NHS Clinical Scientist Training Posts in UK

emmiou · 08-12-2010 7:52pm #1

http://www.nhscareers.nhs.uk/details/Default.aspx?Id=235

Postgratuate Clinical Scientist training posts in the UK will be advertised on site in the middle of January - 180 places throughout a range of areas.

Relevant entry degrees for each are:

Life sciences/pathology
Clinical biochemist
A first or second class honours degree in chemistry or biochemistry - or one with a high proportion of these subjects - for entry.

Clinical immunologist
Graduates enter via a biochemistry or biology degree which has a component of immunology.

Clinical scientist in histocompatibility and immunogenetics:
The usual entry requirement is a relevant science degree with experience in immunology.

Clinical cytogeneticist & molecular geneticist
A good degree in life sciences or genetics.

Clinical microbiologist
A good honours degree in microbiology as required or a general biological science degree with numerous microbiology options.

Clinical embryologist
A good life science honours degree (possibly with an element of reproductive medicine/biology)

Physical sciences
Medical physicist, clinical engineer and bio-engineer:
A good degree in a physical science or engineering.

Clinical physiology
Audiological scientist:
The first degree may be a science degree, preferably with some knowledge of physics or behavioural science.

tatabubbly · 10-12-2010 1:14am

This was exactly what i was looking for! Thanks!

Hoping to get into clinical biochem, there's only 5 people in my masters class doing it in UU so i'm hoping i'll get in!

emmiou · 10-12-2010 4:41pm

some other links where you might find useful information about the scheme:-

http://www.assclinsci.org/acsHome.aspx

http://www.google.ie/url?sa=t&source=web&cd=3&ved=0CCUQFjAC&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.assclinsci.org%2FLibraries%2FCareers%2F2_Clinical_Scientists_Recruitment_Handbook_2010.sflb.ashx&rct=j&q=clinical%20scientist%20recruitment%202010&ei=aA4ATc3GK8KJhQeanZikCw&usg=AFQjCNFwCRe-AAvB7CuNeM8xrWeu3DBoQg&cad=rja

http://www.thestudentroom.co.uk/showthread.php?t=722000&page=56

http://www.nhscareers.nhs.uk/details/Default.aspx?Id=235

http://www.cmgs.org/

http://www.cmgs.org/Modernising%20Scientific%20Careers/MSC%20MATTERS%20Nov%202010%20final.pdf

emmiou · 20-01-2011 11:48pm

http://www.ipem.ac.uk/SiteCollectionDocuments/Training/Scientist/STP%20timetable.pdf

Vacancies will be advertised a little later than expected, set to become accessible to candidates on 24 February on the NHS Jobs website. Closing date 13 March 2011. Interviews 4 April to 20 April. Successful candidates commence training October 2011.

Details of molecular genetics scheme here http://www.cmgs.org/Training/MSC%20training/STP%20-%20Training%20Manual%2030.09.10.pdf haven't found any of the others yet!

tatabubbly · 26-01-2011 8:30pm

I'm hoping for clinical chemistry but to be honest there is not a lot of info about it, we haven't been given any career advice from our college at all!!!!

Sunsh!ne · 27-01-2011 1:18am

Hi all, hope ye can help.
What would be considered similar to NHS Clinical Scientist Training Posts in the Irish Health system? Would it be similar to someone with a BSc Biomedical Science completing a masters here? What would be the job oppertunities on completion? Would they be along the lines of Medical Scientists/Senior Medical Scientists or are they more patient contact/treatment focussed?

Sorry, had never heard of these positions til I came across thread, but they sound interesing.

p1akuw47h5r3it · 27-01-2011 1:40am

Sunsh!ne wrote: »

Hi all, hope ye can help.
What would be considered similar to NHS Clinical Scientist Training Posts in the Irish Health system? Would it be similar to someone with a BSc Biomedical Science completing a masters here? What would be the job oppertunities on completion? Would they be along the lines of Medical Scientists/Senior Medical Scientists or are they more patient contact/treatment focussed?

Sorry, had never heard of these positions til I came across thread, but they sound interesing.

