Genomics - Contract Assessor

Genomics, Cytogenetics & Bioinformatics – Contracted Technical Assessor

Location: Remote (UK-based) with UK and potential international travel
Contract Type: Independent Contractor

About UKAS

UKAS is the UK’s National Accreditation Body, appointed by government to assess and accredit organisations that provide certification, testing, inspection, calibration and verification services. Our work underpins confidence in conformity assessment across the UK and internationally.

We work with independent technical experts and are seeking experienced genomics, cytogenetics and bioinformatics professionals to support ISO 15189:2022 assessments of medical laboratories.

About the Role

As a Technical Assessor, you will help assess medical laboratories against ISO 15189:2022, using your genomics, cytogenetics and/or bioinformatics expertise to review technical activity, quality systems, data analysis and clinical reporting.

You will assess areas such as:

• Genomic, cytogenetic and molecular testing processes, procedures and reports
• Staff competency, data analysis, quality systems, IQC, EQA, validation and verification
• Clinical interpretation, variant classification and advice on genomic results, where applicable

What we’re looking for:

We are interested in professionals with strong practical and/or clinical experience in genomics, cytogenetics or bioinformatics, particularly those with:

• Significant experience in genomic laboratory techniques, cytogenetic testing, data analysis and/or clinical genomics services
• Experience supporting diagnosis, disease management, prognosis, interpretation or reporting of genomic data
• Strong understanding of IQC, EQA, validation, verification and laboratory quality systems
• Confidence working with laboratory staff, clinicians, senior stakeholders and multidisciplinary teams

Typical backgrounds and registration

• Clinical Scientist, Biomedical Scientist, Senior Biomedical Scientist or Bioinformatician working in genomics, cytogenetics, molecular diagnostics or clinical bioinformatics
• Consultant or medically qualified specialist involved in clinical genomics, molecular diagnostics or variant interpretation
• HCPC or GMC registration is desirable; IBMS or Royal College of Pathologists membership, including FRCPath, is advantageous

Technical Expertise

You should have practical experience with techniques such as DNA/RNA extraction, PCR, Sanger sequencing, Next Generation Sequencing, karyotyping, FISH analysis, sample preparation, variant interpretation and clinical reporting.

You should also understand testing principles and limitations, test selection, method validation and verification, data integrity, bioinformatics pipeline validation and end-to-end laboratory processes from sample receipt through to reporting.

Familiarity with ISO 15189:2012 or ISO 15189:2022 is desirable.

Contract Details

• Independent contractor role that can be undertaken alongside current professional commitments
• Remote and on-site assessments, with UK and potential international travel as required
• Work allocated according to technical expertise and availability

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