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Thank you for your interest in NHS Tayside vacancies
Please see below Job Description/Person Specification and General Conditions of Service
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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
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NHS Tayside
JOB DESCRIPTION
1.
JOB IDENTIFICATION
Job Title:
Trainee Healthcare Scientist (Genetics), Band 6
Responsible to:
Head of Laboratory
Department:
Laboratory Genetics (Molecular Diagnostics), Glasgow
Directorate:
Acute Diagnostics
2. JOB PURPOSE
Although employed by NHS Tayside, the post-holder will be placed for the duration of their training in
the West of Scotland Laboratory Genetics department.
In conjunction with and supported by the Training Officer and Scheme Lead, the Trainee Healthcare
Scientist will be responsible for their own progression through the Scientist Taining Programme (STP),
for completing the learning outcomes as outlined in the Learning Guides, progressing through a mixture
of work based competence and experience in NHS scientific departments and undertaking the
complementary academic master’s programme at the designated Higher Education Institution.
At all times the Trainee Healthcare Scientist is expected to work within standard operating policies and
procedures of the host department and NHS organisation and adhere to high standards of
professionalism, health and safety, risk reduction, confidentiality, patient care and dignity, and respect
for equality and diversity.
The Trainee Healthcare Scientist will be employed for a fixed term of three years during which time they
will work through a programme of learning comprising initially three months in each of four rotations,
one of which to be Genetics which will subsequently be pursued for the remainder of the work based
programme. This will be combined with an academic programme at master’s (MSc) level over the three
year programme. The first part of the academic programme will introduce the basic science and
theoretical background of the rotational disciplines and their application in clinical science within health
as well as providing an introduction to healthcare services and values. The master’s degree includes a
research project within year 2/3.
In order to encourage learning and development, the post holder will have the chance to take an
elective rotation of 4-6 weeks. This is an opportunity to expand knowledge, broaden experience in the
specialist fields and gain valuable insight into how different services function.
3. ROLE OF DEPARTMENT
The West of Scotland Laboratory Genetics department provides a diagnostic genetic service for the
patients of the West of Scotland (population >3 million) as part of the Scottish Genetics Laboratories
Consortium and the Scottish Molecular Pathology Consortium, and also specialised testing for particular
disorders to the whole of Scotland, the UK and overseas. The department encompasses the
cytogenetics and molecular diagnostics laboratories and is based in the new state of the art Laboratory
Medicine building at the Southern General Hospital in Glasgow. Together these laboratories provide:
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specialised genetic testing to evaluate disease progression and disease monitoring in both adult and
childhood leukaemia patients; specialised genetic testing to determine personalised and tailored
chemotherapeutic treatment in the management of cancer patients; and specialised genetic testing
(diagnostic, pre-symptomatic, prenatal and pre-implantation genetic diagnosis) for patients and families
with hereditary genetic disease. These laboratories are funded by National Services Division, NHS
Scotland.
The Laboratory Genetics department processes in excess of 25,000 specimens a year. It offers rapid
prenatal aneuploidy testing to high risk pregnancies for the West of Scotland and delivers the molecular
component of the cystic fibrosis and sickle cell neonatal screening service for the whole of Scotland. It is
the specialist Scottish laboratory for minimal residual disease (MRD) testing in childhood acute
lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL).
The laboratory collaborates closely with other laboratories in the new Laboratory Medicine building
including pathology and biochemistry, and with various research groups at the University of Glasgow
and the Beatson Institute. It is the largest diagnostic genetics laboratory of its type in Scotland.
4. ORGANISATIONAL POSITION
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5. SCOPE and RANGE
The trainee will undertake the full training programme in order to progress through the modules of the
training scheme. In so doing they will learn how to perform and interpret clinical and specialist scientific
processes underpinned by theoretical and applied knowledge and practical experience and will learn
how to:
 Carry out complex scientific and clinical roles, including those working directly with patients
 Analyse, interpret and compare investigative and clinical options
 Make judgments involving complicated facts or situations that impact on patients
 Initiate and undertake innovation, improvement and R&D and be involved in the education of
healthcare science trainees and other learners in the workplace.
They will be expected to complete all work based training and assessment alongside the academic
master’s course to exit the programme with eligibility for registration with the Health and Care
Professions Council (HCPC) and use of the protected title of Clinical Scientist. In addition, they will be
expected to undertake work based experience to enable them to communicate complex technical,
scientific and sensitive information to colleagues within their department in both verbal and written forms
It is a requirement for healthcare professionals working in these roles to be registered with the HCPC.
They must meet the HCPC's standards for training, professional skills, behaviour and health.
6. MAIN TASKS, DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Clinical, scientific and technical

To adhere strictly to the departmental policies and Standard Operating Procedures.

To follow Health and Safety and COSHH regulations, as outlined in the laboratories protocols
and policies.

To undertake training in a variety of routine and complex molecular diagnostic techniques
required to deliver a molecular diagnostic service.

To perform and organise their own work in the laboratory.

To maintain an accurate record of all work undertaken using the Laboratory Information
Management System and disease specific databases, to document tests and results.