Hi was actually thinking of asking similar questions

emmiou · 16-02-2011 2:38pm

Clinical Biochemistry, Haematology, Histopathology, Genetics, Immunology, Microbiology and Reproductive Clinical Scientist training posts

http://www.nhscareers.nhs.uk/documents/life%20sciences%20table9%20Feb.pdf

Clinical engineering and Medical Physics posts

http://www.nhscareers.nhs.uk/documents/medical%20physics%20and%20clinical%20engineering%20table9%20%20Feb.pdf

Cardiology, Audiology, Vascular post

http://www.nhscareers.nhs.uk/documents/physiology%20table9%20Feb.pdf

I completed NHS Clinical Scientist training in Genetics and am currently employed as a Clinical Scientist in a hospital diagnostic genetics laboratory in Ireland. Between finishing the training and returning to Ireland I was employed as a Senior Medical Scientist in Haematology. A former colleague completed Clinical Scientist training in Biochemistry and went straight into a Senior Medical Scientist position in Biochemistry in a hospital laboratory in Ireland.

Clinical Science is a different training programme and career structure to Biomedical Science in the NHS but there is considerable overlap for any of the disciplines I'm familiar with. Prior to the Clinical Scientist Training I had worked as a Medical Scientist- degree from University of Ulster and training in 2 Dublin Labs, successfully registered with AMLS after interview, did UU MSc distance learning Haematology during Clinical Scientist training - an MSc wasn't incorporated in Genetics Training in 2003!)

emmiou · 16-02-2011 2:44pm

links to PDF not working - http://www.nhscareers.nhs.uk/hcsi_STP_training_opportunities.shtml

emmiou · 21-02-2011 9:29pm

Scottish posts advertised in New Scientist

http://www.newscientistjobs.com/jobs/job/clinical-scientist-training-scheme-cell-sciences-molecular-pathology-nhs-education-for-scotland-east-lothian-1401091220.htm

http://www.newscientistjobs.com/jobs/job/clinical-scientist-training-schemes-immunology-transfusion-sciences-nhs-education-for-scotland-east-lothian-1401091271.htm

http://www.newscientistjobs.com/jobs/job/clinical-scientist-training-schemes-clinical-physics-and-bioengineering-nhs-education-for-scotland-east-lothian-1401091263.htm

http://www.newscientistjobs.com/jobs/job/clinical-scientist-training-scheme-histocompatibility-and-immunogenetics-hi-nhs-education-for-scotland-east-lothian-1401091250.htm

http://www.newscientistjobs.com/jobs/job/clinical-scientist-training-scheme-haematology-nhs-education-for-scotland-east-lothian-1401091213.htm

p1akuw47h5r3it · 22-02-2011 6:01pm

How difficult is it to acquire one of these posts?

Like is their fierce competition for them?

emmiou · 24-02-2011 10:03pm

http://www.jobs.nhs.uk/cgi-bin/advsearch?quick_search=1&staff_group=SG35&stext=Trainee&stext_type=title

Plenty of Medical Physics posts, Audiology etc, some Life Sciences but far less than previous years - if you go into the individual vacancies there are very detailed job descriptions and person specifications available as attachments- for example, some excerpts from the word document attached to the Genetics post in Leeds

JOB DESCRIPTION

Trainee Healthcare Scientist - Genetics
Grade: Provisional Agenda for Change Band 6 (http://www.nhscareers.nhs.uk/details/Default.aspx?Id=766, £25,472 to £34,189)
Tenure: 3 years fixed term (supernumerary)
Hours of work: 37.5 hours per week.
Liaises with: Liaises with other technical and scientific staff of the genetics department, and other Healthcare Scientist Trainees.
Key Working Relationships: The trainee will work closely with the training coordinator and more senior members of staff to follow the curriculum for the healthcare scientist training programme. The trainee will work in specified areas of the department and be responsible to the Designated Training Coordinator for their own work and progression through the scheme. All trainees will be expected to travel to national courses regularly throughout their training. It is expected that trainees will undertake Masters level formal study. Trainees will be expected to rotate both through the Department to which they have primarily been appointed (host department), as well as through other local scientific services, in order to complete the required work based learning outcomes Trainees will be a part of a national training programme and will be associated with the National Healthcare Science School based in the West Midlands.

