Nhs Greater Glasgow

Important Job Application Information

Thank you for your interest in NHS Tayside vacancies.

Please see below Job Description/Specification and General Conditions of Service.

Your Application Form must be completed in full. Please note copies of Curriculum Vitae, Qualifications and Course Certificates will not be accepted at this stage.

Please return your completed Application Form to [email protected] (quoting the Post Reference Number in the subject box) or to the postal address given on the General Conditions of Service.

All completed applications are held in Human Resources until the closing date. After the closing date a panel will meet to prepare an interview shortlist. Once this decision has been made, all shortlisted applicants will be emailed to invite them to attend for interview. It is important that you check your emails regularly, including your spam/junk box.

This process takes approximately six weeks. Therefore, if you have not been contacted regarding interview within six weeks of the closing date, your application has been unsuccessful and you will receive no further correspondence from Human Resources.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:-

Find out more about living and working in Tayside at: www.dundeecity.gov.uk www.angus.gov.uk www.pkc.gov.uk

1 NHS Tayside JOB DESCRIPTION

1. JOB IDENTIFICATION Job Title: Trainee Healthcare Scientist (Genomics), Band 6

Responsible to: Head of Laboratory

Department: Laboratory Genetics (NHS Tayside, or placement in other NHS Board(s))

2. JOB PURPOSE Although employed by NHS Tayside, the post-holder will be placed for the duration of their training in one of the Scottish Regional diagnostic Laboratories participating in the scheme this year in Glasgow, Aberdeen or Edinburgh. All the laboratories offer high standards of facilities and expertise. In conjunction with and supported by the local departmental Training Officer and Training Scheme Lead, the Trainee Healthcare Scientist will be responsible for their own progression through the NHS Scientist Training Programme (STP). They will complete the learning outcomes as outlined in the Learning Guides, progressing through a mixture of work based competence and experience in NHS scientific departments. STP Genomics trainees will undertake the complementary academic master’s programme at the designated Higher Education Institution.

At all times the Trainee Healthcare Scientist is expected to work within standard operating policies and procedures of the host department and NHS organisation and adhere to high standards of professionalism, health and safety, risk reduction, confidentiality, patient care and dignity, and respect for equality and diversity.

The Trainee Healthcare Scientist will be employed for a fixed term of three years during which time they will work through a programme of work-based learning comprising initially three months in each of four rotations, including Genetics and a range of Cellular Science/Blood Science specialties. Specialist modules will be undertaken in Years 2 and 3 of the work based programme. This will be combined with an academic programme at master’s (MSc) level over the three year programme for STP Genomics trainees. The first part of the academic programme will introduce the basic science and theoretical background of the rotational disciplines and their application in clinical science within health as well as providing an introduction to healthcare services and values. The master’s degree includes a research project within Year 2/3. In order to encourage learning and development, the post holder will have the chance to take an elective rotation of 4-6 weeks. This is an opportunity to expand knowledge, broaden experience in the specialist fields and gain valuable insight into how different services function.

3. ROLE OF DEPARTMENTS The Regional Laboratories participating in the scheme are associated with the four Scottish Teaching Hospitals located in Aberdeen, Dundee, Edinburgh and Glasgow. All four centres are members of both the Scottish Genetics Laboratories Consortium and the Scottish Molecular Pathology Consortium that are commissioned by National Services Division to provide a comprehensive specialist genomic testing service for Scottish patients for inherited and acquired disorders. The Scottish Laboratories are also members of the UK Genetic Testing Network (UKGTN) enabling Scottish patients to access specialist genetic testing from other UKGTN-accredited laboratories

2 via Clinical Genetics. The laboratories all meet Clinical Pathology Accreditation (CPA) UK or ISO15189:2012 accreditation standards.

4. ORGANISATIONAL POSITION

Genetics Executive Team

Senior Clinical Scientists Quality Manager

Laboratory Trainee Technical Clinical Scientists Clinical Scientist Staff (this post)

Supervisors and Training officers within each laboratory have responsibility for staff training issues. Direct reporting relationships will vary depending on the base location of the trainee in NHS Boards. Lines of reporting within Genetics departments will be to appropriate senior HCPC registered Clinical Scientists.

