JOB SUMMARY

We are currently looking for a Principal Scientist – Cancer Genomics to join our Research & Development function within the Science, Research & Innovation group.
This is a full-time opportunity, on a permanent basis. The role will be lab based in South Mimms, Hertfordshire. Please be aware that this role can only be worked in the UK and not overseas.

JOB DESCRIPTION

• Be accountable to the Head of Genomics and contribute to the strategic direction and management of R&D activities. Engage with, and provide expert advice to, national and international stakeholders including WHO, the global pharmacopoeias, manufactures, regulatory organisations and academia.
• Support the development of reference materials; investigate novel methods for the generation, production and characterisation of such materials; explore novel ideas addressing latest diagnostic technologies targeting circulating tumour DNA biomarkers in liquid biopsy and minimal residual disease (MRD) as well as new emerging areas as required (e.g.: proteomics, extracellular vesicles, etc); organise and lead global collaborative studies.
• Establish and lead international collaborative work activities to ensure scientist expertise is developed and retained to support the agency in the scientific assessment and accelerated regulatory approval of novel diagnostics assays. these programs will generated scientific data that is publishable in high quality scientific journals and attracts sustained external grant funding.
• Manage and be responsible for laboratory facilities including the maintenance of equipment, laboratory reagents and documentation (including Health and Safety documentation); seek and drive opportunities for continued service improvement through expert services, training, scientific and technical advice, process review and innovative R&D.

PERSON SPECIFICATION

Our successful candidate will have:

• A Ph.D. or equivalent qualification with significant post-doctoral research experience
• Evidence of research experience in cell biology, genomics and bioinformatics
• Outstanding knowledge of and practical experience in a broad range of laboratory techniques used to assess and characterise clinically relevant biomarkers in oncology and genetic disease
• Evidence of written and oral communication skills, including publication record in peer-reviewed scientific journals and successful applications for research grant funding

If you would like to find out more about this fantastic opportunity, please read our Job Description and Person Specification!
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SELECTION PROCESS DETAILS

We use the Civil Service Success Profiles to assess our candidates, find out more here.
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Online application form, including questions based on the Behaviour, Experience and Technical Success Profiles. Please ensure all application questions are completed in full; your application may not be considered if any responses are left blank. Our applications are CV blind, and our Hiring Managers will not be able to access your CV when reviewing your application.

• Presentation, to be prepared as part of your interview, with further information being supplied when you reach this stage.
• Interview, which can include questions based on the Behaviour, Experience, Technical and Strengths Success Profiles.

In the instance that we receive a high number of applications, we will hold an initial sift based on the lead criteria of Evidence of research experience in cell biology, genomics and bioinformatics.
Applicants are assessed on whether they meet any mandatory requirements as well as the necessary skills and experience for the role. Applications are scored based on the competency-based answers provided- ensure you have read these thoroughly and allow sufficient time. You can view the competencies for this role in the job description.

NATIONALITY REQUIREMENTS

This job is broadly open to the following groups:

• UK nationals
• nationals of the Republic of Ireland
• nationals of Commonwealth countries who have the right to work in the UK
• nationals of the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein and family members of those nationalities with settled or pre-settled status under the European Union Settlement Scheme (EUSS)
• nationals of the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein and family members of those nationalities who have made a valid application for settled or pre-settled status under the European Union Settlement Scheme (EUSS)
• individuals with limited leave to remain or indefinite leave to remain who were eligible to apply for EUSS on or before 31 December 2020
• Turkish nationals, and certain family members of Turkish nationals, who have accrued the right to work in the Civil Service

Further information on nationality requirements

WHAT’S THE ROLE?

The postholder will perform regulatory scientific research that harmonises molecular testing for oncology and genetic disorders, with a focus on multi-omics and bioinformatics. They will manage team members to meet the R&D program goals and will have expertise in cell biology, genomics and bioinformatics, with detailed knowledge of cancer biomarkers and genetic disorders.
The postholder will initiate and lead innovative regularity and basic research will foster strategically important national and international research collaborations and will also liaise with colleagues across the Agency, clinicians and nation and international stakeholders.