Principal Clinical Scientist

at  Synnovis

Are you an established HCPC registered Clinical Scientist in H&I looking for a change?
Do you have a passion for Molecular HLA typing?
We are seeking an experienced and enthusiastic Clinical Scientist to join our team of scientists, as the Head of DNA section in the Clinical Transplantation Laboratory based at Guys’ Hospital in Central London. The successful candidate would be expected to hold HCPC Registration as a Clinical Scientist in Histocompatibility and Immunogenetics, and have proven in depth experience in molecular typing methodologies and leading a team of scientists.
Accredited both to ISO 15189 and EFI standards, the Clinical Transplantation Laboratory is one of the busiest laboratories specialising solid organ transplantation in the UK, supporting over 500 solid organ transplants last year and currently expanding. We provide a comprehensive H&I service for a number of adult and paediatric transplant centres across the South East for a variety of renal, pancreas, cardiothoracic, islet, liver and multi-visceral transplant programmes. Acting as a referral centre for both national and international cases, we work closely with the Guys Hospital Renal Transplant team to provide advice on a range of highly complex transplant scenarios, including through an active ABO and HLA antibody incompatible transplant programme. In addition, we carry out HLA and disease association testing analysis and provide support for a number of research groups.
The laboratory currently carries out HLA genotyping using a range of PCR based methods, including NGS, SSOP, qPCR and SSP. Luminex and Flow cytometric based methods are employed for antibody analysis and patient crossmatching. We utilise a specialist LIMS, Manzen, and use Q-pulse as our QMS.
The post holder will be expected to take responsibility for the day-to-day running of DNA section of the laboratory ensuring the effective delivery of results, the setting and monitoring of standards, and the efficient management and economical use of the resources to support the provision of the Histocompatibility and Immunogenetics Service (H&I) . In addition to providing support for the overarching management structure, they will be responsible for management of staff within the section including, but not limited to, training and development, maintenance of competency and appraisal. The post holder will also be expected to plan, direct and carry out research and development work to introduce new and improved methods for both testing and analysis in tissue typing.
Once fully trained and competency assessed the post holder will be expected to take part in the on-call service providing specialist H&I testing in support of the various transplant programmes supported by the laboratory.
If you have any queries or would like to arrange an informal visit please contact Dr Olivia Shaw ( olivia.shaw@viapath.co.uk ) or Corinna Freeman ( corinna.freeman@viapath.co.uk )
The department has core opening hours of 9 – 5 Monday - Friday, and also provides a 24/7 on-call service. The post holder would be expected to work a 37.5 hour week and, once trained, participate in the out of hours on call service, which currently has a 1 in 7 commitment across two rotas.
In return you will be joining a small, friendly, dynamic and committed team of scientists, working in a fascinating and specialised area of pathology. We can offer training and development through the organisation’s Scientific Learning and Development fund and CPD activities. This includes opportunities to apply for funding towards a variety of qualifications and attendance at conferences. Locally we are accredited as a training laboratory for a variety of schemes, and can support higher training for a suitable candidate.
Your development and learning
You will have a suite of learning opportunities available through The Synnovis Way Development programme, the Scientific Learning and Development Fund and the Synnovis Academy through which you can receive funding / support for advanced qualifications.
Through our Innovation Accelerator Fund, you can apply for finance to get that new innovative scientific project off the ground. There are also opportunities to participate within the wider scientific community through symposiums, conferences and other peer group meetings, both locally within Synnovis and internationally through the Synlab network.
Duties and Responsibilities
Professional/Clinical
To participate at a senior level in all aspects of the work of the Laboratory, including receipt of samples, laboratory testing, interpretation of results, quality management, audit, staff training and supervision.
To plan and supervise the work carried out in the DNA section of the Department, ensuring that an efficient, high quality service is maintained at all times.
To be responsible for organising and allocating the workload for the BMS and Clinical Scientists, ensuring that adequate back up is always available for the services offered by the Laboratory.
To take sole responsibility for, and ensure continuation of, identification of Class I and II alleles by molecular methods.
To check the analysis, accuracy, interpretation of results and the information on the database generated by colleagues in the laboratory, meet the national professional guidelines.
To ensure that full, clear and accurate records of all work carried out in the section are maintained and kept safely.
To validate the results produced by the section and enter on to computer database.
To be responsible for timely reporting of the results, as appropriate for the clinical referral. Assist colleagues in the writing of final reports when required.
To participate on the on-call rota as necessary. Responsibility will need to be taken for working unsupervised and reporting results to OTDT out of normal working hours.
To respond to written and verbal enquiries from users of the service. Offer advice on the available tests, type of samples required and interpretation of results.
To communicate with other tissue typing laboratories when necessary, sharing data and samples when appropriate.
Scientific
To provide a high level and wide range of laboratory skills, scientific knowledge and expertise in tissue typing.
To assist with troubleshooting in the Laboratory.
To maintain up to date Standard Operating Procedures for the duties assigned and ensuring that all members of the laboratory follow the standard operating procedures at all times.