5. SCOPE and RANGE The trainee will undertake the full STP Genomics training programme in order to progress through the modules of the training scheme. In so doing they will learn how to perform and interpret clinical and specialist scientific processes underpinned by theoretical and applied knowledge and practical experience and will learn how to:

 Carry out complex scientific and clinical roles, including those working directly with patients  Analyse, interpret and compare investigative and clinical options  Make judgments involving complicated facts or situations that impact on patients  Initiate and undertake innovation, improvement and R&D and be involved in the education of healthcare science trainees and other learners in the workplace.

They will be expected to complete all work based training and assessment alongside the academic master’s course, to exit the programme with eligibility for registration with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) and use of the protected title of Clinical Scientist. In addition, they will be

3 expected to undertake work based experience to enable them to communicate complex technical, scientific and sensitive information to colleagues within their department in both verbal and written forms It is a requirement for healthcare professionals working in these roles to be registered with the HCPC. They must meet the HCPC's standards for training, professional skills, behaviour and health.

6. MAIN TASKS, DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES Clinical, scientific and technical  To adhere strictly to the departmental policies and Standard Operating Procedures.  To follow Health and Safety and COSHH regulations, as outlined in the laboratories protocols and policies.  To undertake training in a variety of routine and complex genetic diagnostic techniques required to deliver an NHS Genetics service.  To perform and organise their own work in the laboratory.  To maintain an accurate record of all work undertaken using the Laboratory Information Management System and disease specific databases, to document tests and results.  To demonstrate and apply a thorough understanding of the scientific principles involved in the delivery of an NHS Genetics service, including trouble shooting of existing assays.  To demonstrate the ability to analyse diagnostic genetic tests using highly specialised software packages, and to use specialist scientific and clinical skills to interpret the results of these tests.  To demonstrate good interpretative skills needed to produce laboratory reports for routine and complex molecular diagnostic test results from the Laboratory Information Management System, according to laboratory protocols.  To acquire the skills during the training period to offer advice to members of staff, referring clinicians and other healthcare professionals on appropriate investigations and interpretation of genetic diagnostic data.  Participate in internal and external quality control procedures and assessments, as directed by the Quality Manager.  The post holder will be expected to work in a variety of areas of the laboratory and will be required to undertake secondments to other departments during the rotational elements of training

Education and Learning Successfully complete the full training programme (STP Genomics) in conjunction with the local Training Officer, Scheme Lead and National School of Healthcare Science to achieve certified competence awarded by the Academy of Healthcare Science. Undertake suitable training within the host department and other placements to successfully acquire core competencies and thereafter maintain the required standards of competence when undertaking duties.

 Take responsibility for own learning and development by recognising and taking advantage of all opportunities to learn, including appraisal, supervision, academic course and problem based learning and maintaining a personal portfolio of learning.  Ensure that own learning needs, identified with the Training Officer and reflecting the requirements of the curriculum, are met.

4  Retain sufficient flexibility and adaptability in learning in order to ensure full contribution to improving services in response to changing health care needs.  Maintain knowledge of recent scientific developments and undertake supplementary training to develop both knowledge and skills.  Attend mandatory training (both vocational and academic) as required.  Participate in internal and external assessment processes.

Managerial  Participate in the weekly laboratory meeting, lectures, seminars and courses to facilitate training and development.  Prepare and update documentation including Standard Operating Procedures, as directed by the Quality Manager, to ensure that the department maintains its UK accreditation status.  To participate in the laboratory internal audit programme as directed by the Quality Manager.  To present the results of audit work to colleagues as directed by the Head of Laboratory.  To communicate non-compliances to the Head of Laboratory and Quality Manager.  To be aware of and follow the current regional and national policies and legislature, along with UK best practice guidelines for molecular diagnostics, and promote these to others.  To acquire skills during the training period to organise, plan and monitor the workload of other laboratory staff.

Research and development  To develop and validate service initiatives designed to improve the efficiency of existing services, in consultation with the head of laboratory and the laboratory training officer.  To develop, validate and implement new services, in consultation with the Head of Laboratory and the laboratory Training Officer.  To present the results of service development to colleagues.  To participate in the evaluation and validation of changes to standard operating procedures.  To acquire skills during the training period to enable them to instigate research initiatives.

Teaching and training  Demonstrate the ability to train and supervise other laboratory staff.  To report any training issues to the head of laboratory or the Training Officer.  To take part in Continuing Professional Development activities to acquire new knowledge and skills for service and personal development.  To represent the laboratory at local, national and international meetings, as deemed appropriate by the Head of Laboratory and Training Officer, and to disseminating information gathered at these meeting back to laboratory colleagues.

