Bioinformatician (XR06)

Job summary

Bioinformatician(Genomics)

1x 12-month fix-term band 6 position (at NEY GLH Central Laboratory Leeds)

hours per week, full time, fix-term

In response to NHS Englands recent Strategy andService Specification for the future of Genomics services in England, NewcastleTeaching Hospitals, Leeds Teaching Hospitals, Sheffield Childrens Trust andSheffield Teaching Hospitals have formed the North East and Yorkshire GenomicsLaboratory Hub; an exciting collaboration to provide services for Genomicsacross Yorkshire and Humber and the North. The combined size of our geographymakes this the largest collaboration in the country with the Trusts offering arange of both general and specialist hospital services with excellent clinicaloutcomes for patients. We have an international reputation for excellence inspecialist care, research and academic training.

Main duties of the job

Weare looking to recruit 1 x Band 6 Bioinformatician post to work within theNorth East and Yorkshire Genomic Laboratory Hub (NE&Y GLH) bioinformaticsteam.

A breakdown of the positions available isgiven below:

1 x 12-month fixed term post based atLeeds (NE&Y Central Laboratory at St Jamess University Hospital in Leeds)

Applicationsfrom individuals with an MSc or PhD in Bioinformatics or Computer Science,particularly with experience in human cancer genomics, are highly desirable.

Thesuccessful candidate will have the opportunity to contribute to a diverse rangeof exciting projects spanning both rare disease and cancer genomics.

Please note, due to funding requirements, thesuccessful applicant must commence their role before 31st March 2025.

About us

Therole responsibilities include:

To provide highly specialisedbioinformatics expertise to support the diagnostic platforms being used withinNE&Y GLH. This will include implementation of methods of data handling,analysis and interpretation of data that will ultimately have a direct impacton patient care.

To work within the NE&Y GLHvirtual team based across the different NE&Y GLH sites to plan activitiesand develop the bioinformatics capability of NE&Y GLH.

Thispost provides the opportunity to join our collaborative team at the forefrontof transforming and shaping genomics services for the future. If you would liketo join us on our exciting journey, we would welcome your interest andapplication.

Forfurther enquiries or a confidential discussion please contact Helena Spiewak(NE&Y GLH Lead Bioinformatician) at

Leeds Teaching Hospitals is committed to our processof redeploying 'at risk' members of our existing workforce to new roles. Assuch, all our job adverts are subject to this policy and we reserve the rightto close, delay or remove adverts while this process is completed. If you doexperience a delay in the shortlisting stage of the recruitment cycle, pleasebear with us while this process is completed, and contact the named contact ifyou have any questions.

Job responsibilities

PURPOSE

TheNorth East and Yorkshire Genomic Laboratory Hub (NEY GLH) comprises of apartnership arrangement between several organisations (Leeds Teaching HospitalsTrust, Sheffield Childrens Hospital FT, Newcastle Upon Tyne Hospitals FT andSheffield Teaching Hospitals FT).

TheGLH operates as a network to deliver genomic testing, as outlined in theNational Genomic Test Directory, across a broad range of Genomic specialtiesincluding both cancer and rare diseases. We provide a coordinated andcomprehensive service to deliver standardised outcomes, on-going consolidation,quality improvement, and adoption of new technologies.

Thepost-holder will:

Working under guidance to providehighly specialised bioinformatics expertise to support the diagnostic platformsbeing used within NEY GLH. This will include implementation of methods of datahandling, software, analysis and interpretation of data that will ultimatelyhave a direct impact on patient care.

To work with the lead bioinformationand within the NEY GLH virtual team based across the different NEY GLH sites toplan activities and develop the bioinformatics capability of NEY GLH.

To carry out research and developmentand audit in the field of genetics and bioinformatics

To assist in delivery of a quality,cost effective and patient focussed service from a combination of specialistareas within the department.

To take responsibility for own work.

PRINCIPALDUTIES & AREAS OF RESPONSIBILITY

The post holder will work underguidance to provide highly specialised bioinformatics expertise to support thediagnostic platforms being used within NEY GLH. This will includeimplementation and validation of methods of data handling, software development,and analysis and interpretation of data that will ultimately have a directimpact on patient care.

The post holder will work with thelead bioinformation and within the NEY GLH virtual team based across thedifferent NEY GLH sites to plan activities and develop the bioinformaticscapability of NEY GLH.

The post holder will be required tocarry out research and development and service improvement in the field ofgenetics and bioinformatics.

The post holder will have appropriatescientific duties and responsibilities to contribute to the provision anddevelopment of an effective and high quality diagnostic service.

Maintain awareness of, and adhere to,all relevant codes of practice, Health & Safety procedures and operationalpolicies, and inform the safety officer of any hazards or potential risksencountered.

Ensure the best possible standard ofwork by applying scientific skills and expertise to maintain a high level ofquality, reliability, timeliness and accuracy.

