JOB DESCRIPTION
1.
JOB DETAILS
Job Title:
Reports to:
Accountable to:
Grade:
Unit/Department:
Location:
2.
JOB PURPOSE




3.
Registered Clinical Scientist (Molecular Genetics)
Scientific Director of Molecular Genetics
Scientific Director of the Molecular Genetics
Clinical Scientist Band 7
Leeds Genetics Laboratory
Leeds Teaching Hospital Trust (SJUH)
Responsible for delivery and scientific development of a high quality diagnostic
Clinical Molecular Genetics Service.
Scientific lead in service provision for specified diseases.
Provide advice to Consultants and other users.
Participate in forming national best-practice policy.
JOB DIMENSIONS
Leeds Genetics Laboratory provides a diagnostic genetic services at a regional, national and
international level. Over 10,000 referrals for molecular genetic testing are received per year , with
over 6000 diagnostic reports generated. The post holder will independently discuss, advise and
challenge clinicians and scientists, including Consultants (both from genetics and other disciplines),
GPs and national Heads of Genetic Services on the complex interpretation of results which may be
sensitive or contentious. This will involve working closely with the Scientific Director of the
Molecular Genetics Laboratory, and other senior scientific and clinical colleagues.
The post holder will provide input to ensure a high standard of service that is both cost effective and
efficient. Working with the Translational Genomics Unit, a joint NHS and University resource, the
post holder will use the latest technology to develop existing services and introduce new tests.
The postholder will present scientific findings at national and international scientific meetings. They
will be involved in formulation of national and international best practice guidelines for molecular
genetic tests.
In consultation with the Training Officer, the post holder will design and deliver training modules for
trainee members of staff in areas of expertise.
There is a teaching relationship with the University of Leeds and the post holder may contribute
towards supervision of project work of Biology and Medical undergraduates.
4.
ORGANISATIONAL CHART
Head of Pathology Services
Head of Genetics Services
Scientific Director of DNA Laboratory
Deputy Director of DNA Laboratory
Principal Clinical Scientists
Registered Clinical
Scientists
Pre-registration Clinical
Scientists
Senior Genetic Technologists
Genetic
Technologists
Assistant Genetic
Technologists
Clerical / Administrative
Staff
5.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE REQUIRED
ESSENTIAL













First Degree in a Biological subject with a strong genetics component, or equivalent.
Postgraduate Certificate in Clinical Molecular Genetics or equivalent.
Further qualification or knowledge equivalent to master’s level.
Preparation towards Part I membership of the Royal College of Pathologists (FRCPath).
Registration with Health Professions Council as Clinical Scientist in Genetics,
Advanced theoretical knowledge of clinical molecular genetics including routine and specialised
bioinformatic methods, quality assurance and problem solving.
Knowledge of national, professional and NHS guidelines relating to service provision and quality.
Recognise and highlight areas in their own work and others’ where there is a risk of clinical error.
Understanding of health and safety procedures/issues.
Understand issues relating to financial management, resource allocation and procurement.
Advanced analytical (technical) and interpretative skills and ability to analyse complex situations.
To take personal responsibility for own decisions and advice.
Able to use and manipulate laboratory computer systems and standard software packages.











Able to work as part of a team, and recognise how personal goals relate to those of the department
and Trust.
Good oral and written communication skills including teaching.
Able to prepare and present complex scientific and clinical information at local, national or
international conferences.
Able to maintain concentration for prolonged intervals on complex activities despite frequent
interruptions.
Able to establish and maintain effective networks with professional and clinical colleagues within
and beyond the Trust.
Good hand eye co-ordination for fine manipulation of instrumentation.
To maintain self control in difficult and challenging situations.
Able to troubleshoot under pressure, for instance while performing prenatal or predictive tests for
adult-onset genetic diseases, with limited reporting timescales.
Able to identify R & D needs in own area and participate in R & D activities.
Able to participate in internal audit activities.
Able to participate in clinical audit and present reports.
DESIRABLE





6.





7.







Doctorate, or knowledge to equivalent level.
Part 1 membership of the Royal College of Pathologists (FRCPath)
To have demonstrated specialist knowledge at a national or international level.
Involvement in formulation of national, professional and NHS guidelines relating to service
provision and quality.
Experience of membership of committees at and national level.
CORE VALUES
Quality focus: Maintenance of highest standards in laboratory tests and reports, with reference to
best practice guidelines, National External Quality Assessment Scheme (NEQAS), Clinical Audit,
Internal Audit and Clinical Pathology Accreditation. Respond to mistakes in a way which leads to
learning and service improvement.
Attention to detail: Observance of high laboratory standards; operating according to up to date
Standard Operating Procedures.
Patient orientation: Relating activities back to patient care; Clinical Audit.
Demonstration of honesty, integrity, self-confidence and self-control.
Open to change: Readiness to respond in a timely fashion to research, technological, strategic and
financial change in this rapidly changing field.
CORE BEHAVIOURS AND SKILLS
shares information openly with other team members and works in partnership with others to solve
a problem
provides support and guidance to other team members
listens to, values and acknowledges contributions from others
supports and complies with team decisions
open to new approaches and copes with changing targets
helps others to adjust their behaviour to changing circumstances
develops and initiates strategies in response to change































