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- Requires an enquiring mind, good problem-solving skills, and the ability to lead a research and development team
- With experience, you may have the option to move into research, training and education, product development, or commerce
- Work will tend to be in very clean and sometimes sterile environments, and may require you to wear protective clothing
Biomedical scientists are responsible for investigating and diagnosing patient illnesses such as HIV, cancer, diabetes, food poisoning, hepatitis and meningitis. As a biomedical scientist, you'll carry out a range of laboratory and scientific tests on tissue samples and fluids to help clinicians diagnose and treat diseases. You'll also evaluate the effectiveness of treatments.
DAY-TO-DAY DUTIES
- Testing for diseases like Legionnaires' disease and food poisoning
- Screening and testing for infectious diseases like rubella or hepatitis
- Analysing blood for disease and monitoring organ function
- Supporting the blood transfusion and transplant service through blood grouping and matching
- Screening for blood abnormalities and diseases like anaemia and leukaemia
- Processing and analysing tissue samples from operations and autopsies
- Using specialist procedures like cell culture to detect cancer
- Routine testing of fluid and tissue samples like cervical smear tests
- Updating paperwork or computerised systems with data and test results
DAY-TO-DAY ENVIRONMENT
As a biomedical scientist, you could work in a laboratory using computers and hi-tech automated lab equipment. You'll work as part of a team that includes healthcare science staff, doctors (particularly those specialising in pathology) and nurses.
Opportunities are available in hospitals and private sector laboratories.
You'll need
This role is ideal for someone with an enquiring mind, good problem-solving skills, and the ability to lead a research and development team.
You could do a degree accredited by the Institute of Biomedical Science, or study a relevant degree subject and then train through the NHS Scientist Training Programme (STP). Your course will include work placements so you can get industry experience and evidence to complete a training portfolio. You'll need this to register to work.
You may be able to get into biomedical science as a trainee, although this is rare. You'll need at least 2 A level sciences or equivalent, like a Level 3 Diploma in Applied Science. Places are sponsored by employers, like the NHS, and are advertised as trainee biomedical scientist jobs. You'll study for an accredited degree while you work.
CAREER PROSPECTS
With experience, you could move into research, training and education, product development and commerce.
In the NHS, you could work as a team leader, specialist, manager or professional manager with further training and qualifications.