UCL CAREERS
A CAREER AS A
CLINICAL SCIENTIST
IN THE NHS
DR CALUM LECKIE
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UCL CAREERS
What we will cover
What is a clinical scientist / types
The Training Programme
How to get in – with advice from
trainees
Q&A with a UCL Alumnus & Current
STP
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Clinical scientists (or healthcare scientists)
use their knowledge of science to help
prevent, diagnose and treat illness. They
research and develop the techniques and
equipment used by medical staff.
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LIFE SCIENCES
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)
PHYSIOLOGICAL SCIENCES
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
PHYSICAL SCIENCES & BIOMECHANICAL ENGINEERING
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)
CLINICAL BIOINFORMATICS
Informatics (genomics, physical sciences, health informatics)
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www.healthcareers.nhs.uk/explore-roles
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Some Example Specialisms
Virology (Life Sciences)
Specialised serological and molecular techniques, such as antigen, antibody detection,
Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) and sequencing. May be directly involved in the
screening of selected populations. Might also investigate how infections have spread
through the environment. Can work in orgs. such as PHE
Neurophysiology (Physiological Sciences)
Work directly with inpatients and outpatients of all ages (babies, children and adults).
Investigations include: EEG, evoked potentials, EMG, and NCS (nerve conduction
studies)
Bioinformatics (Genomics) - NEW
Helping to inform the best treatment for a patient based on their unique genetic makeup. The NHS is utilising advances in this area for diagnostic testing and management to
provide the highest quality patient care. The role that connects computing, biology and
medicine.
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In more detail:
Clinical Biochemistry
Analyse samples taken from patients' blood, urine or other bodily
fluids to help with the investigation, diagnosis and treatment of
diseases.
Develop and implement new techniques, interpret results and
liaise with and advise clinical staff on the correct use of tests and
any necessary follow up investigations.
Responsible for the evaluation and quality assessment of
diagnostic tests and play a role in developing and managing
hospital and community analytical services.
work as part of a team with other heath professionals, such as
biomedical scientists and pathologists.
Usually based in a hospital laboratory, they are increasingly found
working at the point of care, for example in clinics and operating
theatres, supporting the investigation of patients.
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The NHS Scientist Training Programme
Grad. Entry prog. – leads to senior scientist roles
3 years ‘on the job’ training, paid
Year 1 – rotations, different departments
Specialise in years 2 & 3 (produced a ‘Portfolio of Practice’)
Includes study for approved, accredited, masters
At end – apply for ‘Certificate of Attainment’. Exam involved &
written reports from work base training
Become registered as a Clinical Scientist with the Health &
Care professions Council
Apply for roles in NHS Trusts
Continuous professional development expected, can undertake
research at PhD level
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Heidi
Kuoppamaa
Science BSc
Masters x2
Aled Jones
BSc Human
Biology
NHS Practitioner
Training Prog.
(PTP)
(BSc Healthcare
Sci.) Cytogenetics
lab.
MSc Medical
Genetics
NHS Lab.
Technician
2 years
Technologist,
Hospital
Cytogenetics dept.
4 years
STP –
Genetics
(in on 2nd
attempt)
STP –
Bioinformatics
(Genomics)
Sara Rey
BSc
PhD
Interdisciplinary
Biology
STP – Bioinformatics
(Genomics)
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Clinical Scientist: What’s the focus?
HK – Genetics
Majority – interpreting & reporting patients results
10 – 20% of work is lab based – on hand for ‘troubleshooting’
Lab work – introducing new tests or improving existing i.e. R&D
SR – Bioinformatics (Genomics)
Trying out tools & analysing results – select best, designing new
databases (R&D)
Work with others to interpret results & write reports
Observations at clinics, audit, quality assurance
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Benefits
•
•
•
Helping people directly & service
improvements through science (HK)
(SR)
I’m doing something that really matters
‘giving back’ (AJ)
Challenges
•
•
•
•
Mentally challenging & innovative (HK)
– learn something every day (SR)
•
Work & communicate with others –
many specialisms & also patients (SR)
•
With STP you get paid decent wage to
get on the job training and a masters
degree (AJ)
Training – juggling academics & practice, lot
of learning in own time
High workload, tight deadlines,
Training – lot of paperwork
Rotations – may be in specialism you know
little about e.g. Med Physics (SR)
•
•
Lack of lab time involved! (HK)
Mainly development & not routine, lot of
tech problems, time constraints (SR) (HK)
•
You might get offered a posting in an area
that is not your preferred choice (AJ)
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Getting in
In England and Wales, 250 – 300 posts advertised annually
Require First or 2:1
2:2 with relevant masters or a PhD
Other distinguishers – good relevant research project, relevant experience,
publications
Annual application process – managed by The National School for
Healthcare Science (NSHCS)
Applications typically open – early Jan (in 2015, 2nd Jan) close late Jan /
early Feb!
