Careers

Biomedical Scientist | Medical Laboratory Assistant | Clinical Scientist

Biomedical Scientist

The subject of biomedical science is a fascinating and constantly developing one where knowledge of physiology, cell biology and chemistry are brought together. If you enjoy investigation and analysis, being a biomedical scientist may be the job for you!

Biomedical Scientists are an important part of the NHS medical team and work to provide other heath care professionals with results based on careful analysis of patients' samples. The analysis can range from monitoring long term disease states or drug therapy (to allow GPs help a patient control their condition in the community) to the rapid diagnosis of acute life threatening conditions, such as heart attacks, meningitis or the correct cross matching of blood after a severe trauma.

Approximately 70% of diagnoses are based on the pathology results provided by laboratory services, highlighting the vital role biomedical science plays in the health service both in community and emergency department care.

For a career as a biomedical scientist you would need a relevant BSc degree, typically a BSc in Biomedical Science, accredited by the Institute of Biomedical Science (IBMS). For more information on accredited degrees please visit the IBMS website using the following link:

Undergraduate UK courses – Institute of Biomedical Science

Before a biomedical scientist can be registered to practise, a year of training is also required in a specific field (such as, Medical Microbiology, Clinical Chemistry, Haematology, Histopathology, Cytology or Immunology). This can be done within a placement year while studying for a degree, or after graduation.

During this time a Certificate of Competence Registration Portfolio must be completed. With a degree and a completed (and examined) portfolio, you are now a fully qualified biomedical scientist!

To find out more about the job, click below:

NHS Careers - Biomedical Science

Biomedical Science at the RUH

At the RUH we have transfusion, haematology, chemistry, cytology, immunology, histopathology and microbiology laboratories, to see if there are any vacancies and find out more about working for the trust and the NHS, follow the links at the bottom

Other Laboratory roles

Medical Laboratory Assistants (MLA)

Medical Laboratory Assistants (MLA) are vital to the running of the laboratory, the role of a MLA is varied and depends a lot on what type of laboratory you are working in. Much of the work involves using attention to detail in the correct preparation of samples prior to analysis.

Clinical Scientists

Clinical Scientists are responsible for interpretation of results. They advise other healthcare professionals about what the results of tests mean for the patient. To become a clinical scientist, a degree in a relevant subject is required and three years of workplace-based training (the first year in a range of settings before specialisation in the last two years of training). Clinical scientist trainees will also be required to undertake a master's degree in their chosen area.

To find out more, please visit:

The Association of Clinical Scientists

Vacancies at the RUH

For more information on working for the Trust and to check for vacancies, please visit:

Working for Us