We are seeking a Clinical Diagnostic Scientist in Cancer Genetics to work with us on delivery of our recently awarded £4.3 million CRUK Catalyst Award: “CanGene CanVar: Data Resources, Clinical and Educational Tools to leverage Cancer Susceptibility Genetics for Early Detection and Prevention of Cancer”, running 2019-2024 ((
http://cangene-canvaruk.org/). This large program has been designed to deliver research and resources that will improve how we deliver national NHS testing for cancer susceptibility genes such as BRCA1, BRCA2 and Lynch Syndrome genes. It will involve working with a large team of scientists, clinicians and patients highly passionate about achieving this goal. Please refer to the attached job description for detailed information regarding the program of work.
OBJECTIVE OF THE POST:
To manage the workpackage in clinical variant interpretation of cancer susceptibility genes, as part of CanGene-CanVar, which is a complex 5-year £4.3 million CRUK-funded program, which is aimed at delivering data resources and tools to support implementation of cancer susceptibility genomics within NHS services. The main elements of the workpackage upon which the postholder will concentrate are: (i) data extraction, assembly and novel analyses to gain insight into variant pathogenicty. (ii) coordination of development of a datasystem for clinical variant interpretation for cancer susceptibility genes (CanVar-UK) (iii) management of a national working group involving >100 clinicians and scientists from NHS Molecular diagnostics laboratories (CanVIG-UK-Cancer Variant Interpretation Group UK) (iv) evolving of UK contribution to international variant interpretation collaborations. This post will be well suited to an individual with (i) a background in diagnostic molecular laboratory science who wishes to combine clinically-directed and academically-directed endeavours AND (ii) who wishes to advance their analytical and bioinformatics skills AND (iii) who wishes to build on pre-existing strong organisational and project management skills.
We are seeking an individual with an exceptional track-record in molecular laboratory science and diagnostics, likely coming from a background of working as an accredited clinical scientist or in an equivalent role. It is anticipated that the postholder will have (or seek to evolve) strong skills in data analysis and thus will take advantage of relevant in-house and external opportunities to advance programming/analytical skills. It is anticipated that the post-holder will have intuitive organisational skills: a formal qualification in project management is not required but there may be opportunity within the role for pursuing this. The postholder will work alongside a highly proficient bioinformatician-software engineer and able clinical fellow and be supported by a program administrator.
Appointment will be on a Fixed Term Contract for 2 years in the first instance, extendible to 4 years pending review of requirements of the role. The full salary scale is in the range from £32,000 to £44,400 p.a.inclusive. Appointments are normally made at the start of the range which represents the market rate for the role but consideration will be given to experience and skills. Future progression is based on annual performance review.
To apply please submit online application on the ICR Careers site, attaching your CV with the supporting statement (addressing with specific examples where you meet the person specification, a brief description of your research experience and incl. the names and addresses of at least two referees). Job ref 960.
For more details, please refer to the job description and person specification.
Informal enquiries are welcome and can be made to Professor Clare Turnbull (
[email protected]). Please note – this address is for enquiries only and applications must be submitted via the apply button below.