Contribute information, both writtenand verbal, to local and national scientific meetings and workshops.

COREASPECTS OF THE ROLE

Communicationand Relationships

The post holder requires the skill topresent bioinformatics results, research findings, statistical data, analyticaldevelopments, audit results and teaching materials to groups of professionalstaff through departmental seminars, and/or external scientific meetings.

The post holder will also communicatewith:

o Clinical Scientists, Medical,Biomedical Scientists, Healthcare Science Assistants, IT and informatics staff,and clerical staff on matters concerning the laboratory, systems and projects.

o Peers, regionally and nationally, todiscuss problems and service matters.

Analyticaland Judgemental

Judgmental skills will be requiredwhen providing bioinformatic services as part of the overall service providedby the NEY GLH. You will understand the need to report adverse events in theevent of errors and failures.

Develop, operate, maintain andtroubleshoot highly complex bioinformatics software safely and efficiently.

Input, manage, extract and interpretpatient data using the laboratory computer system.

Analysing, validating, interpretingand comparing technical data plus exercising judgement in identifying problemsand then solving them.

Maintain patient confidentiality. Youwill recognise the absolute requirement to protect sensitive information thatis related to patient care.

Observe the requirements ofdepartmental policies relating to service provision, for example samplelabelling and adverse event reporting.

Observe the requirements of Trustpolicies relating to clinical and people governance.

Planningand Organisational

Communicate clearly and effectivelywhether orally, graphically or electronically.

Organise, plan, prioritise,interpret, validate and authorize your workload and coordinate this with workundertaken by other team members.

Work independently.

Work with precision and followaccurately the documented laboratory standard operating procedures.

Take account of changes in servicedelivery by demonstrating a flexible approach to work.

PhysicalDexterity

Standardkeyboard skills

Patient/ Client Care

The post holder will be required toprovide highly specialised bioinformatics expertise to support the diagnosticplatforms being used within NEY GLH. This will include implementation ofmethods of data handling, analysis and interpretation of data that willultimately have a direct impact on patient care.

To be an active member of the NEY GLHvirtual team, delivering the bioinformatics capability of NEY GLH.

To identify and report adverseincidents through the designated channels.

Policyand Service Development

The post holder will be required toimplement agreed polices within the department and assist in development ofdepartmental policies and protocols, contributing to policy change asappropriate.

Carry out audit and developmentprogrammes to underpin research and development within the department forimprovements of general service quality.

HumanResources

Gain new knowledge throughexperience, formal study and participation in relevant training schemes.

Participate actively in thedepartmental appraisal scheme.

Responsible for contributing toeducation and training.

InformationResources

Will regularly need to develop andcreate documents and reports using appropriate computer software evaluation reports of analytical methods or equipment; laboratory informationdocuments for departmental use and for use by users of the laboratory.

Responsible for the operation ofinformation systems within the NEY GLH service.

Researchand Development

Will carry out regular formalresearch and development projects aimed towards improved patient care.

Will regularly undertake theevaluation of new analytical methods.

Freedomto Act

Will be required to plan and organiseefficiently and effectively their work projects consulting and reviewingprogress with senior staff.

The post holder will have significantdiscretion to work on their own and as part of team but decides guided by abroad range of policies with guidance from peers.

Physical

Well-developed computer keyboardskills

Frequent periods of light andmoderate physical activity related to the functions of the laboratory may beexpected. It is expected that a highproportion of time will be spent sitting a personal computer using a VDU. Theremay also be a requirement to use complex laboratory equipment and this mayinvolve prolonged periods of standing and high level of manual dexterity.

Mental

The post requires a high level ofexpertise in the analysis of complex biological and genomic datasets.

The role requires frequent andprolonged periods of mental effort which will include the use of highly complexinformation systems linked to sophisticated equipment used in genomic analysis.

The post holder will be involved inthe development and implementation of these systems and this will require veryhigh level of attention to details and a strong focus on the performance ofthese systems and the quality and accuracy of data. This constitutes prolongedperiods of mental effort accounting for greater than 50% of the working week.

Emotional

Some exposure to emotionalcircumstances may arise during the performance of people governance duties, forexample, during staff appraisal.

There may be indirect exposure todistressing clinical situations as the main role is the provision of cancerdiagnostic service to adults and children including those who are acutely orterminally ill.

WorkingConditions

Office conditions

THELEEDS WAY VALUES

Ourvalues are part of what make us different from other trusts, so we see this asa strength, as well as a responsibility. They have been developed by our staffand set out what they see as important to how we work. Our five values are:

- Patient-centred

- Collaborative

- Fair

- Accountable

- Empowered

All our actions and endeavours will be guided andevaluated through these values.

Experience

Essential

Desirable

Skills and Behaviours

Essential

Desirable

Qualifications

Essential

Desirable