8.


takes action to resolve issues within their own control
makes active efforts to influence events impacting on their own work
makes active efforts to influence the work of the team, takes responsibility for making appropriate
decisions
relates well to people at all levels and backgrounds
shows tolerance and patience towards others
fosters and maintains positive working relationships
uses rational argument and data to persuade others
manages conflict diplomatically and calmly
deals sensitively with service users
responds to users requests promptly
takes user complaints seriously
establishes and responds to user needs and requirements
monitors and continuously reviews service processes and outcomes and looks for ways of
improving service quality
seeks and welcomes feedback and doesn't react defensively when confronted with mistakes or
development needs
consistently attempts to try learning in the workplace and from experiences
develops and maintains effective networks
makes conscious choices about their own personal development identifies their own strengths and
weaknesses and orchestrates appropriate development opportunities
delegates appropriate tasks and responsibility
allows others the authority to accomplish tasks effectively
makes effective presentations and speaks confidently in front of a group, including large group or
audience, and at national and international meetings of peers
adapts speech to the appropriate level for audiences
makes logical, soundly reasoned decisions, considering a range of possible alternatives
consults appropriately and seeks relevant information, including financial, before making
recommendations
remains objective and rational when dealing with emotive issues
sets deadlines and timescales for managing their own workload
plans actions to achieve objectives to schedule and produces detailed project plans
anticipates problems and difficulties and makes contingency plans
understands the long term strategy and objectives of their own department taking into account of
the strengths and weaknesses of the organisation
generates innovative suggestions and ideas to improve performance and build on others’ ideas
including adapting existing processes and novel applications for existing systems, and introducing
new processes
stands up for their own point of view, even against opposition, and speaks with sincerity and
conviction
shows enthusiasm for their own initiatives and acknowledges their own successes
CORE KNOWLEDGE AND UNDERSTANDING
Advanced knowledge of specified range of genetic diseases and molecular mechanisms as
described in current literature
Knowledge of strategies and methods of cytogenetic and molecular genetic analysis, including
financial implications








9.
Knowledge of equipment used for automated genetic analysis, and understanding of other available
equipment
Understanding of clinical features of genetic diseases and counselling and ethical issues
Understanding of services provided by other pathology departments, the organisation and other
genetic centres
Knowledge of internal and external quality assurance and national and international best practice
standards
Understanding of health and safety procedures
Understanding of department and Trust policies and procedures
Knowledge of IT resources in relation to genetic diagnosis, including bio-informatics
Knowledge of mathematical approaches to determine genetic risk
PRINCIPAL DUTIES & AREAS OF RESPONSIBILITY
Clinical














Take personal responsibility for delivery of molecular genetics service for specific diseases and
others as required.
Determine appropriate tests for individual cases. Prioritise testing and reporting to ensure reporting
targets are met for all samples, including urgent predictive and prenatal tests. Liase with technical
staff.
Perform molecular analyses including PCR, Sanger sequencing, fluorescent mutation detection
methods and Next Generation Sequencing. Ensure laboratory stocks are maintained, in particular
in own areas of work. Preparation and documentation of laboratory reagents.
Analyse and interpret results of tests, which may occasionally be highly complex or non-routine,
and consider further investigations. For example, performing genotype/phenotype correlations,
Bayesian and other risk calculations.
Responsibility for validating results generated by laboratory staff ensuring internal quality control.
Develop bioinformatics skills to process laboratory data, compare results and interpret data.
Prepare patient reports. Perform genetic risk calculations as appropriate, taking national and
professional guidelines or equivalent standards into account, based on information from the current
literature and electronic resources.
Ensure data is recorded accurately in databases for audit purposes.
Keep accurate records of all clinically relevant email, telephone and verbal communications.
Participate in ‘Duty Scientist’ rota. This involves gatekeeping all samples received, co-ordinating
DNA extractions with technical staff, performing data checks, ensuring appropriate action for all
samples, and acting as primary contact for scientific and service enquiries. Identify cases for
discussion with Consultant Clinical Geneticists
Identify and communicate with other UK and international genetic centres providing specialised
services for rare genetic diseases with regard to patient testing.
Perform DNA extractions for non-routine samples, e.g. prenatal samples.
Independently discuss, advise and challenge Consultants and other users, on the appropriateness of
tests and the interpretation of molecular genetics results, which may be complex, sensitive or
contentious.
Propose changes which may impact on policies within the molecular genetics laboratory and
suggest changes which may impact outside, for example Clinical Genetics.
Managerial






