The document provides an overview of the career path and training required to become a Clinical Scientist in Molecular Genetics in the UK. It details the educational requirements, two training routes, certification process, and typical daily responsibilities in the laboratory. The document also compares roles in Molecular Genetics versus Microbiology and provides tips and resources for those interested in pursuing this career path.

1. A Clinical Scientist in 2011 Claire Bosomworth Research and Development Microbiology Leeds General Infirmary

2. How it all started BSc (hons) Medical Genetics Trainee Clinical Scientist position in Molecular Genetics St James’ University Hospital

3. What you had to do then (2005) 2003 Government White Paper – Our Inheritance, Our Future Apply through central recruitment agency Two routes: 4 year training program for graduates 6 year training program for post doctorates Certificate of Competence ACS Certificate of Attainment Registration with the Health Professions Council

4. Molecular Genetics Study of gene structure and function Inherited disorders Three sections Prenatal diagnosis Carrier testing Diagnostic – confirmation of a clinical diagnosis

5. The training Cover core diseases tested for in the laboratory Mode of transmission Phenotype/genotype Testing strategy and reporting Clinic attendance Standard operating procedures Audit CPA inspection Courses/conferences - 1 - 2 + 1 I II

6. The portfolio/assessment

7. Post competence – a typical day ~75% - diagnostic testing 2/3 diseases Set up testing Supervision of technicians Analysis of data Report writing Liaising with clinicians/external labs

8. Techniques employed within the laboratory Sanger sequencing Sizing PCRs Multiplex ligation probe amplification (MLPA) Southern blotting Oligonucleotide ligation assay (OLA) Clonal sequencing

9. Data kindly provided by Ian Berry

10. Interpretation Literature search Bioinformatics Disease specific databases Synonymous/non-synonymous Change at protein level Protein prediction software Sequence alignments Training and scientific knowledge

11. Assay development Malignant hyperthermia ARMS vs. sequencing UKGTN In line with other testing procedures Gel based Technical support Cheap More expertise Quick Sequencing ARMS

12. Duty Scientist Gatekeeping of all samples received Extraction/storage/rejection Work closely with extraction technician Deal with enquiries Sign off all samples – contract/billing Sending

13. What happened next Completed (almost) four year training contract in Molecular Genetics July 2009 - Swine flu Virology laboratory Leeds General Infirmary Set up respiratory virus testing laboratory Registration with HPC March 2010 – Moved to R&D within Microbiology

14. What I do now Currently employed to work on a bloodstream infection trial Implementation of new identification systems for bloodstream infections Help in the laboratory with Clostridium difficile research Developing an in-house PCR for C. difficile

15. Molecular genetics vs. Microbiology Diagnostic Data analysis Lab work Duty Scientist Service development Day to day work – Clinical Scientists/Technicians All one lab Fewer samples TAT 3 – 40 days Research Service development Clinical trials Day to day work – Biomedical Scientists Lab split into distinct sections More samples TAT much shorter

16. What would you have to do now? Modernising Scientific Careers: The UK Way Forward Taken from: http://www.dh.gov.uk/

17. MSC framework Taken from DH –The UK way forwards

18. STP training Taken from DH –The UK way forwards

19. Payscales Taken from http://www.rcn.org.uk

20. Tips Work experience News New developments Remember what you did in your degree Research the company

21. Dates to remember Feb 2011 – NHS careers will publish training posts No applications accepted before 24 th Feb Advertised in New Scientist and NHS jobs Closing date 13 th March Employment will start October 2011

22. Useful websites Association of Clinical Scientists http://www.assclinsci.org/acsHome.aspx NHS careers website http://www.nhscareers.nhs.uk Department of Health http://www.dh.gov.uk Health Professions Council http://www.hpc-uk.org/ British Society for Human Genetics http://www.bshg.org.uk/ Association for Clinical Biochemistry http://www.acb.org.uk/ PHG foundation http://www.phgfoundation.org