5 Enabling the employer to meet statutory requirements  Comply at all times with the departmental and NHS Board Health and Safety policies, security policies, departmental operating procedures and disciplinary codes.  Report/ensure that any defect or occurrence which may affect safety at work is brought to the attention of the Health and Safety Officer.  Maintain an awareness of the Data protection act, preserving confidential patient information.

7a. EQUIPMENT AND MACHINERY The post holder will:  Use basic laboratory equipment including pipettes, balances, a spectrophotometer, centrifuges and micro-centrifuges.  Use biological safety cabinets and fume hoods for the safe handling of human specimens and chemicals.  Operate automated laboratory equipment and instrumentation.  Operate highly complex and expensive analytical equipment.  Use a variety of appropriate IT equipment.

6 7b. SYSTEMS The post holder will use a personal computer:  To record and extract patient information, to produce worksheets and to generate patient reports using the Laboratory Information Management System.  To update and manage disorder specific laboratory databases, for a subset of disorders.  To access the laboratories document control system (INVU).  To access the laboratory’s quality management system (Q-Pulse).  To analyse results using specialised and highly specialised software packages.  To update the training e-portfolio using the online assessment tool (OLAT)  To participate in departmental audits.  To search for patient test information and produce standard reports as required.  To produce electronic data e.g. Word, Access, Excel, PowerPoint.  To access data for pertinent scientific literature required for reporting and interpretation of highly complex genetic test results.  For Datix incident reporting.

Responsibility for Records Management All records created in the course of the business of NHS Tayside are corporate records and are public records under the terms of the Public Records (Scotland) Act 1937. This includes email messages and other electronic records. It is your responsibility to ensure that you keep appropriate records of your work in NHS Tayside and manage those records in keeping with the NHS Tayside Records Management Policy and with any guidance produced by NHS Tayside specific to your employment.

8. DECISIONS AND JUDGEMENTS The post holder must take responsibility for their work, prioritising workload when necessary. Decisions often need to be made which require an understanding of the laboratories policies, procedures and methodologies. These include:  Making decisions on appropriate genetic tests based on clinical information provided by clinicians, prioritising testing of the most critical and urgent specimens.  Assessing what specimens need to be sent to other laboratories in the UK or abroad, for specialist genetic tests which are not available in-house.  Deciding on and prioritising own workload and the workload of others, depending on which type of specimens have been referred for testing e.g. prenatal diagnosis.  Evaluating whether genetic test data meets internal quality control parameters, and where it doesn’t, ensuring tests are repeated before reports are issued.  Decide whether supplementary tests are required for those cases which produce equivocal or unexpected results, in consultation with the head of laboratory when necessary.

7  Demonstrate the ability to make decisions regarding problem assays, technical issues and troubleshooting.  Demonstrate the ability to exercise specialist professional judgements in the interpretation of complex diagnostic genetic test results.  Compiling complex diagnostic genetic test reports, ensuring the information is clear concise and unambiguous.

9. COMMUNICATIONS AND RELATIONSHIPS The post-holder will:  Communicate as an effective team member within the Laboratory Genetics Department, to ensure optimal use of resources and the delivery of an efficient, high quality service.  Communicate effectively with other healthcare professionals, responding to all enquiries as appropriate (telephone, email or written).  Demonstrate the ability to provide easy to understand interpretation of complex laboratory results to service users.  Demonstrate the ability to provide advice on the appropriate genetic diagnostic tests available to service users.  Attend the weekly laboratory meeting and discuss laboratory issues with colleagues.  Participate in internal multi-disciplinary clinical case meetings.  Present clinical cases, laboratory data and research findings at local and national and scientific meetings and conferences.  Demonstrate the ability to explain procedures and techniques accurately and concisely, to other staff and colleagues for training purposes.  Liaise with the Training Officer on matters regarding training.  Liaise with the Quality Manager for issues relating to laboratory accreditation and quality management.  Liaise with senior management, including the head of laboratory, on other issues relating to laboratory management.  Abide by the policy on patient confidentiality.  Attend an annual staff review.

10. PHYSICAL, MENTAL, EMOTIONAL AND ENVIROMENTAL DEMANDS OF THE JOB Physical demands  A combination of sitting, standing and walking is required.  A very high level of manual dexterity with excellent hand to eye co-ordination is required to carry out highly complex analytical procedures. Often highly intricate work using tiny volumes in single and multi-channel micro pipettes is required.  Frequent requirement for sitting in a restricted position for extended periods whilst using a computer workstation and specialist software to analyse complex data and results, or to write and

8 authorise patient reports with little opportunity to exercise during this time.  Requires highly developed physical skills in the use of specialist diagnostic testing equipment of high monetary value.

