Principal Clinical Scientist

• To provide complex clinical/scientific reports, advice, opinions, judgements for a range of highly specialised genetic investigations and services to local, national and international service users
• To lead a team of clinical scientists and technologists and be responsible for the clinical and scientific work, including quality, and managerial aspects of the work and the staff within the team(s)
• To exercise considerable autonomy for his /her own work and that of the section/team and to employ all the competences of a State Registered Clinical Scientist
• To contribute to the management of the department through active involvement in departmental committees and working groups and through experienced gained in the wider context of participation in national and professional working groups

• To manage a team(s) of healthcare scientists with line management responsibilities for appraisal, recruitment and selection, performance management, disciplinary and conduct processes, sickness absence management, career development and pastoral care within the overall direction of the Director of the Genetics Laboratories and supervision of Consultant and Senior Principal Scientists
• Contribute to the development of policies and practices within the department by participating in departmental committees or working groups
• To develop and improve existing service portfolio by continual review of quality, productivity and efficiency
• To propose and evaluate potential new services relevant to the section and department

• To be clinically and professionally responsible for a section(s) subject to the overall direction of the Director of the Genetics Laboratories, or other Consultant Scientists
• To be responsible for the analysis of scientific results and their implications by collating complex scientific evidence from database searches, literature searches and collaboration with scientific and clinical colleagues and ensuring the results, including risk calculations where appropriate, and clinical and scientific interpretation are accurate
• Undertake clinical validation and authorisation of a range of reports and take responsibility for the accuracy, interpretation and timely reporting of genetic test results, and direct staff to undertake further investigations to solve complex diagnostic cases as appropriate
• To interpret and report highly complex and specialist scientific tests, within the limits of knowledge and experience, and provide expert advice to clinicians, and other healthcare professionals on the interpretation, diagnostic and prognostic implications, the significance for treatment and recommendation of further testing of patients or family.
• Supply the highest level of scientific skill and expertise in the investigative procedures, directing or undertaking problem solving / trouble-shooting, as required and validation of the scientific basis for the introduction/ implementation of new tests
• To provide authoritative clinical and scientific advice, opinion and judgements within own area of clinical specialism to clinical health professional users of the service
• To ensure the accuracy and timeliness of all patient results.
• To manage the quality and efficiency of the scientific and technical work of the staff of the section to ensure that appropriate procedures for receipt, processing, analysis and interpretation and reporting of findings are employed.
• To participate in multidisciplinary meetings with clinicians and pathologists to discuss cases and contribute to management of outcomes

Essential

• Good honours degree in a Biological subject
• Master's level training in Genetics ( e.g. STP or equivalent)
• Registered as a Clinical Scientist in Genetics
• FRC Path part 1 or equivalent

Essential

• Expert knowledge of the principles and practise of Genetics
• Advanced clinical and scientific knowledge relevant to genetic testing in specialist area
• Good knowledge of the technology applicable to the analysis of genetic referrals in specialist area
• Knowledge of best practise and national policy in relation to genetic testing including consent and confidentiality and information governance

Essential

• Post registration experience in Genetics as a Clinical Scientist
• Scientific contribution to clinical case discussion and multidisciplinary meetings
• Experience of handling complex referrals, including clinical liaison and advice
• Experience of speaking and presenting data at national and international conferences and meetings

Essential

• Excellent communication skills -verbal and written including scientific writing for publications and documents
• Ability to critically evaluate and discuss complex scientific and clinical information
• Ability to concentrate intensely for long periods of time ( for analysing results, reporting patients results, checking and authorising patient reports and writing documents
• Ability to logically solve problems
• Excellent analytical skills
• Leadership skills
• Organisational ability
• Enthusiasm / Motivation

Essential

• Ability to assimilate information quickly
• Able to work as part of a team
• Methodical approach to work
• Able to deal with distressing situations (e.g. receipt / handling of abnormal fetuses).
• Able to work under pressure and demonstrate resilience
• Professional attitude
• Desire to learn and develop further