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Clinical Scientist

Do you want to become a Clinical Scientist? Here is some information to help point you in the right direction:

Job Description - Print Page

Clinical scientists are healthcare and medical experts who support clinical staff in their work with patients. The range of clinical science work is very broad. It includes laboratory work, research, management and teaching. Clinical scientists:

• work closely with doctors, giving advice on the use of diagnostic tests, interpreting results and using their scientific knowledge to guide treatment
• devise scientific or engineering solutions to problems
• develop and test new methods of diagnosis and treatment
• are responsible for the management of a team of scientific, technical and clerical staff.

There are many different specialist jobs within this category, involving various forms of scientific study. The work of clinical scientists is instrumental in providing and improving medical diagnoses, treatments and procedures.

They usually work a 37 hour week, Monday to Friday. Requirements vary between specialisms, but there might be some on-call, evening or weekend work. Most clinical scientists work in specialist laboratories in large hospitals or in public health laboratories.

Salaries in the National Health Service (NHS) range from at least £16,828 a year for trainees, up to £66,396 a year for the most experienced clinical scientists.
 
Clinical scientists should:

• have a high level of ability in science
• be good at problem solving
• be able to work in, and lead, a team of professionals
• be capable of working accurately and with attention to detail.

The main employer is the NHS, which employs about 4,000 clinical scientists. Other employers include industry, private hospitals and research institutes. 

All applicants need first or upper second class honours degrees in subjects such as biochemistry, biology, chemistry, engineering, genetics, microbiology, physics or medical electronics. Entry to a degree course is with at least two A levels/three H grades, plus three GCSEs/S grades (A-C/1-3) in other subjects. Equivalent qualifications can be accepted.
 
There is no upper age limit to train as a clinical scientist.

Clinical scientists are trained by their employer and work towards state registration. Some also become members of a professional body.

Progression can be to management of a section or a large department.

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