Mental demands  Frequent requirement for intense concentration at work or during periods of private study.  Ensuring accurate diagnosis of acquired genetic disorders and the unambiguous interpretation of results for the referring clinician for cancer patients.  There is a frequent requirement for prolonged, intense concentration when analysing and interpreting complex data and results. Often processing large data sets to issue final reports from a range of different procedures.  Work pattern can be unpredictable due to demands of the service, especially when an urgent specimen (e.g. prenatal sample) must be processed immediately.  Organisational skills, especially time management, and multi-tasking are very important.  There is a requirement to prioritise workload to meet deadlines.  A laboratory is a busy environment, which makes demands on the concentration.  Regular use of expensive and sensitive equipment.

Emotional demands  The handling of patient records maintaining patient confidentiality whilst liaising with multiple healthcare professionals is particularly demanding in diagnostic genetics cases.  Emotional stress of ensuring the accurate diagnosis of acquired genetic conditions, and the unambiguous and accurate interpretation of results to the referring clinician.  Communicating adverse clinical results to other healthcare professionals can be stressful.  Specimens can be from various sources, some of which may be distressing.

Environmental demands  Exposure to unpleasant working conditions, hazardous chemicals and potentially infectious body fluids and specimens can occur.

11. MOST CHALLENGING/DIFFICULT PARTS OF THE JOB

 Working to very demanding Professional Standard Guidelines. These cover both the quality of the work undertaken and also the challenge of tight turn-around times.  Must have the ability to concentrate for long periods of time whilst analysing, interpreting and writing complex genetic reports.  Must be able to multi-task and manage unpredictable and stressful, including urgent cancer referrals.

9  The knowledge that for which the post holder has responsibility may have life changing effects on patients can place great stress on staff.  The acquisition and maintenance of knowledge with regards to laboratory procedures, and the interpretation and the reporting of results, which must be constantly refreshed as test practice and guidelines change.  Participation in continuous personal development where there are time constraints due to service commitments.

12. KNOWLEDGE, TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE REQUIRED TO DO THE JOB

 First or Upper Second Class Honours degree or equivalent in Genetics or appropriate biological science.  Experience of working with protocols and standard operating procedures.  Knowledge of the key concepts of genetics, genomics, biology and pathology of human disease  Understanding of ‘quality’ in a diagnostic laboratory context.  Ability to analyse and assess scientific, technical and medical literature.  Developed coordination skills with good dexterity and hand-eye coordination.  Ability to work autonomously to plan and perform their work.  Good IT, personal organisational and time management skills.  Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.  Passion for scientific practice and its application to patient care.  Motivated, friendly, team player who can work with others.  Ability to travel when required for training purposes.

10 Person Specification

POST REF NO: D/CH/27/17 JOB TITLE/BAND: Clinical Scientist Trainees, Band 6 LOCATION: Laboratory Genetics/Molecular Diagnostics NHS Board(s) HOURS: 37.5 per week

CRITERIA ESSENTIAL DESIRABLE METHOD OF EVALUATION EXPERIENCE: Experience of working to Post-graduate experience in protocols and standard operating research or in a clinical procedures in a laboratory. environment

Experience of working independently

QUALIFICATIONS: (Training; Research; An Honours degree (1st or 2.1) in Post-graduate qualification in Publications) a pure or applied science relevant research or in a service to the training specialism. environment.

KNOWLEDGE & SKILLS: Key concepts of the biology and Underpinning knowledge of the pathology of human disease. genetics and pathology of disease and the principles of Good knowledge of genetics analysis An understanding of quality in a science or laboratory context. Evidence of analytical problem solving

An understanding of the role of their chosen specialism in healthcare.

PERSONAL QUALITIES: Ability to analyse and assess Ability to design research scientific, technical and medical investigations and literature. experiments.

Good IT skills and knowledge of Ability to interpret data and Standard computingpackages for present findings to peers. Word processing, spreadsheets and presentation tools.

Must be a strong team player.

11 Developed co-ordination skills with good dexterity and hand-eye coordination.

Ability to work autonomously to plan and perform their own work and under the guidance of their Supervisor.

Good personal organisational and time management skills.

