Genomic Practitioner

Job Overview University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust is delighted to offer a fantastic opportunity to work with us.

Please see below for detailed job description of the role.

Main duties of the job

Wessex Clinical Genetics Service is delighted to be recruiting a Band 5 Genomic Practitioner.

Based in the Clinical Genetics department within the Princess Anne Hospital, the Genomic Practitioner will work within the Genomes team to facilitate and organise whole genome sequencing testing for a wide variety patients across the Wessex region. The main function of this role is to speak to patients and their families to discuss genetic testing as well as options to be involved in research and documenting their choices. This will mostly be over the telephone, however, you may be required to see patients face-to-face in clinic or ward settings.

The Genomes team is mostly a small team of Genomic practitioners, lead by a specialist nurse. We are based within the Wessex Clinical Genetics Service and work closely with consultant geneticists and genetic counsellors, as well as many clinicians within other specialities. Our team receives over a thousand referrals a year for whole genome sequencing from many different clinicians around the Wessex region.

Informal enquiries are encouraged.

Working for our organisation

As one of the largest acute teaching Trusts in England, we offer learning and development opportunities to help you achieve the career you aspire to. UHS is rated ‘Good’ by the CQC and in the latest national NHS Staff Survey, we were in the top 10 acute trusts for staff engagement and for staff recommending the hospital as a place to work or receive care.

We support flexible working and will consider requests taking into account the needs of the service. UHS employees are able to access a range of NHS discounts, are entitled to a minimum of 35 days paid holiday (pro rata), and we offer a generous pension scheme.

Southampton is an attractive place to live and work situated on the south coast, with an international airport and direct trains to London. The New Forest National Park and beaches of the Jurassic coast are also right on our doorstep. The city offers living costs 30% lower than London and 17 schools rated outstanding by Ofsted.

We believe that using technology wisely shows strong time management and commitment to innovation. However, personalising your recruitment application to highlight your unique skills and experiences is crucial. Relying too heavily on generic, AI-generated content instead of drawing from your own strengths and accomplishments may lead to your application being rejected if multiple candidates present identical or similar information.

Detailed Job Description And Main Responsibilities What you’ll do

With guidance from the Genomics Specialist Nurse and wider departmental team, you will involved in (but not necessarily limited to):

• Discussing whole genome sequencing with patients with rare diseases/cancer so that they can make informed choices about their care, and documenting patient choices.
• Explaining complex scientific information to patients in an understandable and sensitive manner.
• Organising samples for genetic testing.
• Involvement/coordination of multidisciplinary team meetings.
• Possibility for opportunities to get involved with teaching opportunities, audits, service evaluations etc.

You will need to have a relevant scientific or clinical background and demonstrate that you can communicate complex information effectively whilst working within your scope of practice.

Person specification

Qualifications / Training Required Essential criteria

• Professional health qualification - registered nurse, children’s nurse, Health Visitor or midwife with a degree in nursing OR:- Science/biology/genetics graduate
• Evidence of commitment to continued professional development
• Knowledge of NHS plans for mainstreaming of genomics, and/or other demonstrable interest in genetics.

Previous or relevant experience necessary

Essential criteria

• Experience within a clinical or research environment

Desirable criteria

• Experience of teaching and/or mentorship
• Experience of explaining clinical/scientific information to patients or in other settings
• Experience within a cancer setting or demonstratable knowledge of cancer

Aptitudes And Skills Required Essential criteria

• Ability to work independently within scope of practice
• Scientifically literate
• Strong documentation skills and management confidential patient information
• An understanding of the principals of GCP and informed consent as they apply to clinical research
• Ability to prioritise and deliver agreed objectives

Trust Values

Essential criteria

• Patients First
• Always Improving
• Working Together