Job Description

An opportunity has arisen for an experienced, enthusiastic and motivated HCPC registered Clinical Scientist to join the Synnovis Cancer Genetics Service at Guy's Hospital as a Deputy Operations Lead.



The Cancer Genetics Service is part of the South East Genomics Laboratory Hub (SEGLH) and is the designated provider of adult solid tumour testing for the whole of the SEGLH geography, which includes South London along with Kent, Surrey and Sussex. Continual service improvement and transformation of the service is ongoing to ensure the service is fit for the future, enabling equity of access to the NHSE National Genomic Test Directory for Cancer.



Applications are welcome from individuals who can demonstrate an in-depth knowledge and understanding of cancer genomics with an expert level of practical laboratory experience and trouble-shooting skills. HCPC registration as a clinical scientist in Genetics, Cancer Genetics or Molecular Pathology is a mandatory requirement for this role, along with either a PhD in a discipline related to cancer genetics/molecular pathology or FRCPath part 1 in molecular pathology (MPAD) or genetics. The ideal deal candidate will be able to demonstrate a willingness to work towards FRCPath part 2 or will currently be enrolled on the HSST program.



Your main duties will involve provision of high level of analytical, reporting and authorisation of cases and leading a subsection of the cancer genetics service. Expert knowledge in cancer genetics and experience of working in a cancer genetics team is essential. You will be accountable for ensuring the performances of the service section and generate monthly performance management reports. You will provide the operational lead with regular process reports on the delivery of the service.



Excellent communication skills are necessary to work effectively with other staff both within Cancer Genetics and the wider SEGLH team.



The Synnovis Genetics Laboratory at Guy's is the designated hub laboratory for the SEGLH Network led by Guy's and St Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust (GSTfT). The Cancer Genetics team is comprised of around 50 administrative, scientific and technical staff within the cytogenetic and molecular genetic laboratories. Testing is provided for patients with a wide range of adult solid tumours and haematological malignancies, in order to provide diagnostic and prognostic information and inform treatment decisions. The service includes a substantial nationally and internationally renowned acute myeloid leukaemia (AML) minimal residual disease (MRD) monitoring service which has close links with the King's College NIHR clinical trials AML MRD unit. A weekly team-led seminar series and a monthly GLH wide journal club are available for all staff in order to facilitate learning and continual professional development (CPD).



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, and participate with the wider scientific community through symposiums, conferences and other peer group meetings.



At Synnovis, we are currently shaping the future of pathology services by creating a world-leading Hub and Spoke pathology network with our NHS partners. A large part of this modernisation will involve moving 70% of our services to a purpose built, state of the art Hub laboratory in the heart of London. For now, the job you are applying for will be based at one of our hospital sites however, from 1 April 2024 our people and services will start to move to our Hub laboratory in Blackfriars, Southwark, SE1, with some work remaining in refurbished essential services laboratories across our hospital network, focusing on the rapid turnover of urgent tests. Please do ask your recruiting manager if you wish to find out more.



Operational Management



Responsible for the day to day running of a sub section of the Cancer Genetics service.

Monitor the performance of the service section and generate weekly operational performance management (OPMS) reports.

Provide the Operational Lead with regular progress reports on the delivery of an accurate, modern and efficient diagnostic service.

Responsible for the development and implementation of relevant operating procedures and management policies ensuring that standards are met and are compliant with ISO 15189 standards.

Responsible for the quality and efficiency of the service section through internal quality control, clinical audit, and local/national audit activities including participation in relevant External Quality Assurance schemes (UK-NEQAS/CEQAS).

Responsible for maintaining and if necessary, improving turnaround times. Responsible for troubleshooting analyser/assay failures within the service section.

Responsible for ensuring that equipment is maintained to the standards required by the department and by relevant legislation.

Implementation of measures for cost improvement and cost effectiveness. Proactive escalation of issues which have the potential to impact on service delivery to the Operational Lead.

Responsible for risk and COSHH assessments relating to all aspects of the service section.

Responsible for the development and delivery of a clear operational plan for the service section, achieving relevant quality and safety standards and activity levels within budget

Participation in the development and delivery of the operational plan for the Genetics Service Delivery Unit.



Clinical Service Provision



Lead work within your discipline requiring a very high level of clinical and scientific expertise, providing advice and guidance to clinicians on the correct investigations to perform and interpret complex results. Also perform complex and specialised scientific work that demands high levels of clinical and analytical expertise

Provide a high level of expertise for the analysis of samples from patients referred for cancer genetic testing.

Report and authorise complex abnormal patient reports produced by the service section.

Authorise patient reports produced by the laboratory from other operational service lines if appropriate to training and experience.

In conjunction with Clinical Leads and Operational Leads, advise on best practice, patient diagnosis and prognosis relating to cancer genetic tests.



Research, Innovation and Development



Lead in the strategic development of the analytical service. Manage the introduction and implementation of new techniques, equipment and tests to realise patient and corporate benefits.

Initiate and oversee the implementation of new techniques, equipment, and tests including all verification and validation work. Where necessary, including analysing clinical trial samples.

Provide accurate costing for laboratory processes, business cases and contracts.

Produce business cases necessary for development of the service.

Work with relevant clinical leads on service development in line with local, national and international needs, and the requirements of speciality networks.

Participate in departmental audit programmes.

Participate in academic seminars, group learning sessions and journal clubs.

Participate in the dissemination of research findings through presentations at local, national and international meetings and through publications in scientific journals, as appropriate.



External Duties



Supervise and monitor, EQA and IQC reports and ensure any required corrective action is taken.

Ensure compliance with all legislative and quality requirements of regulatory directives, accreditation bodies, and local management including:



Care Quality Commission UKAS Synnovis policies and SOPs Any other body in area of responsibility

The Cancer Genetics team is committed to the National School of Healthcare Scientist (NSHCS) Scientific Training Program (STP) and Higher Specialist Training Program (HSST) and staff are encouraged to participate in the Royal College of Pathology examination programs (FRCPath part 1 and part 2).



Synnovis is a pathology partnership between SYNLAB UK and Ireland, and the NHS, including sites, 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!