Trainee Clinical Scientist - Clinical Biochemistry

Trainee Clinical Scientist - Clinical Biochemistry

NHS Wales is offering exciting opportunities to use your science degree for patient and public benefit. Gain a master's degree and specialist work-based experience through a nationally recognised training programme. Starting salary will be on the first point of Band 6 on a 3-year fixed-term contract.

Healthcare science is one of the most exciting and dynamic areas to work in. Join a unique team who are inspired to apply their exceptional scientific knowledge and skills to the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of disease and the rehabilitation of patients.

The NHS in Wales is offering 1 salaried post-graduate training programme in Clinical Biochemistry for high-calibre science graduates who are passionate about science and its role in patient care.

The Trainee Clinical Scientist will be employed by the host organisation for a fixed term of three years. During this time, they will work through a work-based programme of learning, combined with an academic programme at master's (MSc) level.

The first part of the academic programme will introduce the basic science and theoretical background of the rotational disciplines and their application in clinical science within health, as well as providing an introduction to healthcare services and values. The master's degree includes a research project within year 2/3.

Main Duties of the Job

Clinical Biochemistry is a scientific discipline within Pathology, undertaking the analysis of various biological sample types and interpretation of results to help in the diagnosis, prognosis, monitoring, and screening of disease. Multiple analytical techniques are undertaken in Clinical Biochemistry, and assuring quality of these investigations is a key part of the Clinical Scientist role within this specialism. It also includes providing clinical and scientific advice to colleagues in many sub-specialties, in both primary and secondary care, on the appropriate use of tests, interpretation of results, and potential follow-up investigations required. Clinical Biochemistry is an attractive specialism making a considerable contribution to direct patient care. There are opportunities to specialize in different fields, including paediatrics, toxicology, proteins, and endocrinology, in addition to undertaking research, implementing service developments, and innovation in diagnostics.

The ability to speak Welsh is desirable for this post; Welsh and/or English speakers are equally welcome to apply.

About Us

This is a three-year post-graduate programme, and the successful candidates will be employed by an NHS Wales organisation for the duration of their training and will be based in one of:

• 1x Cardiff and Vale University Health Board, University Hospital of Wales

The training is aligned with the Scientific Training Programme (STP) and supported by the National School of Healthcare Science. Posts are due to commence in September 2025.

Job Responsibilities

Trainees will be required to rotate through other areas, which may involve placements at other locations. On completion of training, prospects for permanent employment within Wales are excellent. For individuals with aptitude and commitment, there are opportunities to progress through the career pathway to Consultant Clinical Scientist. This is an excellent opportunity for individuals who are motivated to pursue their career within Wales.

Person Specification

Qualifications and Knowledge

• Applicants must have an honours degree (1st or 2.1) in a pure or applied science relevant to the specialism for which they are applying. (Applicants with a relevant 2.2 degree will also be considered if they have an MSc or PhD in the specialism for which they are applying).
• Have an understanding of quality control and management assurance in a science or work-based context.
• Have an understanding of the role of their chosen specialism in healthcare and disease and its application in a healthcare setting.

Experience

• Knowledge acquired through study and experience to formulate appropriate advice and judgments.
• Have taken part in supervised clinical activity to postgraduate diploma level.
• For all candidates, evidence of research experience, e.g., in the form of a higher degree or equivalent evidence of scientific and academic capability, is considered desirable.

Skills and Attributes

• A committed in-depth interest in Scientific Practice and its application to direct clinical care of patients in a clinical environment.
• Ability to develop proficiency in the performance of routine and complex techniques currently in use where they are training and the ability to develop and validate new techniques.
• Ability to design research investigations and experiments.
• Able to identify problems associated with scientific equipment, inappropriate testing, and incompatible results, and to investigate these, plan corrective action confirming appropriateness with senior colleagues, and follow up.
• Ability to work under pressure and ability to prioritise and plan work.
• Welsh Language Skills are desirable, levels 1 to 5 in understanding, speaking, reading, and writing in Welsh (please delete as appropriate).

Disclosure and Barring Service Check

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975, and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.