Job Purpose:
In conjunction with and supported by the Designated Training Coordinator, the Healthcare Scientist Trainee will be responsible for their own progression in the training programme, for completing the learning outcomes as outlined in the STP training manual, progressing through work-based experience in NHS scientific departments and undertaking the academic Master’s programme at a Higher Education Institution.

The post holder will be expected to perform a range of demanding scientific and clinical roles under supervision, as well as occasional duties in response to specific elements of the curriculum. A major part of the work will take place in the workplace together with an academic taught Masters level course.

Healthcare Scientist Trainees in Genetics will be employed for a fixed term of three years during which they will work through a programme of learning comprising initially three months in each of four pathway areas, one of which to be the specialism which will subsequently be pursued in a 18 month workplace-based programme. This will be combined with an academic programme at Masters (MSc) level over the three year programme. The first part of the academic programme will introduce the basic science of the rotational specialisms and provide an induction into healthcare services and their values.

Job Statement:
The post-holder will undertake the full training programme in order to progress through the modules of the training scheme. In so doing they will learn how to perform and interpret clinical and specialist scientific processes underpinned by theoretical knowledge and experience and will learn how to:

· Carry out complex scientific and clinical roles, including those working directly with patients
· Analyse, interpret and compare investigative and clinical options
· Make judgements, including clinical and differential judgements, involving complicated facts or situations that impact on patients
· Initiate and undertake innovation, improvement and R&D and to be involved in the education of healthcare science trainees and other learners in the workplace

They will be expected to undertake work-based experience to enable them to perform and communicate complex technical, scientific and sensitive information to colleagues within their department in both verbal and written forms.
Example Principle Duties

Scientific and Clinical Practice
Scientific interpretation following technical analysis in a range/combination of: -

· Molecular testing – for example gene sequencing, fragment analysis
· Gene chips – for example resequencing
· Molecular cytogenetics – for example microarray analysis and FISH
· Chromosome analysis
· Molecular pathology
· Oncology
· Utilisation of genomic databases/bioinformatics
· Detailed data analysis
· Evaluation and implementation of new methods
· Determine and recommend appropriate testing strategies and consequent clinical protocols
Education and Learning
· Successfully complete the training programme assessment portfolio to achieve certified competence in conjunction with the Training Coordinator.
· Undertake suitable training within the host Department and other placements to successfully acquire core competencies and thereafter maintain the required standards of competence when undertaking duties.
· Take responsibility for own learning and development by recognising, and taking advantage of all opportunities to learn, including appraisal, supervision, academic course and problem based learning and maintaining a personal portfolio of learning.
· Ensure that own learning needs identified with the Training Coordinator and reflecting the requirements of the curriculum are met
· Retain sufficient flexibility and adaptability in learning in order to ensure full contribution to improving services in response to changing health care needs
· Maintain knowledge of recent scientific developments and undertake supplementary training to develop both knowledge and skills.
· Participate in Continuous Professional Development (CPD) as appropriate.
· Attend mandatory training (both vocational and academic) as required.
Patient management and clinical care
· Direct delivery of patient care – contribution to:

