Biomedical Scientist
Job Description:Biomedical scientists test patient samples and help doctors and healthcare professionals diagnose, prevent and treat disease
Job Category: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)
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.
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.