Just before – ‘open days’ – attendance highly recommended
‘should you require a Tier 2 visa and assuming you are successful at
interview stage any offer will be based on meeting the requirements of the
Resident Labour Market Test (2015 FAQs)’
General Job Description & person Specs at:
www.nshcs.org.uk/stp-recruitment
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What’s a Relevant Degree?
Degrees can usually map onto a variety of specialisms
The onus is on the candidate to demonstrate the
relevance of their degree to that particular specialism
Read the person specification - can you demonstrate
competence in the skills/knowledge required for that
specialism
Guidance on “what is a relevant degree” in the FAQs on
the website (Being updated for 2016)
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For the 2015 Applications:
The most commonly accepted degrees were;
Life Sciences
biomedical sciences; biology, microbiology, genetics or biochemistry
Physical Sciences and Biomedical Engineering
pure or applied physics, engineering, applied mathematics
Physiological Sciences
physiology, pure or applied physics, engineering, biology or human biology
Informatics
genetics, computer science, health informatics, physics, engineering
(degree courses with significant IT content or equivalent)
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The Recruitment Process
Short Essay
Competency
Questions
x5
Online
Reasoning
Tests (Numerical,
Logical)
Time Pressure
Test Fail - Application rejection
Interview
Stations – Timed!
e.g. 10 mins each
General
Science
Leadership
Specialism
– specific
Healthcare
Science & NHS
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The NHS STP online application form
Includes: Essay/competency questions
Previously;
1. Please state why you have applied for the Healthcare Scientist Training Programme,
outlining your motivation for the programme and what you plan to gain in terms of
career development.
2. Please demonstrate your passion for science and/or technology and provide
evidence about how you seek to implement constant improvement and innovation
in your work/studies.
3. Please describe the two values which you consider to be the most important to
deliver high quality, safe and effective healthcare services to people, and give a
recent example of when you have displayed these values.
4. Demonstrate how you have worked as part of a team and outline the skills you used
to influence the outputs of that team. Please summarise your achievements in order
to demonstrate you are a high achieving individual.
5. What actions you have undertaken to increase your knowledge of healthcare
science and to find out more about the training scheme?
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Getting in
CHALLENGES
Theme
Specialism
Direct Posts
Applications @ 03/02/14 09:30
Applications @ 05/02/14 10:30
66
642
472
5
244
143
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2014 Recruitment
Medical Physics
N/A
Medical Physics
Clinical Pharmaceutical Science
Clinical Bioinformatics
Physical Sciences & Biomedical Engineering
6
130
87
Clinical Engineering
N/A
18
287
211
Clinical Engineering
Reconstructive Science
4
56
56
Blood Sciences
Clinical Biochemistry
21
1179
737
Blood Sciences
Haematology and Transfusion Science
3
419
233
Blood Sciences
Clinical Immunology
5
422
270
Blood Sciences
Histocompatibility & Immunogenetics
2
143
95
Infection Sciences
Microbiology
7
748
444
Cellular Sciences
Histopathology
1
118
66
Cellular Sciences
Cytopathology
1
43
29
Cellular Sciences
Reproductive Science
4
320
231
Blood/Cellular Sciences
Genetics
17
915
641
Clinical Bioinformatics
Genomics
9
202
139
CVRS
Cardiac Science
33
1009
631
CVRS
Vascular Science
5
200
129
CVRS
Respiratory & Sleep Sciences
5
185
107
CVRS
Critical Care Science
4
43
18
CVRS
Gastrointestinal Physiology
2
56
37
CVRS
Urodynamic Science
3
28
18
Neurosensory Sciences
Audiology
22
261
179
Neurosensory Sciences
Neurophysiology
6
323
215
Neurosensory Sciences
Ophthalmic & Vision Sciences
0
0
0
Health Informatics
Health Informatics
3
60
42
252
8033
5230
Totals
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Comments from Current Trainees
HK: Of approx 16 genetics trainees, 1 was fresh grad, 50% had
PhDs, approx 30% had worked as NHS technicians or in research
AJ: ‘Nearly everyone in my year’s bioinformatics intake has either a
PhD or previous experience working in an NHS lab.’
AJ: ‘One person in my year got a place straight after UG with little or
no lab. experience.’
