Specialist Healthcare Scientist(UK Visa Sponsorship)
Job Description
Role Overview
Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children NHS Foundation Trust (commonly known as GOSH) is internationally recognised for delivering advanced paediatric healthcare and research. The hospital hosts one of Europe’s largest centres for paediatric haematology and oncology, providing highly specialised diagnostics and treatments for children with complex medical conditions.
The Haematology Department is seeking a motivated Specialist Healthcare Scientist to join the Specialist Integrated Haematological Malignancy Diagnostic Service (SIHMDS) within the Molecular section.
This role offers the opportunity to contribute to cutting-edge molecular diagnostics, supporting clinicians in diagnosing and monitoring children with blood disorders and cancers. Successful applicants will also receive specialist training in paediatric molecular haematology techniques.
Key Responsibilities
Clinical Diagnostic Work
- Perform specialised molecular diagnostic tests for patients with haematological malignancies.
- Support diagnostic services for patients who have undergone haematopoietic stem cell transplantation, gene therapy, or CAR-T cell therapy.
- Carry out laboratory testing using validated clinical protocols under the supervision of senior scientists and laboratory managers.
Laboratory and Scientific Duties
- Apply molecular techniques such as PCR, sequencing, and other genomic diagnostic methods.
- Ensure laboratory processes meet recognised accreditation standards such as ISO15189.
- Contribute to quality assurance, validation, and continuous improvement of laboratory procedures.
Collaboration and Communication
- Work closely with multidisciplinary teams including clinicians, biomedical scientists, and laboratory staff.
- Provide technical advice and scientific insight to colleagues where appropriate.
- Maintain clear and accurate laboratory documentation and reporting.
Professional Development
- Engage in continuing professional development (CPD) to maintain professional competence.
- Contribute to training or mentoring of junior laboratory staff where required.
About the Organisation
Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children NHS Foundation Trust is one of the most respected children’s hospitals in the world, providing specialised healthcare services to children with rare and complex conditions.
The hospital is committed to creating an inclusive and diverse workplace, encouraging applications from individuals from a wide range of backgrounds. Staff networks at the hospital support inclusivity, wellbeing, and professional collaboration.
The organisation strongly values diversity and believes that varied perspectives improve the quality of care delivered to children and families.
Essential Requirements
Qualifications
Applicants must have:
- A BSc in Biological Sciences or a closely related discipline.
- Registration with the Health and Care Professions Council.
- Evidence of ongoing continuing professional development (CPD).
Experience
Candidates should demonstrate:
- Practical experience in an accredited clinical haematology or molecular diagnostic laboratory.
- Familiarity with laboratory workflows and quality standards.
- Ability to interpret complex laboratory data and provide scientific insights.
Skills
The successful candidate should possess:
- Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
- Effective organisational and time-management skills.
- Advanced attention to detail and accuracy in laboratory work.
- Competence using Microsoft Office applications and laboratory databases.
Desirable Qualifications and Experience
While not mandatory, the following would be advantageous:
- MSc in Biological Sciences or a related field.
- Experience in paediatric diagnostic laboratories.
- Knowledge of molecular diagnostic methods such as PCR and sequencing.
- Understanding of laboratory accreditation systems including ISO15189.
- Experience contributing to quality improvement or laboratory audits.
- Experience training or supervising junior staff members.
Equality, Inclusion and Workplace Culture
Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children NHS Foundation Trust actively promotes equality and inclusion within its workforce.
The hospital supports several employee networks including:
- Cultural and ethnicity networks
- Disability and accessibility support groups
- LGBTQ+ staff networks
- Women’s leadership initiatives
These programmes aim to create a workplace where all staff feel respected, valued, and supported.
Recruitment and Application Process
Applicants should ensure their application clearly demonstrates how they meet the essential criteria outlined in the person specification, as only candidates meeting these requirements will be shortlisted.
In some circumstances, vacancies may close before the advertised deadline if a high number of applications is received. Early submission is therefore encouraged.
For certain NHS roles, candidates may be required to complete online competency assessments prior to interview.
Visa Sponsorship Information
Applications from candidates requiring Skilled Worker visa sponsorship may be considered where eligibility criteria are met. Information about UK visa requirements
- Guidance on NHS careers and healthcare science roles
- Information about employment rights in the UK workplace
- Guidance on professional development in healthcare science careers
Workplace Location
Specialist Integrated Haematological Malignancy Diagnostic Service (SIHMDS)
London
United Kingdom