§ Support to specialist clinics
§ Perform, report and interpret a range of investigations undertaken directly with patients within a range of settings
§ Provide specialist input to patients across the range of care pathways and health care settings
§ Provide appropriate clinical and scientific advice and interpretation of analytical results
§ Participate in multidisciplinary meetings
§ Apply and promote evidence-based practice and use of relevant clinical protocols
§ In Life and Physiological Sciences especially, trainees will be involved in collection of clinical samples from patients
Communication
· Communication and interpretation of complex clinical, scientific and technical information to a wide range of people including clinicians, managers, patients and the public
· Liaise with senior scientists and clinical users of the service on appropriateness of investigations, interventions and tests
· Communicate scientific innovation and service redesign
· Communicate research and development findings in written and oral formats to internal and external contacts
Audit
· Patient management and clinical care
· Clinical audit and outcomes
· Quality assurance and process audit
Clinical Governance
· Maintain standards for health & safety and risk procedures
· Comply with quality and governance procedures within the department including risk management and risk mitigation
· Maintain high standards of professional and personal conduct
· Ensure that patient safety and experience and effectiveness of service are maximised
· Perform, analyse and report on relevant clinical audits
Occasional Duties:
· To carry out any other reasonable duties to achieve learning and experience that may be required, which are commensurate with the grade and nature of the post to meet learning outcomes.
· This job description outlines the current and main duties and responsibilities of the training post. In view of this, the job description will need to be reviewed and subsequently may be altered. Any resulting changes will be subject to consultation with the post holder. There will be a regular review of this job description, which as a minimum will be carried out annually, by the Training Coordinator and the post holder.
· In addition to regular assessment and planning meetings, the trainee will have an annual meeting to discuss progress and to consider issues relevant to the wider national training programme.

tatabubbly · 26-02-2011 10:29pm

Any more info on these posts??

Does anybody know when the posts for Northern Ireland will be released??

Sickened that the criteria has changed in the year i've done my Masters

Coppacabana · 14-03-2011 10:36pm

I'm currently finishing PhD in reproductive biology, previously finished a degree in animal science with masters in anatomy. I started to consider taking up trainee embryology position over a year ago. Now my time to end up my thesis is approaching and I applied for trainee embryology positions via NHS. Do you think that I have a chance to get one of these posts or am I overqualified? (I have a lot of laboratory experience including IVF and theoretical knowledge as I'm doing structured PhD which requires studying relevant theoretical modules). The only problem is that I'm already 30 years old and I'm not sure if I'm simply not to old for this type of post?

emmiou · 19-03-2011 6:41pm

I wouldn't worry about age - when I did my training, most of the trainees were mid to late twenties, most had worked a few years post degree or masters to get experience, and several already had PhDs. The youngest had applied in their final year of a BSc, the oldest was well into his forties and had been working for years as a technologist in the laboratory before he attained a trainee position there.

emmiou · 23-12-2012 6:28pm

posts will be advertised mid january for the 2013 intake http://www.nhscareers.nhs.uk/misc/welcome-to-the-nhs-healthcare-scientist-training-programme/

ancapailldorcha · 26-12-2012 10:57pm

Can you use the scientist training programme to train as a Biomedical Scientist?

emmiou · 28-12-2012 1:36am

It would more likely be a biomedical scientist applying for a clinical scientist training post than the other way around although I do know people who have been through the traineeship and entered jobs as senior biomedical scientists as their first post-training position. As there are far fewer clinical scientist trainee posts than biomedical scientist trainee posts, expect some serious competition; if you are looking to become a biomedical scientist there are easier ways to do it.
The pre-advertisement flyer here has sites to keep an eye on http://www.nhscareers.nhs.uk/media/1727050/pre_advert_flyer_v5.pdf

ancapailldorcha · 28-12-2012 4:04pm

I don't have a biomed degree is the thing and I wouldn't be able to go and do a cert for financial reasons. What exactly does a clinical scientist do? I've seen them advertised from time to time.

Interferon Gamma · 29-12-2012 1:05am

ancapailldorcha wrote: »

I don't have a biomed degree is the thing and I wouldn't be able to go and do a cert for financial reasons. What exactly does a clinical scientist do? I've seen them advertised from time to time.

Hi there,

Casual observer here. From what I can see these are more specialised/specific positions that are open for those with and without biomedical science degrees. The advantage to doing the latter degree is you probably have a few more transferable skills outside the specific role you've trained for and would come across a bit more convincing in an interview as this was the job you signed up to do with your degree. (Also my own interpretation) Clinical scientists run the diagnostic tests in hospitals; blood work, swaps etc etc.

emmiou · 30-12-2012 7:33pm

open days at the various labs/departments in the next few weeks at https://www.facebook.com/NHSGraduateScheme/events if anyone is serious about applying for the scheme this really is worth a quick ryanair trip!

emmiou · 11-01-2013 1:32pm

specialties by region

http://www.nhscareers.nhs.uk/media/1731529/stp_posts_by_location.pdf

emmiou · 18-01-2013 12:15pm

applications are open since monday until 1st Feb 2013 here http://www.milkroundapplications.com/608/NHS-England/667

ancapailldorcha · 18-01-2013 1:18pm

Interferon Gamma wrote: »

Clinical scientists run the diagnostic tests in hospitals; blood work, swaps etc etc.