To undertake audit, organising and monitoring internal and external quality control exercises both as supervisor or participant to improve the accuracy, effectiveness and efficiency of existing molecular tests.
To be familiar with the current literature, be aware of recent developments in the field and introduce/supervise/evaluate the introduction of new technical developments and equipment in the relevant area.
To participate in both internal and external meetings, seminars and courses as appropriate, and represent the laboratory at local, regional, national and international levels.
To ensure the laboratory DNA service is kept up to date with published research and present laboratory findings at appropriate meetings seminars and through publications.
Management and Administration
To participate in, and establish policies for, the development of new methodologies and evaluation of new equipment.
To assist the Director with the implementation of Laboratory objectives, strategies and policies.
To assist the Director with staff recruitment and retention.
To assist the Director in managing funding activities for the Laboratory, including data provision to Synnovis and procurement authorisation.
To advise with regard to purchase of capital equipment and be responsible for their maintenance contracts, selection of suppliers etc.
To obtain and maintain supplies of appropriate reagents, consumables and equipment as required.
To assist in the enforcement of Health and Safety issues in accordance with local, Trust and national guidelines, in collaboration with the departmental Safety Officer and Quality manager.
To collaborate with the other senior members of staff in allocating and monitoring the workload for staff in the laboratory, to ensure cover and productivity, and that a high quality service is maintained at all times.
Research and Development
To initiate and maintain their own research interests. The post holder will be expected to take an active part in on-going research projects.
To promote and carry out research in the HLA area, these include Molecular Genetics and HLA disease associations.
To promote collaborative studies with other Departments in Synnovis and outside Institutions.
To give oral presentations on studies performed within the DNA section.
To collate data for use for a variety of audit purposes, including ongoing internal audit, and submission to the UK National External Quality Assessment Scheme (NEQAS).
To assist in the supervision of research and development projects undertaken by other members of staff.
Teaching and Training
To provide training in tissue typing and molecular methods for members of the laboratory or other departments and visiting researchers.
To assist the Director and Training Officer of the Laboratory in providing teaching services to clinicians, scientist trainees and other students.
To ensure that all staff in the DNA section attain and maintain the level of training, knowledge and competence required to fulfil their respective duties.
To provide advice on, and participate in, regional, national and international educational courses.
To assist with and deliver lectures at regional, national and international scientific conferences as appropriate.
To participate in Continuing Professional Development.
Ensure that professional knowledge is continuously updated and training undertaken if appropriate.
Participate in an annual individual performance review process where objectives will be agreed, performance monitored and personal development needs discussed.
Additional Duties And Responsibilities
To manage the day to day running of the DNA service.
To perform basic laboratory duties if necessary.
To ensure that high standards of scientific and technical practice and documentation are maintained within the Department.
To ensure the equipment is regularly serviced and maintained on a service contract, as appropriate.
To adhere strictly to the Departmental Health and Safety regulations and codes of practice.
To ensure that economic and efficient use is made of the Department resources.
To carry out any further tasks relating to the changing requirements of the Department, as required.
To ensure that there is a good level of stock control within the department and assist procurement in sourcing and purchasing appropriate equipment, reagents and general laboratory supplies.
Ensure that all suppliers and providers of goods for CTL are effectively monitored for performance including, but not limited to, timely delivery, condition of received goods, function of reagents and equipment within acceptable limits.
Synnovis is a pathology partnership between SYNLAB UK and Ireland, and the NHS, including Guy’s & St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust and King’s College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, to deliver and transform pathology services across South East London.
The partnership provides services to 1.7 million people living in South East London, as well as to hundreds of thousands of patients from outside the region who use local healthcare services.
The partnership provides diagnostics, testing and digital pathology for hospital trusts, GP services and other healthcare providers.
Guy’s and St Thomas’ Hospital Foundation Trust is a major emergency and specialist teaching Trust which has all the specialties associated with a fascinating and career defining case load including: Women’s Services, Fetal Medicine, Haematology, Oncology, Transplantation, and is also home to the Evelina Children’s Hospital and the Cancer Centre on the Guy’s site.
You will be close to the vibrant Borough Market and the South Bank, which are exceptional London locations; perfect places to work and relax next to such iconic venues as Big Ben, The London Eye and The Shard!
Applications are welcomed from applicants with a disability. We can make reasonable adjustments and offer support and advice in a variety of ways throughout the application process. All applicants are welcome to apply regardless of age, disability, gender, marital status, race, nationality or ethnic origin, religion, or sexual orientation. Equality of opportunity is our policy.
Our Bank workers enjoy competitive market rates and flexible contract assignments across all of our sites, dependant on your availability and location.
For our Permanent workforce we offer a competitive benefits package.

Please refer the Job description for details