Oxford University Hospitals NHS Trust
Job Description
JOB TITLE:
Clinical Scientist for Haematology Constitutional Genetics
GRADE:
Band 8a, Principal Clinical Scientist
DEPARTMENT:
Oxford Molecular Diagnostics Centre
HOURS OF DUTY:
Full time – 37.5 per week
ANNUAL LEAVE:
27 days + Bank holidays, increasing to 33 days + Bank
holidays after 10 years NHS service
RESPONSIBLE TO:
Consultant Clinical Scientist and Clinical Director of the
Oxford Molecular Diagnostics Centre
LOCATION:
Molecular Haematology Department, Level Four, John
Radcliffe Hospital
The Oxford Molecular Diagnostics Centre (OMDC) is an inter-disciplinary centre which has
recently been funded to undertake a major programme of translational research in molecular
diagnostics, with a particular focus on genomics technologies. This translational programme
will build on and integrate with the long-standing clinical diagnostics expertise and facilities
in the Oxford University Hospitals NHS Trust.
The post holder will be responsible for running and developing the Constitutional
Haematology Genetics section within the OMDC, which offers next generation sequencing,
arrays and complementary technologies for use in translational research and clinical
diagnostics.
The OMDC supports a range of customers from academia, clinical departments and
pharma/biotech.
The OMDC is divided into 3 main sections:
Molecular Haematology and Oncology: National Reference Laboratory for
Haemoglobinopathies and other inherited red cell defects; Reference Laboratory for
Haemostasis and Haemochromatosis; Specialist Integrated Molecular Diagnostic Service
(SIHMDS) for the NCRN and NCAT Cancer Networks; Molecular Cancer Diagnostics
Clinical Bio-informatics: Diagnostic pipeline development in collaboration with the
Wellcome Trust Centre of Human Genetics
Molecular Pathology: provision of innovative protein-based diagnostics (immuno-stains,
tissue microarrays, immunophenotyping)
Each of these sections is headed by senior clinical scientists or pathologist responsible for
providing state-of-the-art diagnostics, and for working together with the consultant clinical
scientist and the clinical director on the successful delivery of translational research
programmes.
JOB SUMMARY
This is a senior role and the post holder will be directly responsible for the running,
development and expansion of the haemoglobinopathy and inherited red cell defects
diagnostic services within the OMDC. He/she will also assist with the supervision and
development of the Haemostasis and Hemochromatosis services. The person will assume the
responsibility for individual patient outcomes within the overall responsibility of the
consultant clinical scientist and the clinical director.
The post holder is expected to engage with the on-going translational research programmes
and to work together with the management team to promote expansion of the centre’s
activities through research, the development and introduction of new diagnostic technology,
and to develop service-related professional relationships and responsibilities at a national
level.
MAIN DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES
1.
Clinical service
1.1
To be responsible with a high level of autonomy for the running and.
management of the Constitutional Haematology Genetics section. To ensure
that an efficient, high quality service is maintained at all times. To cover for the
diagnostic work in all other areas of the service if required
1.2
To be a lead specialist and a source of special expertise for Haematology
Constitutional Genetics.
1.3
Deputise for designated duties of the consultant clinical scientist in his/her
absence.
1.4
To be responsible for checking and authorising the reports generated by the
laboratory staff in section of responsibility, ensuring the results and
interpretations are accurate and that reports meet national professional
guidelines.
1.5
To be responsible for the analysis of abnormal scientific test results & their
implications by collating complex scientific evidence from database searches,
literature searches and collaboration with other scientific and clinical
colleagues.
1.6
To be responsible for communicating, interpreting and the reporting of results
of highly complex scientific tests to clinical staff and other scientists.
1.7
To be responsible for organising and allocating the workload for the Genetic
Technologists and Clinical Scientists for the Service, ensuring that adequate
backup is always available.
1.8
To undertake audit activities, documentation and analysis of patient results and
initiation and implementation of any resulting actions to improve the quality of
service
1.9
To be responsible for the monitoring and processing of referrals to the
laboratory, ensuring that specimens are prioritised and tested appropriately. To
discuss cases with referring clinicians or clinical geneticists as necessary.
2
Management and Administration
2.1
To plan and co-ordinate the activities of the Constitutional Haematology
Genetics section.
2.2
To manage the staff within the Section of responsibility. To ensure they
achieve appropriate professional training, regularly review progress and ensure
compliance with HPC requirements for continuing professional development.
To be responsible for the initial stages of grievances and disciplinary
procedures.
2.3
To supervise the induction of new staff
2.4
To develop and implement laboratory policy to ensure the service complies
with quality standards.
2.5
To assist the Heads of the Laboratory with the initiation and development of
Constitutional Haematology Genetics Service objectives, strategies and
policies.
2.6
To assist the Heads of the Laboratory in obtaining and managing funding for
Constitutional Haematology Genetics including research and development
grants, and be responsible for procurement authorisation of equipment and
supplies.
2.7
To be responsible for authorising leave, collating data for all staff absences and
co-ordinating appropriate staff cover if required.
2.8
To assist the Heads of the Laboratory with staff recruitment and retention. To
compile advertisements for posts, to short list applicants, to sit on interview
panels and participate in the selection process. To supervise the induction of
new staff.
2.9
Participate in and represent the Constitutional Haematology Genetics service at
appropriate internal and external scientific and managerial meetings as
required.
3.0
To be responsible for ensuring the Constitutional Haematology Genetics meets
the standards required by CPA, and requirements of clinical governance.
3
Scientific
3.1
To be accountable for the delivery of highly specialist technical analyses for
the complex repertoire of molecular genetics analyses provided by the
laboratory.
3.2
To participate in the delivery of the centre’s main research programmes on
technology evaluation and next generation mutation detection methods.
3.3
To undertake complex data manipulation and analysis requiring a high level of
computer skills.
3.4
To provide scientific knowledge and expertise in constitutional haematology
genetics.
3.5
To be responsible for ensuring that all members of the laboratory follow the
standard operating procedures at all times, that they maintain up to date SOP’s
for the duties assigned to them, and that annual review of all SOP’s is carried
out.
3.6
Respond to written and verbal enquires from users of the service and other
laboratories, offering advice on the interpretation of results, appropriateness
and availability of tests; type of samples required and undertake research to
answer such questions if necessary.
3.7
Participate in internal and external quality control programmes.
3.8
To represent the Constitutional Haematology Genetics services at appropriate
national and/or European Best Practice meetings, to participate in formulating
the Best Practice guidelines, and to disseminate resulting information to the
Laboratory.
3.9
To promote and supervise research and development in the laboratory, develop
new technology and mutation detection methods for Haematology Genetics , to
present data/papers at national and international scientific meetings.
4
Teaching and Training
4.1
To organise laboratory meetings, seminars and tutorials as required.
4.2
To train and supervise the training of laboratory staff. To plan and co-ordinate
appropriate training schedules for individual staff.
4.3
To monitor and review progress and ensure staff meet requirements for
maintenance of registration.
4.4
Participate with general teaching, if required.
4.5
Keep up to date with current knowledge in haematology, haematology
genetics, and clinical molecular genetics and maintain a record of continuing
professional development.
4.6
Present laboratory findings at appropriate internal and external seminars or
meetings, and through publications.
5
General
5.1
To co-operate with management and safety representatives in matters
connected with the Health and Safety at Work Act of Practice for safety in
laboratories, including Radiation Protection if appropriate.
5.2
To work such hours as are required for the effective and timely performance of
his/her duties, as specified in the terms of the contract of employment.
5.3
To undertake other duties commensurate with the post as a result of changes to
the service, as agreed by the Director of the Laboratory or Trust and reviewed
as part of the annual staff appraisal system.
5.4
The post holder must maintain the confidentiality of information about
patients, staff and other health service business in accordance with the Data
Protection Act of 1984.
Risk Management
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The post holder is responsible for the management of risk and will be provided with
the necessary education, training and support to enable them to meet this
responsibility.
The post holder should be familiar with Trust policies, including Major Incident
Policy and Fire Policy
Responsibilities for Health and Safety