The online tests are pass / fail to get your application considered
(ALL)
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Getting in: Advice from Current Trainees
General
Get NHS exposure, even lab visit for few hours. Talk to healthcare scientists, read journals
(HK)(AJ)
Contact your local dept. and ask a few questions – helps you to understand the programme
and shows motivation (AJ)
Show understanding of day to day job – read the Work Based Learning Guides from NSHS
website (SR)
For Bioinformatics: learnt a relevant programming language, researched & investigated the role &
had good understanding of training programme (AJ)
Don’t be upset if don’t get in first time – lots of good people apply several times (ALL)
The Application
Practice online tests to increase your speed (HK) (SR)
App Questions: mention what learned from experiences & how apply this (SR)
Remember throughout process NHS is all about the patient experience (SR)
The Interview
Read papers & news on NHS e.g. re-structures – good or bad? (SR)
Know what is going on in your discipline, prep tech questions. You might be shown data (HK)
Basic understanding of stats and analysis methods esp. specialism specific (SR)
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Relevant Experience
Open Days
http://www.nshcs.org.uk/open-days
As of 02/12, the following open days are advertised
Jan 6: Southampton – Range of Physiology & Life Science Specialisms
Jan 6th: University Hospitals Bristol – Medical Physics
Jan 8th: Sheffield Diagnostic Genetics Service – Genetics Science & Clinical
Bioinformatics
Jan 12: North Bristol NHS Trust– Genetics & Bioinformatics - Genomics
Jan 14: Royal Brompton – Cardiac Science
Jan 18: Oxford University Hospitals – Clinical Engineering
Jan 20: Yorkshire & Humber, Leeds – Medical Physics, Clinical Engineering,
Bioinformatics (Computer Science)
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Relevant Experience
Advice from a Trainee Clinical Biochemist, UCL Alumnus
‘For NHS clinical biochemistry labs I haven't really seen internships
advertised’.
‘I wrote directly to each lab in my area asking about opportunities for
work experience explaining why I was interested in the area and
including my CV’
If possible try to get a named contact to send the letter to maybe from
their website or by calling the lab.
It may also be worth looking at the biochemistry laboratories outside
of the NHS that work with the NHS such as Viapath and TDL (the
doctors laboratory - based very close to UCL)’
For work experience for Easter or Summer holidays start to contact
labs as early as possible - it can take time to sort out paperwork for
clearance to work in a hospital lab
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•
•
•
•
•
Database of gene testing labs across the UK: http://ukgtn.nhs.uk/
NHS Cord Blood Bank: www.nhsbt.nhs.uk/cordblood/contactus/
Animal Health Trust Labs: www.aht.org.uk/diagnostics
Cytology Labs Database www.britishcytology.org.uk/go/resources/laboratories
Great Ormond Street Hospital Labs: www.labs.gosh.nhs.uk/laboratoryservices/pmu/contact-us
• Viapath: www.viapath.co.uk/
• TDL The Doctors Laboratory www.tdlpathology.com/
• The Care Fertility Group www.carefertility.com/care-fertility-sc0/careers-at-care-sj8/
Think UCL!
Cancer institute, Division of Infection & Immunity, Institute of Neurology, Cognitive
Neuroscience, ICH, Inst. of Cardiovascular Sciences, Epidemiology & Health Care,
Inst. of Women’s Health, Inst. of Global Health
UCL Research Portal: http://iris.ucl.ac.uk/iris/
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Researching the Role
Look at the ‘Work Place Learning Guide’ & curriculum for your target
specialism
Important info. on what job entails (& some indication of course
relevance?)
Helps with interview preparation e.g. skills & personal qualities needed
www.networks.nhs.uk/nhs-networks/msc-framework-curricula/stp
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Practice Tests: www.trytalentq.com
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National School of Healthcare Science
www.nshcs.org.uk
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NHS Education for Scotland
– Healthcare Science
• Approx. 20 posts / year
• Advertised Spring / Summer
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Occupations by Competency
Leadership & Strategy
Education & Communication
Health Improvement Manager
Public Health Specialist
Fast Streamer / European Fast Stream
NHS Graduate manager
Local Government Development Programme
Manager
Programme Manager (Health Charity & NGO)
Management Consultant
Pharmaceutical Assessor
Health & Safety Adviser
Health Promotion Specialist
Emergency Planning Coordinator
Screening Facilitator
Medical Writer (Medical Communications)
Public Relations Executive (Healthcare
Communications)
Genetic Counsellor
Dietition
Primary Care Graduate Mental Health
Worker
Research & Analysis
Health Intelligence Analyst
Epidemiologist
Analyst - Management Consultancy
Health Economist
Policy Officer / Researcher
NHS Healthcare Scientist
Clinical Research Associate / Assistant
Applied technical Roles
NHS Clinical Scientist (see also R & A) e.g.
Clinical Microbiologist
Physicians Associate
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A UCL Alumnus
Louisa Ive
BSc Human Genetics, UCL
Genetics STP Trainee
St Georges NHS trust
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What’s Coming up in 2016
Charities & NGOs w/c 1st Feb
Environment w/c 8th Feb
Life & Health w/c 7th March
Forthcoming information at:
www.ucl.ac.uk/careers/events/getinto