Principal Clinical Scientist (Bioinformatics)

We are seeking an experienced and visionary Principal Clinical Scientist (Bioinformatics) to join the expanding South West Genomic Laboratory Hub (SWGLH) team at North Bristol NHS Trust. This is a pivotal leadership role within a dynamic and growing bioinformatics service that operates across two regional sites--Bristol and Exeter.

As part of a strengthened leadership structure, you will help shape the future of genomic diagnostics by coordinating cross-site activities, leading innovation, and supporting the delivery of high-quality, efficient, and digitally enabled services. You will play a key role in shaping the future of genomic medicine by leading service innovation, managing a team of skilled scientists, and ensuring the delivery of high-quality, accredited bioinformatics workflows. With a strong foundation in clinical bioinformatics and a passion for improving patient outcomes, you'll work collaboratively across regional sites and national networks to drive excellence in genomic healthcare.

1X Fixed Term Contract 12 Months / 1x Permanent role.

Main duties of the job

As a Principal Clinical Scientist (Bioinformatics), you will:

• Lead and managea specialist section or function within the SWGLH Bioinformatics service, ensuring high-quality, timely, and accurate delivery of genomic data analysis.
• Design, implement, and improvebioinformatics workflows and services, contributing to service innovation and operational planning.
• Provide expert scientific and clinical leadership, offering advice and guidance across multidisciplinary teams and liaising with national and regional stakeholders.
• Oversee quality assuranceprocesses, ensuring compliance with ISO15189:2022 standards and supporting UKAS accreditation.
• Develop and validatebioinformatics tools and pipelines for Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) and other genomic technologies.
• Supervise and trainstaff, including Scientist Training Programme (STP) trainees, and contribute to the development of training materials and assessments.
• Collaborate with IT and laboratory teamsto maintain and enhance bioinformatics infrastructure, including databases, servers, and software tools.
• Contribute to research and development, presenting findings at national and international meetings and supporting the introduction of new diagnostic services.
• Ensure data governance and security, adhering to data protection regulations and best practices in information management.
• Represent the department at internal and external meetings, promoting the role of bioinformatics in advancing patient care.

About us

With a scientific and technical staff of over 100, Bristol Genetics Laboratory (BGL) is housed in new state of the art Pathology laboratories in North Bristol NHS Trust.

BGL is a fully integrated Genomics Laboratory providing comprehensive Cancer and Rare Inherited Disease genomic testing to the South West with extensive specialist services attracting a large number of national and international referrals. BGL has a significant R&D programme and also benefits from co-location with the University of Bristol Learning and Research Centre in the Trust Science Quarter.

BGL is fully committed to the provision of high-quality training at all levels, as an accredited training centre.

North Bristol NHS Trust employs over 12,000 staff providing healthcare to the residents of Bristol, South Gloucestershire and North Somerset from our award-winning hospital building at Southmead. We are the regional Major Trauma Centre, and an internationally recognised centre of excellence in a range of services and major specialities. Our vision is that by enabling our teams to be the best that they can be, we will provide exceptional healthcare, personally delivered.

North Bristol NHS Trust values all people as individuals. We aim to be an anti-discriminatory organisation and are committed to building a team that represents a variety of backgrounds, perspectives, and skills. We welcome applicants from all underrepresented groups.

Job responsibilities

As a Principal Clinical Scientist (Bioinformatics) you will lead a specialist section within the South West Genomic Laboratory Hub (SWGLH), providing expert scientific and managerial leadership in the delivery of high-quality bioinformatics services. You will be responsible for the development, implementation, and continuous improvement of diagnostic workflows, ensuring compliance with national standards and contributing to the advancement of genomic medicine.

Job description

Job responsibilities

As a Principal Clinical Scientist (Bioinformatics) you will lead a specialist section within the South West Genomic Laboratory Hub (SWGLH), providing expert scientific and managerial leadership in the delivery of high-quality bioinformatics services. You will be responsible for the development, implementation, and continuous improvement of diagnostic workflows, ensuring compliance with national standards and contributing to the advancement of genomic medicine.

• Lead a defined section or function within the SWGLH Bioinformatics service.
• Oversee service delivery, ensuring accuracy, timeliness, and adherence to quality standards.
• Manage staff performance, training, and development, including STP trainees.
• Contribute to strategic planning, service redesign, and business case development.
• Represent the department at internal and external meetings, promoting collaboration and innovation.