To demonstrate and apply a thorough understanding of the scientific principles involved in
the delivery of a molecular diagnostics service, including trouble shooting of existing assays.

To demonstrate the ability to analyse diagnostic genetic tests using highly specialised software
packages, and to use specialist scientific and clinical skills to interpret the results of these tests.

To demonstrate good interpretative skills needed to produce laboratory reports for routine and
complex molecular diagnostic test results from the Laboratory Information Management System,
according to laboratory protocols.

To acquire the skills during the training period to offer advice to members of staff, referring
clinicians and other healthcare professionals on appropriate investigations and interpretation of
molecular diagnostic data.

Participate in internal and external quality control procedures and assessments, as directed by
the quality manager.

The post holder will be expected to work in a variety of areas of the laboratory and will be
required to undertake secondments to other departments during the rotational elements of
training
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Education and Learning
Successfully complete the STP programme in conjunction with the local Training Officer, Scheme Lead
and National School of Healthcare Science to achieve certified competence awarded by the Academy of
Healthcare Science. Undertake suitable training within the host department and other placements to
successfully acquire core competencies and thereafter maintain the required standards of competence
when undertaking duties.
 Take responsibility for own learning and development by recognising and taking advantage of all
opportunities to learn, including appraisal, supervision, academic course and problem based
learning and maintaining a personal portfolio of learning.
 Ensure that own learning needs, identified with the Training Officer and reflecting the
requirements of the curriculum, are met.
 Retain sufficient flexibility and adaptability in learning in order to ensure full contribution to
improving services in response to changing health care needs.
 Maintain knowledge of recent scientific developments and undertake supplementary training to
develop both knowledge and skills.
 Attend mandatory training (both vocational and academic) as required.
 Participate in internal and external assessment processes.
Managerial

Participate in the weekly laboratory meeting, lectures, seminars and courses to facilitate training
and development.

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 status.

To participate in the laboratory internal audit programme as directed by the quality manager.

To present the results of audit work to colleagues as directed by the head of laboratory.

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 molecular diagnostics, and promote these to others.

To acquire skills during the training period to organise, plan and monitor the workload of
other laboratory staff.
Research and development

To develop and validate service initiatives designed to improve the efficiency of existing
services, in consultation with the head of laboratory and the laboratory training officer.

To develop, validate and implement new services, in consultation with the head of laboratory
and the laboratory training officer.

To present the results of service development to colleagues.

To participate in the evaluation and validation of changes to standard operating procedures.

To acquire skills during the training period to enable them to instigate research initiatives.
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Teaching and training

Demonstrate the ability to train and supervise other laboratory staff.

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 training officer, 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.
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
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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.

Update the training e-portfolio using the online assessment tool (OLAT)

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.
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.
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:

Demonstrate the ability to act as duty scientist rota, making decisions on appropriate molecular
diagnostic tests based on clinical information provided by clinicians, prioritising testing of the
most critical and urgent specimens.

Deciding what specimens need to be sent to other laboratories in the UK or abroad, for specialist
genetic tests which are not available in-house.
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
Deciding on and prioritising own workload and the workload of others, depending on which type
of specimens have been referred for testing e.g. prenatal diagnosis.

Deciding whether genetic test data meets internal quality control parameters, and where it
doesn’t, ensuring tests are repeated before reports are issued.

Decide whether supplementary tests are required for those cases which produce equivocal or
unexpected results, in consultation with the head of laboratory when necessary.

Demonstrate the ability to make decisions regarding problem assays, technical issues and
troubleshooting.

Demonstrate the ability to exercise specialist professional judgements in the interpretation of
complex diagnostic genetic test results.

Compiling complex diagnostic genetic test reports, ensuring the information is clear concise and
unambiguous.
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.

Communicate effectively with other healthcare professionals, responding to all enquiries as
appropriate (telephone, email or written).

Demonstrate the ability to provide easy to understand interpretation of complex laboratory
results to service users.

Demonstrate the ability to provide advice on the appropriate molecular diagnostic tests available
to 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 and national and scientific
meetings and conferences.

Demonstrate the ability to explain procedures and techniques accurately and concisely, to other
staff and colleagues for training purposes.

Liaise with the training officer on matters regarding training.

Liaise with the quality manager for issues relating to CPA accreditation and quality
management.

Liaise with senior management, including the head of laboratory, on other issues relating to
laboratory management.

Abide by the NHSGG&C policy on patient confidentiality.

Attend an annual staff review.
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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 molecular diagnostic equipment
of high monetary value.
Mental demands

Frequent requirement for intense concentration whilst studying some of which may have to be
done outside of the regular working day.

Ensuring accurate diagnosis of acquired genetic disorders and the unambiguous interpretation
of results for the referring clinician for cancer patients.

There is a frequent requirement for prolonged, intense concentration when analysing and
interpreting complex molecular diagnostics data and results. Often processing large and
complex data sets to issue final reports from a range of different procedures.

Work pattern can be unpredictable due to demands of the service, especially when an urgent
specimen from a cancer patient must be processed immediately.

Organisational skills, especially time management, and the ability to multi-task are very
important.

