work
under pressure.
Knowledge and experience
of new sequencing
technology and molecular
pathology/diagnostics would
be highly desirable.
Willing to undertake further
training and development
as required for the job.
OTHER:
(eg travel across Tayside)
On occasion must be prepared to
travel within Scotland and attend
conferences out-with Scotland as
required by the job.
General Conditions of Service
POST REF NO:
D/CH/91/14
JOB TITLE/GRADE:
Clinical Scientist, Band 7
LOCATION:
Genetics Department, Ninewells Hospital
Conditions of Service
Remuneration
Hours of Duty
Superannuation
The terms and conditions of service for this post are those
determined by the NHS Staff Council.
The current salary scale for the post is £31,072 to £40,964
per annum (pro rata for part-time staff). Placing on the scale
on appointment is normally at the minimum but may be
higher subject to verification of previous relevant service.
Salary is paid monthly by Bank Credit Transfer.
The hours of the post are 37.5 per week.
Start and finish times will be determined by the needs of the
service.
Membership of the NHS Superannuation Scheme is not
compulsory but is open to all staff between the ages of 16
and 70 (65 in some instances).
The contributions paid are a percentage of superannuable
pay, which is essentially basic pay excluding, for example,
overtime or travelling expenses.
Contribution rates with effect from 01.04.14 are as follows:
Annual Pensionable Pay
(Full-time equivalent)
Up to £15,431
£15,432 to £21,387
£21,388 to £26,823
£26,824 to £49,472
£49,473 to £70,630
£70,631 to £111,376
£111,377 and over
Annual Leave
Contribution
5%
5.6%
7.1%
9.3%
12.5%
13.5%
14.5%
Contributions are subject to tax relief and reduced National
Insurance contributions.
NHS Tayside also makes a
substantial contribution towards scheme benefits – currently
around 14% of basic pay.
On appointment = 27 days (pro rata for part-time Staff) or
5.4 weeks per year.
After 5 years aggregated service = 29 days (pro rata for parttime staff) or 5.8 weeks per year
After 10 years aggregated service = 33 days (pro rata for
part-time staff) or 6.6 weeks per year
References
Public Holidays = 8 days (pro rata for part-time staff) or 1.6
weeks per year
All offers of appointment are subject to receipt of two
satisfactory references.
Occupational Health
Clearance
All offers of appointment to new entrants to the National
Health Service are subject to a medical examination.
Medical examinations are arranged and undertaken by the
Occupational Health and Safety Advisory Service (OHSAS).
Rehabilitation of
Offenders Act 1974
(Exclusions and
Exceptions) (Scotland)
Order 2003
All current or spent criminal convictions, cautions, warnings
or any case pending must be disclosed prior to commencing
in employment as detailed on the application form.
Disclosure Scotland
Immigration, Asylum
and Nationality Act 2006
Please note that having a conviction will not automatically
debar you from obtaining employment with NHS Tayside.
Careful consideration will be given to the relevance of the
offence to the particular post in question. However, if you
are appointed, and it is found that you did not reveal a
previous conviction your employment may be terminated.
Not required
It is a criminal offence for an employer to employ anyone
who does not have permission to live or work in the UK.
Shortlisted applicants will be asked to produce specific
original documentation at interview e.g. Passport, or full birth
certificate together with an official document giving the
applicants permanent National Insurance Number and name
issued by a Government Agency or a previous employer, as
well as photocopies of these documents.
Professional Registration/ You should have current and continuing professional
Induction Standards &
registration with HCPC and hold the appropriate
Code of Conduct
qualification(s).
Smoking Policy
NHS Tayside operates a No Smoking Policy and
smoking is prohibited within NHS premises and
grounds.
Applications
Completed forms should be returned to:
recruitment.tayside@nhs.net quoting the job reference in
the subject line or to Human Resources Directorate, NHS
Tayside, Level 9, Ninewells Hospital, Dundee DD1 9SY
By closing date of 25 March 2015