Specialist Healthcare Scientist(UK Visa Sponsorship)

Job Description

Role Overview

Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children NHS Foundation Trust is internationally recognised for delivering highly specialised paediatric healthcare. The hospital hosts one of Europe’s largest paediatric haematology and oncology centres, providing advanced diagnostic and treatment services for children with complex blood disorders and cancers.

An exciting opportunity has become available for a Specialist Healthcare Scientist to join the Molecular Diagnostics team within the Department of Haematology. This position is ideal for a motivated scientist who is interested in applying advanced molecular techniques to support the diagnosis and monitoring of paediatric haematological conditions.

The successful candidate will work within the Specialist Integrated Haematological Malignancy Diagnostic Service (SIHMDS), contributing to diagnostic testing and clinical laboratory services that support patient care and treatment decisions.

Comprehensive training will be provided in paediatric molecular haematology, allowing the postholder to expand their technical expertise within a highly specialised laboratory environment.

Key Responsibilities

Diagnostic Laboratory Work

Perform clinical molecular diagnostic assays for patients with haematological malignancies.

Support testing and monitoring for patients undergoing treatments such as:

• Haematopoietic stem cell transplantation
• Gene therapy
• CAR-T cell therapy
• Ensure laboratory procedures meet established clinical and regulatory standards.

Laboratory Operations

• Work under the supervision of Laboratory Managers and Senior Healthcare Scientists.
• Maintain accurate records and documentation for all diagnostic activities.
• Contribute to maintaining quality control and assurance within the laboratory.

Technical Expertise

• Apply molecular diagnostic techniques including PCR and sequencing where appropriate.
• Analyse laboratory data and provide technical interpretation where required.
• Provide specialist advice and support to colleagues within the laboratory service.

Quality and Service Development

• Participate in quality improvement initiatives and laboratory accreditation processes.
• Contribute to maintaining compliance with laboratory regulatory standards.
• Support training and knowledge sharing within the team.

Working Environment

Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children NHS Foundation Trust values diversity and aims to build a workforce that reflects the communities it serves.

The hospital actively promotes equality, inclusion, and professional development for all employees. Staff are encouraged to engage with employee networks supporting cultural diversity, disability inclusion, gender equality, and LGBTQ+ representation.

These initiatives help foster a collaborative environment where staff perspectives are valued and contribute to improved patient care.

Person Specification
Qualifications

Essential requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree (BSc) in Biological Sciences or a related discipline.
• Registration with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC).
• Evidence of continuous professional development (CPD) relevant to the role.

Desirable:

• Master’s degree (MSc) in Biological Sciences or a related subject.

Experience and Knowledge

Essential experience:

Practical experience working in an accredited clinical laboratory, particularly in haematology or molecular diagnostics.

Desirable experience:

• Experience in paediatric clinical diagnostic laboratories.
• Familiarity with molecular diagnostic techniques such as PCR and DNA sequencing.
• Knowledge of laboratory accreditation standards such as ISO 15189.
• Experience participating in laboratory accreditation assessments.
• Experience training or mentoring junior laboratory staff.
• Understanding of quality improvement and change management methodologies.

Skills and Competencies

Candidates should demonstrate:

• Strong analytical skills and the ability to interpret complex laboratory results.
• Capacity to provide technical advice and guidance to laboratory colleagues.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong organisational abilities and the capacity to manage workload effectively.
• Flexibility and adaptability in a fast-paced clinical laboratory environment.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications including Excel, Word, and PowerPoint.
• High attention to detail and the ability to manage multiple priorities simultaneously.

Regulatory and Employment Guidance

Skilled Worker Visa Sponsorship

• International applicants requiring sponsorship can find guidance through
  UK Visas and Immigration
• HCPC Registration for Healthcare Scientists
• Professional registration information is available through
  Health and Care Professions Council
• Laboratory and Workplace Safety Regulations
• UK workplace health and safety guidance
• Disclosure and Barring Service Checks
• Certain healthcare roles require background checks through
  Disclosure and Barring Service

Employment Rights in the UK

Information about employee rights and working conditions

Additional Information

• Applications requiring Skilled Worker visa sponsorship will be considered alongside all other candidates.
• Applicants should clearly demonstrate how they meet the role’s essential criteria.
• Early applications are encouraged as the vacancy may close once a sufficient number of suitable candidates have applied.