• Apply advanced knowledge of Clinical Bioinformatics (Genomics) to manage complex genomic data.
• Develop, validate, and maintain bioinformatics pipelines and tools for NGS and other technologies.
• Collaborate with IT teams to ensure robust infrastructure and software support.
• Lead on the integration of bioinformatics systems with Laboratory Information Management Systems (LIMS).
• Ensure compliance with ISO15189:2022 standards and support UKAS accreditation processes.

• Write and maintain Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for bioinformatics processes.
• Lead internal and external quality assurance activities.
• Maintain rigorous documentation and audit trails for all bioinformatics workflows.
• Support incident management, root cause analysis, and continuous quality improvement.

• Deliver training and mentorship to staff and students in bioinformatics.
• Assess and support STP trainees through formal evaluations and feedback.
• Maintain HCPC registration and a portfolio of Continuing Professional Development (CPD).
• Organise induction and ongoing training for new staff members.

• Communicate complex genomic data clearly to multidisciplinary teams.
• Liaise with clinical, scientific, and IT colleagues to support patient care.
• Participate in national forums and working groups to share best practices and influence policy.
• Uphold the highest standards of patient confidentiality and data protection.

• Contribute to the development of departmental policies and procedures.
• Support financial planning and resource allocation for bioinformatics services.
• Evaluate cost-effectiveness of new technologies and recommend investments.

Person Specification

Education/Training/Qualifications

• Honours degree in a computer science or bioinformatics discipline OR a relevant biological discipline with demonstrated abilities in bioinformatics or computing.
• MSc degree or equivalent qualification in a relevant subject.
• Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) registered Clinical Scientist in Bioinformatics
• Evidence of Continuing Professional Development
• Commitment to pursue post-registration higher training relevant to the role, such as Higher Specialist Scientist Training (HSST) or Leadership & Management qualifications

Work Experience

• Significant experience as a Clinical Scientist in Bioinformatics
• Proven experience of working in UNIX/LINUX and BASH scripting
• Proven experience of programming in a modern object orientated scripting language (such as Python)
• Leadership experience including training and supervision of National School of Healthcare Science Scientist Training Programme, organisation and allocation of workload, project management
• A good record of research and development experience as appropriate to the bioinformatics service including pipeline development, clinical validation and presentation of scientific data at national and internationals meetings
• Experience of UKAS assessment processes and knowledge of Bioinformatics requirements for ISO15189:2022 accreditation
• Experience of participating in national bioinformatics working groups or collaborating with bioinformaticians from other Genomic Laboratory Hubs

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities

• Extensive specialist knowledge of the principles of Clinical Bioinformatics (Genomics)
• Knowledge of Next Generation Sequencing approaches and statistical techniques used in manipulation of large data analysis
• Knowledge of bioinformatic tools, resources and techniques applied to medical genetics.
• Up to date knowledge/awareness of new developments/technologies in Bioinformatics and their impact on local service provision
• Knowledge of NHS information and data requirements
• Up to date awareness of national policies affecting the NHS and genetic testing
• Excellent skills in programming, mathematical modelling, database construction and an in-depth understanding of how to apply these skills into an operational setting.
• Able to resolve extremely complicated problems using advanced problem-solving skills to assess and determine the most effective solutions.
• Understanding of Information Security Threats and Countermeasures
• Awareness of budget control and financial procedures gained through a mixture of both practical application and theoretical knowledge

Personal Qualities/Special Circumstances

• Able to manage competing demands and be able to work under pressure to meet demands
• Excellent people relationship skills including communication and organisational skills to maximise the contribution of colleagues
• Ability to communicate clearly and effectively to a wide range of audiences, internal and external staff, ensuring their queries are understood and an appropriate response is given relating to what information or services can be provided.
• Excellent planning and organisational skills, detail-orientated, able to recognise and solve complex problems quickly
• Flexibility in approach towards working hours and adaptive to change

Disclosure and Barring Service Check

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.

Deputy Director of Bioinformatics, SWGLH

£53,755 to £60,504 a yearper annum, pro rata for pat time roles.

Contract

Permanent

Working pattern

Full-time,Flexible working,Home or remote working