Follow departmental Clinical Pathology Accreditation policy by producing and maintaining
standard operating procedures.
Suggest areas appropriate for laboratory internal audit, and perform specified audit activities.
Responsibility for scheduling day-to-day case management of trainee scientists and practitioners
including advice and troubleshooting.
Provide direction and support for scientific and technical staff within the laboratory as required.
Suggest and research laboratory equipment requirements, including IT hardware and software, and
investigate appropriate suppliers taking into account cost, reliability, staff feedback and other
factors.
Organise and schedule staff meetings, including inviting external speakers.
Scientific / Research and Development






Present scientific findings at department, national and international scientific meetings.
Responsibility for planning, performing, reporting and publishing research arising from laboratory
investigations.
Involvement in formulation of national and European best-practice guidelines by presentation and
debate.
Ongoing development of molecular genetics services for specific diseases, incorporating
technological and scientific developments and re-addressing clinical need. Ensure service
standards meet national guidelines, including UK National External Quality Assurance Scheme
recommendations, in consultation with Quality Manager.
Development of new services to national Genetic Testing Network in consultation with senior
scientific staff.
Maintain an up-to-date knowledge of clinical molecular genetics in general with particular
reference to own caseload.
Teaching and Training




Participate in the teaching and training of personnel working in or seconded to the Department of
Clinical Genetics; e.g. Trainee Heathcare Scientists and Practitioners, undergraduate project
students, Registrars.
Attend relevant scientific conferences and workshops.
Attend and present literature and laboratory reviews.
Be actively preparing for FRCPath Part 1 and maintain training record.
Health and Safety/Risk Management
All staff are responsible for working with their colleagues to maintain and improve the quality of
services provided to our patients and other service users. This includes complying at all times with the
Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust Policies, including Health and Safety policies, in particular by
following agreed safe working procedures, and reporting incidents using the Trust Incident Reporting
system.
Equality and Diversity
The jobholder must co-operate with all policies and procedures designed to ensure equality of
employment. Co-workers, patients and visitors must be treated equally irrespective of gender, ethnic
origin, age, disability, sexual orientation, religion etc.
Training and Personal Development – Continuous Professional Development
The jobholder must take responsibility in agreement with his/her line manager for his/her own personal
development by ensuring that Continuous Professional Development remains a priority. The jobholder
will undertake all mandatory training required for the role and take part in an annual performance
review.
Respect for Patient Confidentiality
The jobholder should respect patient confidentiality at all times and not divulge patient information
unless sanctioned by the requirements of the role.
10.
COMMUNICATION & WORKING RELATIONSHIPS
The post holder’s main communication channels will be: Within the Genetics Departments
Head of DNA Laboratory
Laboratory Management Team
Laboratory Clinical Scientists and Medical Technical Officers
Other DNA Laboratory support staff
Head of Genetics Service
Consultants and Specialist Registrars
Genetic Counsellors
Translational Genomics Unit
Within the Trust but outside the department
Consultants
Other Medical Staff
Pathology and Trust IT staff
Outside the Trust
Other Medical staff
Leeds University and other research groups
Clinical Molecular Genetics Society
Clinical Scientists in other Molecular Genetics Laboratories
The British Society for Genetic Medicine
Royal College of Pathologists
Manufacturers and suppliers
11.
SPECIAL WORKING CONDITIONS
The post holder will work for a substantial proportion of the working time in a clinical laboratory
environment. As such, work will be under controlled conditions where chemical, biochemical and
radioactive materials are handled. Under normal circumstances these hazards are contained, the post
holder will be required to use appropriate personal protective equipment, and undergo appropriate
training. There may be occasional exposure to uncontrolled hazards after spillage or leakage.
The post holder will occasionally be exposed to highly unpleasant working conditions - processing of
tissue/body fluids. There is occasional requirement for processing of high-risk biological specimens
(eg hepatitis C, HIV).
The post holder is required to travel between hospital sites to attend meetings approximately twice a
month; there is also occasional travel to the Newcastle regional genetics laboratory (Genetic
Laboratories, Yorkshire and Northern Collaboration partner). The post holder will occasionally attend
national or international scientific meetings, at any UK venue, or further afield.
12.
JOB DESCRIPTION AGREEMENT
Jobholder’s Signature:…………………………………
Date:………………………
Head of Department’s Signature:……………………… Date:………………………
Head of Department’s Job Title:………………………………………………………..