The post holder is responsible for ensuring that all duties and responsibilities of this
post are carried out in compliance with the Health & Safety at Work Act 1974,
Statutory Regulations and Trust Policies and Procedures. This will be supported by
the provision of training and specialist advice where required.
Infection Control
Infection Control is everyone’s responsibility. All staff, both clinical and non clinical, are
required to adhere to the Trusts’ Infection Prevention and Control Policies and make every
effort to maintain high standards of infection control at all times thereby reducing the burden
of Healthcare Associated Infections including MRSA.
All staff employed by the OUH Trust have the following key responsibilities:

Staff must wash their hands or use alcohol gel on entry and exit from all clinical areas
and/or between each patient contact.

Staff members have a duty to attend mandatory infection control training provided for
them by the Trust.

Staff members who develop an infection (other than common colds and illness) that
may be transmittable to patients have a duty to contact Occupational Health.
PERSON SPECIFICATION
Principal Clinical Scientist – for Constitutional Haematology Genetics
Essential
Desirable
Attainments
BSc in an appropriate biological science
Higher degree in Biological Science
HPC registration as a Clinical Scientist
PhD or FRCPath part1/part 2
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Knowledge
Highly developed knowledge of principles of molecular
biology & clinical molecular genetics
Up to date knowledge of the molecular basis of
Haematological disorders and appropriate molecular
diagnostic tests.
Highly developed knowledge of haematological
phenotypes
Knowledge of requirements for day-to-day running of a
diagnostic laboratory, including Health & Safety issues.
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Skills
Highly developed laboratory skills
Ability to develop new protocols and be innovative
Excellent organisational skills
Frequent requirement for prolonged concentration to be
able to work under pressure
Excellent verbal and written communication
Knowledge of personnel and management issues
Good at team working
Computer literate
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Experience
Proven experience in clinical molecular diagnostics
Proven molecular experience in haemoglobinopathies
or other haematological disorders
Experience of writing and authorising clinical
diagnostic reports.
Laboratory management or supervision experience
Research experience and track record of publishing
scientific papers in peer reviewed journals
Active participation in conferences and scientific
meetings
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