Specialist Healthcare Scientist(UK Visa Sponsorship)
Job Description
Role Overview
Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children NHS Foundation Trust is internationally recognised for delivering advanced paediatric healthcare and is home to Europe’s largest paediatric haematology and oncology centre.
The hospital is currently seeking a Specialist Healthcare Scientist to join the Molecular section of the Specialist Integrated Haematological Malignancy Diagnostic Service (SIHMDS).
This role offers a stimulating opportunity for a motivated scientist who is passionate about laboratory medicine and paediatric diagnostics. The successful candidate will contribute to molecular diagnostic testing that supports children undergoing treatment for complex blood disorders and cancers.
Candidates must hold registration with the Health and Care Professions Council and have experience working within a clinical laboratory environment. Training will be provided in specialised paediatric molecular haematology diagnostics.
Guidance on HCPC professional registration requirements
Key Responsibilities
Clinical Diagnostic Work
- Perform molecular diagnostic assays for patients with haematological malignancies.
- Support testing for patients undergoing stem cell transplantation, gene therapy, and CAR-T cell therapy.
- Contribute to accurate diagnostic reporting and quality laboratory practice.
Laboratory Operations
- Work closely with Laboratory Managers and Senior Healthcare Scientists to maintain safe and effective laboratory services.
- Follow established laboratory protocols and regulatory standards.
- Assist with data management and documentation within laboratory information systems.
Quality and Governance
- Participate in quality assurance programmes and laboratory audits.
- Ensure compliance with recognised laboratory standards such as ISO 15189.
- Contribute to continuous improvement initiatives within the diagnostic service.
- Guidance on laboratory standards and healthcare regulation in the UK
- About the Organisation
Located in central London, Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children NHS Foundation Trust is one of the world’s leading children’s hospitals and provides an extensive range of specialised services for young patients across the UK and internationally.
The hospital actively promotes innovation, research, and professional development, creating an environment where healthcare scientists can build highly specialised skills while contributing to life-changing care.
Equality, Diversity and Inclusion
The organisation is committed to building a workforce that reflects the diverse communities it serves. Applications are encouraged from individuals of all backgrounds, including those from ethnic minority groups, people with disabilities, and members of LGBTQ+ communities.
Employees are supported through several staff networks including:
- REACH – Race, Ethnicity and Cultural Heritage network
- ENABLED – Disability and accessibility support network
- PRIDE – LGBTQ+ staff and allies network
- Women’s Network – Supporting women across the organisation
- Guidance on equality legislation in the workplace
Person Specification
Essential Qualifications
Applicants should possess:
- A BSc degree in Biological Sciences or a related discipline
- Current registration with the Health and Care Professions Council
- Evidence of Continuing Professional Development (CPD)
Desirable Qualifications
MSc in Biological Sciences or a relevant postgraduate qualification
Professional Experience
Essential
Experience working within an accredited clinical haematology or molecular diagnostic laboratory
Desirable
- Experience in paediatric diagnostic laboratories
- Practical experience with molecular techniques such as PCR and DNA sequencing
- Understanding of laboratory accreditation standards including ISO15189
- Participation in accreditation inspections or quality audits
- Experience supervising or mentoring junior staff
- Knowledge of quality improvement methods and change management
Skills and Competencies
The successful candidate will demonstrate:
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
- Ability to provide specialist technical advice to laboratory colleagues
- Clear written and verbal communication abilities
- Strong organisation and time management skills
- Flexibility to work effectively in a fast-changing laboratory environment
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications and databases
- High attention to detail and the ability to meet multiple deadlines
- Recruitment and Compliance Requirements
- Applicants must hold appropriate UK professional registration and will be subject to pre-employment checks.
Because this role involves contact with vulnerable individuals, the appointment will require a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check in accordance with the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974.
International Applicants
Candidates requiring permission to work in the UK may still apply. Applications will be considered alongside all other candidates.