There is a requirement to prioritise workload to meet deadlines.

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 diagnostic genetics cases.

Emotional stress of ensuring the accurate diagnosis of acquired genetic conditions, and the
unambiguous and accurate interpretation of results to the referring clinician.

Emotional stress of communicating adverse clinical outcomes for cancer diagnosis in affected
individuals including children.

The specimens can be from various sources some of which can be distressing.
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Environmental demands

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 molecular diagnostic data and results, and whilst writing complex molecular diagnostic
reports.

Must be able to multi-task and deal with the unpredictable and often stressful nature of the work
carried out including urgent cancer diagnostic referrals.

The knowledge that errors in analysis or reporting for which the post holder has responsibility
will have life changing effects to the patients involved, places great stress on that individual.

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.
12. KNOWLEDGE, TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE REQUIRED TO DO THE JOB

First or Second Class Honours degree or equivalent in a biological science.

Experience of working with protocols and standard operating procedures.

Knowledge of the key concepts of genetics, biology and pathology of human disease

Understanding of quality in a science and laboratory context, and of the role of their chosen
specialism.

Ability to analyse and assess scientific, technical and medical literature.

Developed coordination skills with good dexterity and hand-eye coordination.

Ability to work autonomously to plan and perform their work.

Good IT, personal organisational and time management skills.

Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.

Passion for scientific practice and it’s application in patient care.

Motivated, friendly, team player who is willing to work with others.

Good attendance record.

Ability to travel when required for training purposes.
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12. JOB DESCRIPTION AGREEMENT
Job Holder’s Signature:
Date:
Head of Laboratory Signature:
Date:
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Person Specification
POST REF NO:
JOB TITLE/BAND:
LOCATION:
P/HC/139
Trainee Clinical Scientist (Genetics) – Band 6
Laboratory Genetics,
West of Scotland Genetic Services
Southern General Hospital, Glasgow
HOURS:
37.5 hours per week
CRITERIA
ESSENTIAL
DESIRABLE
EXPERIENCE:
Length and type of
experience, level at
which experience
gained
Experience of working to
protocols and standard operating
procedures in a laboratory.
Post graduate experience in
research or in a clinical
environment
Experience of working
independently
QUALIFICATIONS:
Level of education,
professional
qualifications,
experience, training
and learning
programmes/courses
An Honours degree (1st or 2.1) in
a pure or applied science relevant
to the training specialism.
Post-graduate experience in
research or in a service
environment.
KNOWLEDGE:
Depth and extent of
knowledge
Key concepts of the biology
and pathology of human
disease.
Good knowledge of genetics
An understanding of quality in
a science or laboratory
context.
Underpinning knowledge of the
genetics and pathology of
disease and the principles of
analysis
Evidence of analytical problem
solving
An understanding of the role
of their chosen specialism in
healthcare.
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SKILLS &
ABILITIES:
Range and level of
skills, ie
Communication (oral,
written, presentation,
interpersonal),
Planning
/Organisation, Manual
dexterity
Ability to analyse and assess
scientific,
technical
and
medical literature.
Good IT skills and knowledge
of
standard
computing
packages
for
word
processing, spreadsheets and
presentation tools.
Ability to design research
investigations and experiments.
Ability to interpret data and
present findings to peers.
Developed co-ordination skills
with good dexterity and handeye coordination.
Ability to work autonomously
to plan and perform their own
work and under the guidance
of their Supervisor.
Good personal organisational
and time management skills.
Excellent interpersonal and
communication skills.
OTHER:
A passion for scientific
practice and its application to
patient care.
Desire to progress career;
flexible and enthusiastic in
learning and teaching new areas
of expertise
A highly motivated individual
with
a friendly positive
attitude.
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General Conditions of Service
POST REF NO:
P/HC/139
JOB TITLE/GRADE:
Clinical Scientist Graduate Trainee – Band 6
LOCATION:
Human Genetics, National Health Service in Scotland
Conditions of Service
Remuneration
Hours of Duty
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 £25,528 to £34,189 (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. This is a fixed term
post for 3 years.
In accordance with Agenda for Change, phased protection
arrangements apply to employees transferring from one post to
another within their own NHS organisation and within other NHS
organisations in the UK, and to full-time and part-time
employees, provided the employee is moving to a post with the
same full-time hours under the old pay system during the
protection period.
Superannuation
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 are as follows:
Annual Pensionable Pay
(Full-time equivalent)
Up to £15,278
£15,279 to £21,175
£21,176 to £26,557
£26,558 to £48,982
£48,983 to £69,931
£69,932 to £110,273
£110,274 and over
Contribution
5%
5.3%
6.8%
9.0%
11.3%
12.3%
13.3%
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Annual Leave
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 parttime 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 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.
This post is subject to a Standard check by Disclosure Scotland
as it involves access to children and/or vulnerable adults. This
will contain details of any convictions on record whether spent or
unspent.
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/ Not applicable
Induction Standards & Code
of Conduct
Smoking Policy
Smoking is prohibited within NHS premises and grounds.
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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, Perth Royal
Infirmary, Perth PH1 1NX
By closing date of Monday, 7 April 2014
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