Biomedical Scientist

Job Description:

Biomedical scientists test patient samples and help doctors and healthcare professionals diagnose, prevent and treat disease

Job Category:
Health Care & Social Assistance
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What you will do:

You’ll usually work in a laboratory, testing and analysing biological samples.

You’ll specialise in one of these areas:

  • infection sciences
  • blood sciences
  • cellular sciences

Depending on your chosen area, your duties could include:

  • 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

You’ll also be involved in carrying out new research, and will support junior staff and technicians.

Skills:

You’ll need:

  • knowledge of biology
  • maths knowledge
  • to be able to use a computer and the main software packages competently

You’ll need:

  • the ability to concentrate for long periods
    a good level of accuracy and attention to detail
  • an enquiring mind and good problem-solving skills
  • the ability to lead a research and development team (leadership)
  • strong spoken, written communication  and organisational skills
  • empathy and understanding when working directly with patients
  • analytical thinking skills
  • the ability to work well with others (teamwork)
Illustration of employee looking at workspace

Entry Requirements:

You’ll need:

  • an appropriately accredited BSc (Hons) degree
  • at least one year’s experience at an approved laboratory – during this time you’ll work towards completion of the Registration Training Portfolio for the Certificate of Competence awarded by Institute of Biomedical Sciences in the country where you are studying.
  • Relevant registration as a biomedical scientist (in the UK that will be at the Health and Care Professions Council – HCPC)

You may be able to get into biomedical science as a trainee. Places are sponsored by employers and are advertised as trainee biomedical scientist positions. You’d work and study towards an accredited degree.

School Subjects

To become a Biomedical Engineer in the UK, you should focus on GCSE subjects that provide a strong foundation in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). Here are the recommended GCSE subjects to pursue:

  1. Mathematics: Mathematics is a core subject for engineering disciplines, including Biomedical Engineering. It is crucial for complex calculations, data analysis, and problem-solving in various biomedical engineering applications.
  2. Biology: Biology provides essential knowledge of the human body, physiology, and biological systems, which are fundamental in biomedical engineering projects.
  3. Physics: Physics offers principles related to mechanics, optics, and electricity, which can be applied to medical imaging and other biomedical technologies.
  4. Chemistry: A good understanding of chemistry is beneficial for understanding biomaterials and their interactions with biological systems.
  5. Design and Technology: This subject can provide insights into engineering design principles, materials, and the use of machinery, which are applicable in biomedical engineering projects.
  6. ICT (Information and Communication Technology): Familiarity with digital tools and software is essential for data analysis, modeling, and simulations in biomedical engineering.

Working Hours and Environment:

You’ll usually work 37.5 hours a week. You may also be expected to work evening and weekend shifts or be on-call.

You’ll mainly work in very clean and sometimes sterile environments.

You’ll be required to wear protective clothing.

Career Path & Progression:

With experience, you could move into research, training and education, product development and commerce.

You could work as a team leader, specialist, manager, or professional manager with further training and qualifications.

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