Deputy Director of Informatics

Job overview

• We are seeking a Deputy Director of Informatics to join the Southwest Genomic Laboratory Hub (SWGLH) team. This role offers an exciting opportunity to be involved in the development of the infrastructure supporting the genomics patient pathway in the South west. The UK is recognised worldwide as a leader in genomics allowing us to deliver advances at scale and pace for the benefit of patients and their families. Informatics will play a vital role in the NHS realising the benefits of genomics.

The GLH is responsible for the delivery of high-quality genomic testing for the Southwest region, covering Cornwall, Devon, Bristol, and Gloucestershire.

• As a Deputy Director within the Genomics Informatics team, you will play a crucial role in overseeing and managing the delivery of projects within Informatics. You will provide senior coordination, ensuring the successful delivery of strategic and key elements of the NHSE Genomics Data and Digital Strategy, with particular focus on unification of laboratory systems and integration with the wider Genomic Medicine Service (GMS) infrastructure. The successful candidate will have a track record of project delivery, innovation, and problem solving. The candidate will work both regionally, nationally and across the GMS network, establishing the digital linkages needed to create the lines of communication between key stakeholders.

Please see this short video showcasing Pathology at NBT.

https://youtu.be/cJiNgR-TwUY?si=H6kkwCD5FvSv6UpW

Main duties of the job

• Working with the SWGLH Informatics Director, develop a SWGLH data and digital implementation plan, to deliver to the NHSE Genomics Data and Digital Strategy.
• Advise on technology strategies and assess emerging technologies for their value and validity to the GLH business.
• Working with Pathology networks, Genomics Medicine Service Alliance (GMSA) and Trusts to incorporate genomics into Trust digital strategies and programmes.
• Working with the GMSA to provide genomics informatics leadership to appropriate national and regional programmes.
• The post holder will report directly to the SWGLH Informatics Director and be accountable to the SWGLH Operations Director.
• The postholder will be required to deputise for the Informatics Director in both regional and national meetings as required.

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

Main Duties of the Role

LIMS (Laboratory Information Management System)

• The post holder will lead, under the overall direction of the Informatics Director, procurement of the new LIMS system for the SWGLH
• Analyse and report on a range of options in order to contribute to decision making regarding the procurement of a new LIMS
• Highly complex data modelling of the SWGLH Genomics services to support the development of LIMS procurement across both sites of the GLH.  This will involve working with senior clinical colleagues to help quantify resource required to deliver services under various scenarios and supporting the development of the LIMS procurement specification.
• Review and benchmark other areas LIMs solutions and compare options for requirements

Interoperability

• The post holder will be responsible for the coordination of the interoperability of Genomics digital systems for SWGLH and GMSA, its prioritisation, assessment and workload management
• Advise the GLH on the most effective way to utilise existing investment in digital solutions and associated technology
• Have and maintain knowledge of the national Genomic strategy and provide digital interoperability to deliver the NHSE national vision to enable the development of the clinical systems within the GLH.
• Leading the review and scoping of current and future interoperability potential

Data presentation

• The post holder will develop the systems to manage genomics data sets in line with national Data standards ensuring that data requests are delivered within key Quality KPIs
• Provide highlight reports to the Genomics unit informatics group on any data and digital projects to ensure coherence with the national interoperability project.
• Evaluate outputs, formulate and present ideas of future reporting developments.
• To actively promote a data quality agenda across the GLH to improve the quality of data captured about genetic services to comply with Information governance standards. To play a key part in driving improvement in data quality.
• Ensuring the provision of bespoke reporting solutions including operational performance across the GLH, taking into consideration the requirement of the end-to-end pathway.
• Contribute to the national understanding of the requirements of Genomics datasets and performance metrics required to meet national Genomics data specifications.
• To lead the development of information e.g., Outcome recording, to assess the equity of access to genomic tests in the Southwest, in collaboration with the SW GMSA.
• Working with the GMS Board and other stakeholders, identify data streams which will inform the on-going development of the strategic direction for the GMS, supporting the GMS Informatics group as an active member.