Excellent interpersonal and communication skills. OTHER: (eg travel across A passion for scientific practice Desire to progress career; Tayside) and its application to patient care. flexible and enthusiastic in learning and teaching new Must be prepared to perform any areas of expertise recognised test procedure as determined by the Head of Laboratory

Travel to Manchester is required for some taught elements

12 General Conditions of Service

POST REF NO: D/CH/27/17 JOB TITLE/GRADE: Trainee Clinical Scientists, Band 6 LOCATION: Laboratory Genetics/Molecular Diagnostics NHS Board(s)

Conditions of The terms and conditions of service for this post are those determined by Service the NHS Staff Council.

Remuneration The current salary scale for the post is £26,830 to £35,933 per annum (pro rata for part-time staff). Placing on the scale on appointment is normally at the minimum but may be higher subject to verification of previous relevant service.

Salary is paid monthly by Bank Credit Transfer.

Hours of Duty The hours of the post are 37.5 per week.

This is a fixed term post for 3 years as a result of fixed term funding.

Start and finish times will be determined by the needs of the service.

Superannuation Membership of the NHS Superannuation Scheme is not compulsory but is open to all staff between the ages of 16 and 70 (65 in some instances).

The contributions paid are a percentage of superannuable pay, which is essentially basic pay excluding, for example, overtime or travelling expenses.

Contribution rates with effect from 01.04.17 are as follows:

Annual Pensionable Pay Contribution (Full-time equivalent) Up to £16,528 5.2% £16,529 to £22,217 5.8% £22,218 to £27,634 7.3% £27,635 to £50,971 9.5% £50,972 to £72,770 12.7% £72,771 to £113,625 13.7% £113,626 and above 14.7%

Contributions are subject to tax relief and reduced National Insurance contributions. NHS Tayside also makes a substantial contribution towards scheme benefits – currently around 14% of basic pay.

13 Annual Leave On appointment = 27 days (pro rata for part-time Staff) or 5.4 weeks per year.

After 5 years aggregated service = 29 days (pro rata for part-time staff) or 5.8 weeks per year

After 10 years aggregated service = 33 days (pro rata for part-time staff) or 6.6 weeks per year

Public Holidays = 8 days (pro rata for part-time staff) or 1.6 weeks per year

References All offers of appointment are subject to receipt of two satisfactory references.

Occupational All offers of appointment to new entrants to the National Health Service Health are subject to a medical examination. Medical examinations are Clearance arranged and undertaken by Occupational Health (OH).

Rehabilitation of All current or spent criminal convictions, cautions, warnings or any case Offenders Act pending must be disclosed prior to commencing in employment as 1974 (Exclusions detailed on the application form. and Exceptions) (Scotland) Order Please note that having a conviction will not automatically debar you from 2003 obtaining employment with NHS Tayside. Careful consideration will be given to the relevance of the offence to the particular post in question. However, if you are appointed, and it is found that you did not reveal a previous conviction your employment may be terminated.

Disclosure This post is subject to a Standard check by Disclosure Scotland as it Scotland involves access to children and/or vulnerable adults. This will contain details of any convictions on record whether spent or unspent.

Immigration, It is a criminal offence for an employer to employ anyone who does not Asylum and have permission to live or work in the UK. Nationality Act 2006 Shortlisted applicants will be asked to produce specific original documentation at interview e.g. Passport, or full birth certificate together with an official document giving the applicants permanent National Insurance Number and name issued by a Government Agency or a previous employer, as well as photocopies of these documents.

Professional Not applicable Registration/ Induction Standards & Code of Conduct

14 Smoking Policy NHS Tayside operates a No Smoking Policy and smoking is prohibited within NHS premises and grounds.

Fair Processing NHS Tayside is under a duty to protect the public funds it Notice administers, and to this end may use the information you provide on your Application Form for the prevention and detection of fraud. It may also share this information with other bodies responsible for auditing or administering public funds for these purposes. For further information see: http://www.nhstayside.scot.nhs.uk/YourRights/NationalFraudInitiativ e/index.htm or contact [email protected].

Applications Completed forms should be returned to:

[email protected] quoting the job reference in the subject line or to HR & OD Directorate, NHS Tayside, Level 9, Ninewells Hospital, Dundee DD1 9SY

By closing date of 9 June 2017

All shortlisted applicants will be emailed to invite them to attend for interview. It is important that you check your emails regularly, including your spam/junk box.