Most of my friends are Biomedical Scientists and that's what they say they do. What makes a clinical scientist different from a Biomed do you know?

Dingle_berry · 26-01-2013 1:02am

ancapailldorcha wrote: »

Most of my friends are Biomedical Scientists and that's what they say they do. What makes a clinical scientist different from a Biomed do you know?

AFAIK clinical scientists bridge the gap between scientists and medics. They can offer an interpretation of results, suggest further investigations and may supervise specialist investigations in the lab. The closest thing in Ireland is a clinical biochemist.
You're right that its the biomed scientists who process routine blood tests, swabs etc.

alphaLaura · 16-03-2013 7:51pm

Sorry for the bump!

Just wondering if anyone here has applied for the STP and gotten an interview? I have mine for medical physics on Tuesday.

emmiou · 19-03-2013 7:32pm

alphaLaura congratulations on getting the interview, i hope it went well for you.

alphaLaura · 20-03-2013 9:55am

Thank you emmiou - it was difficult in that I was trying to anticipate what I would be asked, of course it didn't correspond to what I WAS asked! Oh well, if it's to be, it will be

emmiou · 17-12-2013 10:26pm

From http://www.nhscareers.nhs.uk/explore-by-career/healthcare-science/training/nhs-scientist-training-programme-%28stp%29/

NHS Scientist Training Programme (STP)
What is the NHS Scientist Training Programme?

The STP is a graduate-entry programme leading to more senior scientist roles. You will be employed by an NHS trust for the duration of your training.
What does the training involve?

STP trainees are paid a salary while they are training.

Postgraduate training for the STP leads to a specifically commissioned and accredited master's degree and certification of achievement of work-based training following one of nine themed pathways:

microbiology (infection control and epidemiology, mycology, virology, toxicology, bacteriology and parasitology)
blood sciences (clinical biochemistry, haematology/transfusion science, immunology)
cellular sciences (histopathology, cytopathology, reproductive science)
genetic sciences (genetic science, bioinformatic genomics)
neurosensory sciences (audiology, neurophysiology, ophthalmic and vision science)
cardiovascular respiratory and sleep sciences (cardiac science, respiratory and sleep science, vascular science, critical care science)
gastrointestinal physiology and urodynamic sciences
clinical engineering (rehabilitation engineering, clinical measurement and development, medical device risk management and governance), reconstructive sciences (maxillofacial prosthetics)
medical physics (radiation safety physics, radiotherapy physics, imaging with ionising radiation, imaging with non-ionising radiation, clinical pharmaceutical science)
informatics (genomics, physical sciences, health infomatics)

How is the training structured?

Learning is delivered through approved and accredited three years of workplace-based training, with the first year in a range of settings before specialisation in the last two years of training. Scientist trainees will also be required to undertake a specifically commissioned master's degree in their chosen area.

Please read our general FAQs for further general information.
What are the entry requirements?

Applicants must have an honours degree (1st or 2:1) in a pure or applied science area relevant to the specialism for which they are applying. Applicants with a relevant 2:2 degree will also be considered if they have an MSc or PhD in the specialism for which they are applying.

Please read our FAQs about applications and eligibility for further general information about what is a relevant degree.

For all candidates, evidence of research experience (e.g. in the form of a higher degree or equivalent evidence of scientific and academic capability), is considered desirable.

Applicants must check the person specification for the STP, to ensure that they can demonstrate how they meet the required criteria for their application.
How and when do I apply?

There is an annual application cycle. See the latest information about entry in 2014.

NHS Clinical Scientist Training Posts in UK

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