Clinical Scientist (Bioinformatician)

at  North Bristol NHS Trust

Clinical Scientist in Bioinformatics (Band 7)
Bristol Genetics Laboratory, South West Genomics Laboratory Hub
We are seeking a Clinical Scientist (Bioinformatics) to become an integral part of our Bioinformatics Team supporting our start-of-the-art diagnostic laboratory in delivering comprehensive genetic testing services to patients.

WHAT WE OFFER:

A chance to be at the forefront of precision medicine, contributing to life-changing diagnoses and therapies
An environment that values innovation, collaboration, and the professional growth of its team members
The opportunity to work with a diverse array of technologies and methodologies
We are supportive of flexible working and open to considering working from home options
This is a varied and dynamic role, involving both the operation of in-service bioinformatics pipelines and contributing to the development of new bioinformatics services.
In-service duties will include running NGS pipelines for our Rare Disease and Cancer services, performing quality control checks and supporting with scientific queries.
The post holder will also collaborate with other members of the bioinformatics team to develop and validate new bioinformatics pipelines to support the delivery of the NHSE National Genomics Test Directory.
Other duties include contributing to staff training in bioinformatics and participating in quality assurance activities.
The post is open to HCPC registered Clinical Scientists in Bioinformatics. Applications from final year Scientist Training Programme (STP) trainees in Clinical Bioinformatics are welcomed.
The role demands a blend of specialist knowledge, analytical thinking and collaborative skills. Experience of working in a bioinformatics section of a diagnostic genetics laboratory service and knowledge of bioinformatic tools, resources and techniques applied to medical genetics are essential.
For candidates who are not yet registered, they will be expected to work towards HCPC registration and would be appointed on a salary band appropriate for their experience.
The successful candidate will be expected to work 37½ hours per week full-time over seven days of the week. Part time and job share considered.
As a new member of the Bristol Genetics Laboratory (BGL) Bioinformatics Team, you will be welcomed into a small, tight-knit group of professionals who have a passion for innovation and are committed to delivering high quality patient care.
We are a small team that values close relationships and mutual support, ensuring that every contribution is valued.
Our size allows for focused collaboration, where team members work closely together to achieve shared goals.
We are agile and responsive to change, quickly adapting to new challenges and embracing the latest advancements in bioinformatics with enthusiasm and expertise.
With a scientific and technical staff of over 100, BGL is housed in new state of the art Pathology laboratories in North Bristol NHS Trust.
BGL is a fully integrated Genomics Laboratory providing comprehensive Cancer and Rare Inherited Disease genomic testing to the South West with extensive specialist services attracting a large number of national and international referrals. BGL has a significant R&D programme and also benefits from co-location with the University of Bristol Learning and Research Centre in the Trust Science Quarter.
BGL is fully committed to the provision of high-quality training at all levels, as an accredited training centre.
Please refer to the Job Description for full details.

Data Analysis & Interpretation : Conduct comprehensive analysis of genomic data using bioinformatics tools and methodologies. Interpret results in the context of rare diseases and cancer to support clinical decisions.
Pipeline Development & Management : Develop, validate, and maintain bioinformatics pipelines for high-throughput genetic data processing. Ensure the accuracy and efficiency of data analysis.
Service Development: Actively participate in the creation and enhancement of new genetic testing services. Stay abreast of advancements in the field of bioinformatics to drive innovation within the team.
Training & Support : Assist with the provision of basic and specialised training in bioinformatics to various staff groups. Contribute to the training of trainees undertaking the Scientist Training Programme (STP). Assist in troubleshooting and optimising bioinformatics resources.
Stakeholder Engagement : Build and maintain relationships with key stakeholders, including Clinical Scientists, Genetic Technologists, Informatics Scientists, research partners, and technology providers, to facilitate seamless service delivery.
Quality Assurance : Take a proactive role in maintaining high quality standards to ensure maintenance of the laboratory UKAS accreditation status. Participate in internal audits, document control, and continuous improvement initiatives to uphold ISO standard 15189